Since the dawn of Nerf, fans everywhere have been asking but one burning question: How can I make this look more like an actual firearm? Wait… I’m the only one asking that question? Too bad, I’m answering it anyway. Sit your butts down and enjoy it.
My goal in this project was to create a Nerf blaster that looked realistic enough to pass for the real thing at first glance, but retain the charm and coolness of the original toy. My answer was the MC-01 “Mercury”.
The first attempt, you are all alreay familiar with: The Quixilver-00 Prototype. This variant did not have a slide-cocking mechanism… BORING! Moving on to more awesome things.
The first step to creating the Mercury was to plan it out. I did with with a simple yet effective Paint-based graphic. First, I would cut the necessary bits off of the base- in this case, a Nerf Nitefinder. Then, I would cover that minimized base with a slide of some sort (this ended up being a Nerf Recon shell). The final step was simple: to detail and paint it. Sounds easy. In reality, it was quite a pain.
I started, as with the Quixilver, with a minimized Nitefinder. I then cut off the handle and replaced it with something more unique at an angle more comfortable for my adult hand. Next, I created the slide by hollowing out a Nerf Recon’s shell, cutting off the top, slipping the Nitefinder’s plunger rod in between projection on the rear interior, and cementing it in place with epoxy putty. Sounds simple enough. After that, I cleaned everything up; the holes were covered with fodder and the spaces that I felt weren’t detailed enough were made more complicated and interesting. A final sanding job completed the body work.
Next was the base coat of a matte black. I used Krylon, but Rustoleum works acceptably as well. I then went back with a gentle coat of copper to give the first signs of the weathering work that would follow.
The main coat of paint was a gentle silver wash. This set the blaster up with a “clean” state- a state from which I could make it dirty. Then, the fun started. Step one, take an iron gray spray and give the whole thing a speckle coat. Do the same in lighter tones like copper and gold. Step two, light the damn thing on fire in multiple place. You heard me: On fire. I litterally took a lighter and held it under the parts of the gun that I wanted distorted and blackened. Be careful to do this in a ventilated area; otherwise, you will set off smoke alarms. Step whatever we’re on: Drybrush the hell out of it. Next, go outside and rub some wet dirt all over the body. Make it nice and filthy. Yeah, just like that. Next, take a clear sealant coat and spray it in place. Use gentle sandpaper once it’s dry to remove the caked on dirt and reveal a unique speckle pattern in the paint. This is a great weathering technique that I use a lot a no one else seems to. I’m tryingto start a thing. Last step, more drybrushing, more fire, more dirt… pretty much just do everything more. Once you’re done, you will have built up enough paint to take a screwdriver and gouge lines and holes into the body. For example, I carved tic-marks in the slide. I also hid a secret name as a scratch in the body. And after all of that? You, m’friend, are done. Wasn’t that easy?
Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and this new prop. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.
CLGO!
Spencer
