How To: Building The M8 Avenger from Mass Effect: 3D Printing, Propmaking

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With the release of Mass Effect Legendary Edition just a short while ago, I thought it'd be the perfect time to practice some propmaking and create a replica of the ICONIC M-8 Avenger from the game series.


I started off my printing out all of the pieces from a model found on thingiverse () on my Prusa i3mk3 3D Printer (which is fantastic btw) then started assembling key components together. Each piece was printed in PLA filament and I used CA Glue with a kicker to attach the components together.


After most of the assembly was completed, I used a 2 part body filler from Gator Finishing to cover any of the print lines and make sure the curves were a bit smoother than they were fresh off the printer. Following filling was the somewhat meticulous process of priming, filling, sanding, then repeating the process until I was happy with the overall finish.


After everything was filled, primed and sanded, I attached the final detail pieces and was ready for paint. I started with a base of flat black, then 3 coats of Glossy Black spray paint from Krylon after masking off certain areas. The glossy black was a perfect base for the dark chrome / gunmetal technique that was to follow. I applied graphite powder to the freshly painted areas and then buffed the powder with cotton balls until I got the desired appearance. I then applied stencils cut out on my Cricut Maker and painted them to match the reference images.


After the main painting was done, it was time for weathering. Int he past I've sprayed a bit of chrome spray paint into a small cup then applied it to the prop with a small brush. Here I decided to use Rub n Buff for the first time (I know, right?) and it was absolutely fantastic. I applied it to the edges of some of the components to make it seem like the finish was giving way to the bare metal beneath. I may have gone overboard, but I guess this Avenger has seen plenty of action. I also made a simple wash by mixing black and brown acrylic paint with some water before applying a generous coat over the whole prop. I made special attention to try and get it down into any crevices, then wiped mot of it away. The result is an added layer of dirt and grime that helps tell the story of this prop. A final coat of satin clear coat and this M-8 Avenger is ready to fight whatever the galaxy has to throw at it!


The Mass Effect series is one of my all-time favorite fictional universes and any time I can bring a piece of it to real life, I will totally do. Let me know in the comments below if you have any ideas for other props you'd like to see me build and what your favorite scene from Mass Effect is! I'd love to hear it!