update number something.
I had major surprise on the pike. I tried to clear it during my vacation 2 months ago, and it wrinkled all over it. So I had to sand it down completly, which was a pain especially on the ''handles''. Repainted it over the week-end. Went with thinner layers, and will let it degas really well before attempting a second clear, if I ever decide to do one.
Since I had painted the pike roughtly at the same time as the bracers, I was torn on what to do with them. I did some paint + different clear tests, and it wrinkled each time. I decided to let the sit most of the summer to make sure they are fully dried up and degassed. Tried wet sanding one of them last week, and made a pass with clear this past week-end. So far so good. I don't have that rich clear depth that I wanted, but at least it didn't wrinkled. Might try a second pass next week over the first one.
The new lens is cut, magnets in the helmet are glued, and the ones on the lens are currently drying. Love the look. I'm torn like with the bracers. It's something to sand down and start over on them, but I'm going to cry my soul if it happen on the helmet. Will have to risk wet sanding it also and try the clear.
Finally, most of the strapping is done. I have one on the shin guard still drying, but the rest is done. The last one to do is the abs plate to the chest armor, but since it's hidden, it will be easy.
So technically, I'm in the last mile on the built. Still have to adjust the belt, install the velcro to hold on the abs plate, and do the kama, and I'm done.