Ethan Clarke
Steampunk is a popular aesthetic that combines Victorian-era elegance with futuristic innovation. For those who want to create their own steampunk sword, a plastic sword can be a great starting point. With some creativity and a few simple techniques, you can transform an ordinary plastic sword into a work of art that embodies the unique fusion of historical inspiration and futuristic flair that defines the steampunk genre. Whether you plan to display it as a centerpiece or wield it as part of a costume, crafting your own steampunk sword can be a rewarding and imaginative endeavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sword type | Plastic pirate sword |
| Cost | $50-75 |
| Techniques | Gold Rub n Buff, screw, stitch, glue, cut, sand, paint |
| Materials | Gold spray paint, fishing weights, fabric, screws, glue, sandpaper |
| Tools | Detail brush, sewing scissors, sandpaper |
| Time | One week |
| Additional tips | Use a terry cloth towel to buff off accidental gold marks |
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What You'll Learn
Painting and finishing techniques
Start by sourcing a plastic sword that you can modify. You can find these at costume stores or online. If your sword is brightly coloured, you may want to prime it first with a matte grey spray primer. This will make it easier for the paint to stick and reduce the number of coats of paint you need.
Once you have prepared the surface, you can begin painting. Choose a colour that fits with the steampunk aesthetic, such as black, gold, or silver. You can find suitable paint at craft stores or online. Carefully paint the entire sword, ensuring that you get into all the nooks and crannies. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling.
To add interest and texture to your sword, consider adding gears, clock faces, or other steampunk-themed embellishments. These can be glued or attached with small screws. You can also try your hand at engraving or etching designs into the sword, or adding lights for a unique touch.
Finally, seal your work with a coat of sealer to protect it and ensure that your paint job lasts. Take your sword outside and carefully apply the sealer to all pieces, including the scabbard, hilt, and blade. Allow it to dry completely before handling.
Your steampunk plastic sword is now ready to be shown off!
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Adding gears, buttons, and beads
Steampunking a plastic sword can be a fun and creative process, and adding gears, buttons, and beads can take your project to the next level. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:
Sourcing Materials:
Before you begin, you'll need to gather your supplies. You can easily find steampunk gears, clock faces, buttons, beads, and other embellishments at craft stores like Michaels, especially in the scrapbooking and jewelry-making sections. You can also explore options at dollar stores or on Etsy, which offers a wide range of steampunk-themed items.
Disassembling the Sword:
If your sword has any moving parts or components you want to modify, carefully disassemble it. Make sure to keep track of the screws and other small parts by organizing them in labelled bags. This will make reassembly much easier.
Now comes the creative part! Decide on the placement of your gears, buttons, and beads. You can attach them using appropriate adhesives or, for a more secure hold, small screws. If you want to incorporate moving gears, consider adding a simple clockwork mechanism. Keep in mind that less is more—you don't want to overwhelm your design with too many elements.
Painting and Finishing:
Once you're happy with the placement of your gears, buttons, and beads, you can enhance the steampunk aesthetic by painting certain parts of your sword. Consider using gold paint to accent raised areas or adding a polished wood grain effect. Don't forget to seal your work with a coat of sealer to protect your design and prevent any paint from rubbing off.
Final Touches:
After allowing the paint and adhesives to dry completely, you can add any final touches. Reattach any decorative elements like filigree and ensure that your sword is weighted correctly if you plan on wearing it. Your steampunk sword is now ready to accessorize your costume!
Remember, you can always refer to online resources like YouTube for more in-depth tutorials and inspiration. Enjoy the process of creating your unique steampunk sword!
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Sanding and smoothing
Start by identifying the type of plastic your sword is made of. Different plastics have varying levels of hardness, and this will impact the sanding process. Softer plastics may be easier to sand but could also be more prone to melting or warping if too much friction is generated.
Next, choose the right sandpaper grit for the job. For smoothing plastic, it is generally recommended to start with a finer grit to avoid scratching the surface. A grit of 600 or higher is often suggested for initial sanding, with some sources recommending starting at 1000 grit for a very smooth finish. Finer grits, such as 120, are extremely rough and should only be used for heavy-duty sanding or roughening the surface, not smoothing.
