Hidralisk Skull Trophy
I love the Starcraft universe, Had a lot of fun playing all the games since it came out at 1998. When I played sc2, I loved the looks of the hidralisk skull at Joeyray's Bar. And I thought it`ll be great to have one at home. Years later, I started 3d printing with an ender 3, and I found out this recreation of the skull by "Hollywood 3D printing" https://hollywood3dprinting.com/our-work/starcraft-hydralisk-skull-tradeshow-model. And I knew I want mine....
Supplies
3d printer
Wood board
Glue
Some paint
epoxy resin
Putty
Sanding paper
Protective gear, gloves, googles, mask.
Learn to Model!
I didn't know how to model, so I watched several modelling tutorials at youtube, and started modelling the skull in my free time using Blender. First I started copying the original, but ended making my own version. When I was happy with the result, was time for printing. I wanted it to be very big. Maybe not as big as the real thing should be, but at least impressive when you saw it hanging on the wall.
Print It!
Since the model was really big, I had to split it in seven diferent parts using Meshmixer. Sliced it wit Cura, and printed it with my ender 3 and artillery x1, using PETG and PLA, with the reels I had at home...
Post Printing.
When I finished with the printing, I applied car putty by hand ( using gloves ), To fill the gaps, and disimulate the strings. I liked how it looked because it resembled bone, which was the objective...., gave it a rough sanding, didnĀ“t want it to be very smooth, I was looking for that "organic" look. Later I gave it a layer of epoxy resin for strength and to disimulate the imperfections..
Painting...
When the epoxy dryed, I applied a primer, and a layer of dark brown, using paint sprays..
Then was the time for dry brush painting with beige emanel. One used for painting radiators.... After four layers, it looked the way I wanted, but maybe too white and new, I wanted it to be darker, so finally I washed it with a light brown dye...
Adding a Base...
I need the base to be more discreet than the original, so I cut a smaller one from a fir tree board, sanded it and applied varnish....
Negotiate With Your Partner!
When I came home with it, I thought my wife would be as delighted as I was and help me to put it on the wall. Maybe unscork a bottle of wine, and had a great time speaking about video games and 3d printing possibilities.... It turn out she hated it hand threaten to quit home if I hung it on the wall..... Negotiation is still in process... Anyway the kids love it! My wife and I also love each other, so this is not really important, I could find another place to hang it ;)
Edit: Finally whe agreed it`s a great halloween decoration, and it`s on the wall!!
Thanks for watching!!
The .stl!!
I forgot to upload the .stl!!!
Sorry...