Behind the Mask: A Look at Costuming Through Eyes of Foam.

Behind the Mask:Behind the Mask:

A Look at Costuming Through A Look at Costuming Through Eyes of FoamEyes of Foam

ArmorArmor

HelmetsHelmets

Props and AccessoriesProps and Accessories

BenefitsBenefits

Extremely lightweightExtremely lightweight CheapCheap Easy to findEasy to find Soft foams can be heat-shapedSoft foams can be heat-shaped Hard foams can be carvedHard foams can be carved Require no (or few) specialized toolsRequire no (or few) specialized tools

DrawbacksDrawbacks

Can react badly with some paints and Can react badly with some paints and adhesivesadhesives

Surface can chip, dent, and scuff easilySurface can chip, dent, and scuff easily Even though it’s light, internal support Even though it’s light, internal support

structure is still needed for large piecesstructure is still needed for large pieces Static electricity makes clean-up of Static electricity makes clean-up of

small pieces a real pain!small pieces a real pain!

DrawbacksDrawbacks

Basic ProcessBasic Process

PatternPattern Cut out piecesCut out pieces Create curves, attach pieces Create curves, attach pieces

togethertogether Seal the foamSeal the foam Detailing, paint, finishingDetailing, paint, finishing

Craft FoamCraft Foam


Cut using sharp scissors or a craft knifeCut using sharp scissors or a craft knife


Heat-shape to produce curvesHeat-shape to produce curves Heat GunHeat Gun IronIron Stovetop ElementStovetop Element Hair DryerHair Dryer OvenOven

BE CAREFUL!BE CAREFUL! Try to form the shape on/around Try to form the shape on/around

another objectanother object


Seal the foamSeal the foam For a hard, strong pieceFor a hard, strong piece

Coat reverse with white glueCoat reverse with white glue Place layer of cheesecloth onto glue, pushing Place layer of cheesecloth onto glue, pushing

into corners and edgesinto corners and edges When dry, trim edges flush, then add a second When dry, trim edges flush, then add a second

coat of gluecoat of glue Coat right side with diluted white glue and let Coat right side with diluted white glue and let

drydry Repeat to reinforce larger/protruding piecesRepeat to reinforce larger/protruding pieces


Seal the foamSeal the foam For a less rigid piece:For a less rigid piece:

Use white glue or mod podge to coat foam Use white glue or mod podge to coat foam (skip the cheesecloth step)(skip the cheesecloth step)

For a softer, more flexible piece:For a softer, more flexible piece: Use Flexbond adhesive to coat foamUse Flexbond adhesive to coat foam Best for smaller pieces or with good internal Best for smaller pieces or with good internal

structurestructure


Paint Paint Water-based (acrylic, latex) tend to work Water-based (acrylic, latex) tend to work

best and are readily availablebest and are readily available Use “puffy paint” for raised detailsUse “puffy paint” for raised details Can use rub-n-buff for metallic finishCan use rub-n-buff for metallic finish

Behind the Mask: A Look at Costuming Through Eyes of Foam.

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Transcript of Behind the Mask: A Look at Costuming Through Eyes of Foam.