When sanding, use a gentle touch and apply even pressure. You can do this by hand or with a sanding block. Work the sandpaper in multiple directions, following the contours of the sword, to achieve a consistent finish. Pay particular attention to any curved areas, as these can be tricky to smooth evenly.
After sanding with your initial grit, you may need to progress through finer grits, such as 1000 and then 2000, to achieve a smoother finish. This process is known as wetsanding, and it involves soaking the sandpaper in water before use. Keep the surface of the plastic wet during this process to reduce scratching and achieve a finer finish.
Once you are happy with the smoothness of the surface, it is important to remove any residual scratches or imperfections. This can be done using body putty or plastic filler, which you can find at auto parts stores or Walmart. Apply the putty or filler according to the instructions, ensuring it is suitable for use on plastic. Sand this layer with high-grit sandpaper (1200 and up) once it is dry to create an even, smooth surface.
Finally, prime the sanded and filled surface with a suitable plastic primer to prepare it for painting. This will help the paint adhere properly and create a more durable finish.
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Attaching a scabbard
There are a few different ways to attach a scabbard to your body, depending on your desired use case. If you are a right-handed person, you would typically wear your sword on the left side of your body, with the inside of the scabbard touching your body. The opposite is true for left-handed people.
One simple method is to pass a belt through a loop at the top of the scabbard. If your scabbard has buckle straps, you can try running the belt through the loop and then running the upper strap on the scabbard back through a couple of belt loops before closing the buckle. This might allow the scabbard to hang like a multipoint hanger. Alternatively, you can hang the scabbard from the belt loop in an over-the-shoulder fashion. This is useful for carrying the sword from place to place but is not practical if you want to draw your blade quickly.
In a battle scenario, it is recommended to have your sword already in hand, with the scabbard left at camp. If you are a knight, your sword and scabbard would be carried by your squire, who will hand you the sword before engaging with the enemy. In a self-defence or ambush scenario, you would take the scabbard off your back, then draw your sword while dropping the scabbard to be retrieved after the fight. It is not ideal to have the scabbard on your body during combat as it can get snagged on your armour or gear, or be grabbed by an opponent.
If you plan on wearing your sword and scabbard, you must weight the scabbard down, or your sword will fall out when strung to your belt due to the weight of the hilt. You can do this by purchasing fishing weights and stitching them inside a store-made tassel.
When crafting your own scabbard, you can use thin wooden slats bent to form the scabbard core. You can use lightly oiled goat fur for the lining to protect the blade from scratches and keep it from falling out. Linen and rabbit skin glue or PVA adhesive can be used to bind the scabbard together. You can also use hide glue to combine linen, wood, and leather for a durable construction.
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Using gold Rub n' Buff
Rub 'n Buff is a product made of wax and very fine metal grit. It can be rubbed onto any smooth surface, like plastic, to make it look metallic. It is a great alternative to spray paint and is perfect for steampunk-themed projects.
When using gold Rub 'n Buff on a plastic sword, it is recommended to use black as a base colour. That way, if the wax wears off, it will just look like a dirty or weathered sword. You can apply the Rub 'n Buff with your finger, a cloth, or a brush. If you want a thicker, more uneven coat, you can apply it with your fingers, which will give the sword an antique metal look.
Since Rub 'n Buff cannot be sealed, avoid using it on parts of the sword that will be near your skin, as the heat from your body may cause it to soften. It is best to use it on areas like the scabbard, filigree, and hilt, rather than the grip.
After applying the Rub 'n Buff, buff it hard and then leave it alone for one to two weeks. After this time, the wax will have dried and hardened, making it safe to handle.
To ensure your sword has a polished and complete look, you can finish it with a sealer. This will also prevent the Rub 'n Buff from rubbing off onto your hands and clothing.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic sword can be a good base for a steampunk sword. You can buy a plastic sword for a low price and modify it to your liking.
You can use gold Rub 'n Buff, a detail brush, glue, fabric, scissors, fishing weights, and spray paint. You can also add gears, clock faces, and buttons.
You can lightly cover the raised areas with gold Rub 'n Buff, leaving the cracks and crevices black. Use a detail brush to get into tight places. You can also sand the edges of the blade and paint the aluminium parts.
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