Introduction: DIY Painted Eyeball Sphero for Halloween

About: Introducing Sphero 2.0. Now faster, brighter, and smarter than ever. The future of gaming is here. Choose from over 25 apps and launch a whole new world of mobile gameplay. Drive Sphero like never before, turn…

It's that time of year again! Sphero's favorite holiday is just around the corner. This time, instead of gutting and glittering pumpkins, turn your Sphero into the spookiest robot on the block. Everyone knows, a rolling eyeball is the #1 way to scare kids away from eating all your candy. 

In order to turn Sphero into an eyeball, you are going to need a few supplies. The following instructions include all the materials Sphero-fan Deth Becomes You used to created this awesome monstrosity. 

And if you'd like to win this Sphero rather than make it, head to our Facebook page!

Materials:

-Sand paper or equivalent. Fine grit.
-Translucent paints or inks.
-Rubbing alcohol. For cleaning.
-Airbrush, brushes, or anything you want to apply the paint.
-Gloss spray paint.
-Future Floor Shine.
-Fishing line or thin thread.

Step 1: Preparing the Surface

In order to have a successful paint job that stays on your Sphero, you will first need to sand the surface. This way, the paint will have something to stick to once you apply it. Simply rub your fine grit sand paper over the surface of the entire ball. Observe the before and after pictures to get a good sense of this step.

Once you are finished sanding, you'll need to clean the ball of any extra dust or particles. Just stick Sphero under the faucet and wash away the debris, then dry him off thoroughly with a towel. 

Next, give Sphero a good once-over with the rubbing alcohol. Apply the rubbing alcohol to a paper towel or cotton ball, and wipe off any excess. Now you are ready for the next step. Painting!

Step 2: Painting

This is what you've been waiting for, and it's the best part. Deth Becomes You was creating an eyeball, so these steps follow that pattern. Feel free to paint Sphero in any way you like.

First, create a circle template on masking tape and place that onto Sphero over the logo. Using an airbrush, then paint in the iris and pupil area. Removed the tape and began applying layers of colors and veining techniques. The purpose of using more transparent paints and inks is so that the lights from within Sphero will still shine brightly through. Sphero 2.0 works especially well for this project because the LEDs inside are much brighter than its predecessor, giving you the customizer the ability to get away with more paints in layers.

Once you are content with what you have painted, it's time to move on to completion of the project. Soon you will have the baddest Sphero on the block!

Step 3: Gloss Coating

Time for the gloss coat. This will be the step that protects your paint work. Otherwise, you will lose all that hard work to scuffs and scrapes.

Using fishing line or thin thread, run the line inside the small seam between the 2 hemispheres of the ball. Give yourself enough slack that once you have tied a knot, you can suspend the ball from an overhang (such as a shower curtain rod, in the picture). Secure the line in place by tying another knot. Now you are ready to apply the gloss clear coat! 

Simply follow the directions provided on the can. Deth Becomes You applied 3 layers of clear coat gloss to the eyeball Sphero.
Once you have finished applying the gloss, look for the "cure time" on the can. Usually it is 24 hours. So...wait.


Step 4: Shine and Protect

Here it is. The final step!

There is one more step to make your Sphero as glossy-perfect as the one pictured here. With the ball still suspended by the string and the clear coat cured, squirt the Future Floor Shine all over Sphero, covering it completely. Go ahead and let it drip off. Wait a couple minutes and then dab lightly at the droplet that is no doubt hanging on to the bottom of the ball. Let the ball hang out for a few more hours - 6-8 just to be sure.

The added layer of floor wax will protect your work longer and it can be reapplied whenever you see fit. Just wipe the surface of the Sphero with a damp towel and squirt the floor wax over it again. 

Step 5: Get Rolling

Congratulations! Enjoy the spherical creature you've created. Just remember not to scare the trick-o-treaters too badly, and be sure to check out other ways to customize your Sphero this Halloween.

Halloween Props Contest

Participated in the
Halloween Props Contest