Thanks so much for this thread!!! I used a mirror effect and copied everything in my own project (just a different brand of knee pads…I purchased from the website here)
They came out great for me…probably could have been more professional with everything…but I am on a time crunch…haha
thanks again!
heres a link to my elbow pads:
Lookin’ good!
I hate to thread-necro, but…
Is there a concern of the paint rubbing off?
Touch ups are to be expected with any costume, but I’m mostly worried about the paint rubbing on the flight suit.
The automotive interior fabric paint is used specifically because it’s less likely to rub off or transfer. Apparently it’s made for contact, like if someone rested their elbow/arms on it repeatedly. I’ve only had mine painted for a few events but haven’t had any issues with it.
I haven’t had any paint wear off either. They did stink bad after I painted them from the fumes but once they were completely aired out its good. I was worried about painting too, that’s why I tried to dye first, but I should have painted from the beginning.
Awesome, thanks, guys!
I just ordered some pads from the site’s store shortly after my last post, so I’ll definitely be coming back to this thread to color them!
Just let those suckers set/dry really well overnight and you should be good!
Perfect guide, thank you very much! 
Jay, did you cut the straps shorter, and if so, how are the edges holding up? Any fraying?
I have my pads from the GBFans store, I just need for it to warm up a bit so I can paint, but I figure anything I can do in the meantime…
When I cut them I followed the line of elastic and cut on one side. Does that make sense? Straight line. Sharp scissors.
I’ve only worn them for a full day on Halloween. Half a day on the Saturday before that at a party and then had them on and off a few other times but so far they are holding up quite well. No fraying at all from what I can see.
Cool, thanks. I think I understand.
I used a lighter on the edges which melted the elastic to the material. Then I applied No Fray just in case. Have had absolutely no fraying.
How does the spray painted elbow pads take to machine washing?
Heh, after testing it out myself, I can say that this technique works really well, and they turned out awesome! You do, however, need to get used to using the glue gun, ensuring to avoid making excessive amounts of “glue strings/webs”… and make sure to get the black patch centered right, one of mine is really crooked… The hot glue gun holds the fabric really well, and I like how the “folded in” sleeves look… It’s a lot neater looking! Also, the Dupli-Color Charcoal Gray worked really well and dries quickly, and holds really well and didn’t rub off on my clothing as I put them on… Awesome tutorial!
No photos? This displeases me. 
LOL! I’ll get to them in a bit… =P
Me also.
Nice! It looks like they’re already a bit weathered.
LOL! That’s because I only had one can of paint for two pairs… I began to run out and only had enough for two coats… but it ended up looking great in the end…
