logo-WHITE-TEXTpng
HomeAbout UsContact
Have A Question? Call Us     (855) 875-4386 ext. 12
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
  • Stunt Training Classes
    • Stunt Training Classes
    • Fight Scene For Your Reel
    • Film School Seminar
    • ‘In Person’ Action Training for Film & TV
    • Wirework
  • BLOG
  • Stunt Design
    • Stunt Design
    • Elite Tactical Choreography
    • Fight Choreography
  • Client References
    • More Client Video Reviews
    • Even More Client References
    • Recent Projects
  • Swat Team For Hire
    • SWAT Team For Hire
  • Movie Prop Guns
    • Movie Prop Guns
    • Special – Practical FX
  • Production Solutions
    • Production Solutions
    • Action Director
    • VFX Editing
    • Web Series Marketing
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
Home Production Tips How To Make Fake Prop Guns Look Real For Your Production

How To Make Fake Prop Guns Look Real For Your Production

Production Tips, Stunt Design TipsDecember 9, 2021Dillon Wilson

 

 

Many productions like to use prop firearms to maximize their production value. Our team has several licensed professional armorers that provide firearms and weapons of all types to productions with budgets both large and small. Our armorers pull prop weapons from various sources to get you exactly the types of weapons that you need.

 

Discover our highly popular armorer services for film & TV

 

Yet for some productions, for a variety of reasons (i.e. budget, legal reasons, access, etc.), they decide to use plastic prop firearms (usually airsoft) for their shoots. The problem is that the prop firearms are noticeably fake. Boom! There goes your production value.

 

Well we’re going to share with you how to make cheap plastic prop firearms look real. This info will be greatly appreciated by your art department. Make sure to read the article in its entirety first before you get started so you know exactly what you need and how to do it.

 

Take a look at the real firearms below:

 

Notice how they look weathered and have scratches on them? That’s because this is what they look like once they’ve been used. So you have to make your firearms look the same way.

 

STEP 1:
Take your plastic prop firearm and paint it with flat black spray paint. Make sure you do NOT use gloss paint. This is not what you want. Firearms are NOT GLOSSY! So get flat black paint and paint them all over. Let them dry.

 

STEP 2:
Once it dries, you’re going to apply the scratches and wear. You’ll need a nylon mesh covered sponge, a paper plate and Metallic Aluminum Spray paint.

 

 

 

Spray a little of the paint on the paper plate and then dip the sponge in it.

 

Learn about our highly popular armorer services for film & TV

 

STEP 3:
With the sponge, lightly swipe small spots on the prop wherever wear and tear would build up on the firearm (usually at the tip of the barrel, called the muzzle, the triggerguard, on the barrel, on the receiver, the dust cover, even the magazines). You can use the picture below as a guide.

 

(Notice how this plastic prop gun now looks like it’s made out of metal!)

 

Then simply let them dry and touch up any areas that you feel need it. Now you have prop guns that look like the real thing! Even cheap plastic guns can now have a metallic look to them all for pennies on the dollar, some expert advice and a little elbow grease.

 

 

Have some questions? Contact us today, for a FREE ‘Movie Guns & Armorer Strategy Session’!

 

Tags: armorer, California, cbt stunt alliance, Cbt stunt team, Dillon Wilson, director, film, Georgia, los angeles, movie, movie prop guns, stunt coordinator, stunt performer, stunt team, stunt woman, stuntman, stunts, swat team, tactical training, tv, weapons wrangler
Previous post How To ‘Childproof’ Your Set To Protect Your Actors When Doing Stunts Next post What Is An ‘Action Hook’ And How To Use It In Your Movie

Related Articles

How to Shoot The Best Car Chase Scene [Mad Max: Fury Road Example]

December 7, 2021Dillon Wilson

Advanced Camera Techniques for Shooting Action Tip 2 – Chase Scenes

November 30, 2021Dillon Wilson

Why Would You Want To Use Action In Your Drama?

December 1, 2021Dillon Wilson

From Our Blog

  • SWAT Training for Film, Movies & TV | SRT Training for Movies and TV
  • How To Shoot A Carbine Quick Like A BAD ASS! | Present A Rifle Effectively & Easy
  • How To Hold A Pistol / Gun With Palm Supported Grip and Thumb For Film & TV Production | Design Unique Characters!
  • Stunt Training Classes
    • Stunt Training Classes
    • Fight Scene For Your Reel
    • Film School Seminar
    • ‘In Person’ Action Training for Film & TV
    • Wirework
  • BLOG
  • Stunt Design
    • Stunt Design
    • Elite Tactical Choreography
    • Fight Choreography
  • Client References
    • More Client Video Reviews
    • Even More Client References
    • Recent Projects
  • Swat Team For Hire
    • SWAT Team For Hire
  • Movie Prop Guns
    • Movie Prop Guns
    • Special – Practical FX
  • Production Solutions
    • Production Solutions
    • Action Director
    • VFX Editing
    • Web Series Marketing

From Our Blog

  • Film Makers Marketing Tips
  • Movie Gun Training Tips
  • Production Tips
  • Stunt Design Tips
  • Stunt Fighting Techniques & Tips
  • Stunt Training Tips

(855) 686-7832

 

Get Social

Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
© 2022 All Rights Reserved.

Contact Us or Get A FREE Consultation

C.B.T. Stunt Alliance

(855) 875-4386 ext. 12




I need something choreographed for an upcoming projectHiring 1 of your stunt coordinators / 1st or 2nd Unit DirectorsHiring Your Stunt TeamI Need Fight Training for My Actors / Actresses / MeI Need Stunt Training for My Actors / Actresses / MeI’m a Stunt PRO and I’d like to learn Theatrical CBT ChoreographyJoining Your Team

Additional Comments

[recaptcha]

Contact Us or Get A FREE Consultation

C.B.T. Stunt Alliance

(855) 875-4386 ext. 12




I need something choreographed for an upcoming projectHiring 1 of your stunt coordinators / 1st or 2nd Unit DirectorsHiring Your Stunt TeamI Need Fight Training for My Actors / Actresses / MeI Need Stunt Training for My Actors / Actresses / MeI’m a Stunt PRO and I’d like to learn Theatrical CBT ChoreographyJoining Your Team

Additional Comments

[recaptcha]






Smarter Prospecting
Phone: (855) 686-7832

Fill in the form below to schedule a FREE Consultation.

Fields marked with a * are required



Reviews, Repeat Business and Referral MarketingWOMM Plan 360 DesignCustomer Referral CommunitiesOther