Introduction: Water Drop Painted Jack Hammer Headphones
Utilizing the techniques in both TimAnderson's Instructable on How to Make Jackhammer Headphones and AirbrushTricks's video on creating a Water Drop Paint Effect, I can listen to my music, clearly and in style.
The earmuffs were just a cheap, red pair sold in the Sporting Goods section of Wal-Mart. The headphones were some ancient, broken ones found around the house. The paint was just regular, enamel spray paint (glossy, not flat).
I first used electrical tape to protect the (synthetic) leather that is the cushion for your ear. I applied two coats of glossy black to the muffs, but you can use as many as you feel necessary. Remember, lighter coats are better than one thick one.
I then, using a sprayer attachment bought at Lowes, went over the muff four (4) times with a mist of water. I held the hose at a distance of approximately 16 inches. You can mist the muff until you life the droplet design. Four times over was efficient in producing good-sized drops, but it is a personal opinion, so find out what works for you!
After, I quickly sprayed white paint, from the bottom and at a low angle. This gives an effect of rising bubbles.
I let the water evaporate as much as it could until the sun set, when I was forced to use a hot lamp to vaporize the water. You can tell the water is gone when you see no more raised surfaces.
Don't worry if you don't get it right the first time; I didn't either. I had to repaint one side to match the other. (I overdid the white paint by using too high of an angle.)
When I was satisfied with the effect, I put on two (2) layers of clear coat. After it dried, I reattached the muffs to the headband and proudly displayed my creation!
These headphones work great, and would be ideal as a gift for people have a high-noise job (landscaper, for example). While I won't be giving away this pair, I will definitely be making some more with different colors and designs!
Happy Holidays!
21 Comments
13 years ago on Introduction
McLovin'!!!!
14 years ago on Introduction
Hey, it's McLovin'!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I was going to flag that, but, It Is!
15 years ago on Introduction
Killer job. It's a little tricky but realy cool once you figure it out. Your project looks absolutely killer.
15 years ago on Introduction
Did you use an air brush with this, or spray paint?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I just used regular ol' spray paint; I can't afford a real airbrush yet.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Well I tried the effect out on two different pieces of plexiglass...let's just hope one of them turns out.
I'd like an air brush..but i've got other stuff I need to buy first =[
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Well I tried the effect out on two different pieces of plexiglass...let's just hope one of them turns out.
Good luck! I had to redo one of the muffs three times, mainly because I'm pretty particular. One thing you definitely have to make sure of is that you paint at a very low angle (the white).
Did you have fairly small drops, or large ones?
I'd like an air brush..but i've got other stuff I need to buy first =[
Exactly my problem.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
"Did you have fairly small drops, or large ones?"
Both
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
If it turns out, I'd like to see a picture!
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Yeah..they didn't
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Aww, do you know what went wrong?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
The paint just didn't go on right.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Hmm, darn. It was enamel, right?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
One was, one may have been.
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice! You got mad airbrush skilllz!
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! Glad you liked it! I hope to post some more painting effects eventually.
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice job, pictures are great, but I don't see any octagons.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! I was worried the pictures wouldn't be up to par. Hehe, the octagon is coming, you just wait.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Mine about the octagon will be up soon too. :-)