This is a comparison of the different paints that fans have been recommending within the community for highlights on Vader's mask.
In a previous thread, we discussed the use of Valspar paints for ESB and ROTJ. Most recently, Valspar launched "Kustom Kolors" which is available at WalMart. Allegedly, the highlight used back then was "Black Pearl". We do not know if the formulation of Black Pearl today is the same as that used all those years ago, and we have not verified if in fact Black Pearl was truly used in ESB/ROTJ for Vader's highlights.
The best we can, for now, is compare a shot of Black Pearl against the paint job of an original Don Post Deluxe made in the late 1990s. This is not to say we know for certain that Don Post Studios used the exact paints as the LFL prop makers.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/ ... _test2.jpgHowever, the appearance is quite compatible.
The following is a comparison between Kustom Colors "Black Pearl", Dupli-Color T-177 Gun Metal, and Tamiya TS-38 Gun Metal.
Notes1. Camera is a Canon Powershot G2 with a small integrated flash
2. Photographic distance is 4 feet
3. Different paints have different reflectivities depending on flash distance, flash power, and the number of metallic particles within the paint. Results using flash will, therefore, vary from camera to camera.
4. I'm using an original condition Don Post Deluxe #188/1000. This may or may not be a correct baseline, as the Don Post Deluxe Vader was a 1990 product (though marketed as ESB) whereas its style is a bit more ROTJ (1983).
5. Some claim "The paint wasn't that dark/bright". Metallic paint contains metallic particles that reflect light. The density of the metallic particles in paint (depending on layers of paint) as well as the nature of the light source (professional light sources of the time vs. modern halogen vs. incandescent bulb vs. home camera flash vs. etc. etc.) lighting upon the painted surface. When examining each screen shot, take into account the ambient and studio lighting as well as camera aperture (that allows more light onto the film. Darker scenes might call for a wider aperture to make everything brighter. Different films have different degrees of light sensitivity.) I've not tested the paint appearance under a halogen lamp - exhibit Vaders under halogen light appear to be brighter as a result of the lighting.
Top row: without flash. Bottom row:
with flash.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/ ... lineup.jpgAt this rate, my favorite... until something better or more verifiably authentic comes along!