Use the X-acto® Matt Cutter for this. There were only a few days before we needed to ship the show. Glue top sideband to helmet. They are both water soluble and dry completely clear. So when it comes to sealing your paint job on your EVA Foam, then I would generally go with the Acrylic Sealer. EVA foam has many wonderful properties, but it is very unforgiving when it comes to sloppy workmanship. EVA Foam is a firm closed-cell foam with a softer, more rubbery feel than our polyethylene (cross-poly) offering. I prefer to move at a rate of approximately 10 centimeters per second. Concentrate on the line just before the knife blade. For more information about hat patterns and hat making I recommend "From the Neck Up"1. It’s kind of like a twice-cooked foam. I use it to stand on at my work bench. So I usually stick with acrylic or waterbased spray paint, when I am painting my Props. So before you start Painting the EVA Foam you have to Seal it. Place the two pieces of cushion foam that need to be glued on top of each other, with the sides to be adhered facing outward, as shown to the lower left. There are a lot of different paints out there but my philosophy is, that the easiest paint to use, that gives good results, is the one, that I go with. After painting, you can choose to Seal your Project with a Mat Sealer, Epoxy Resin or a Varnish. If using the products in combination, apply the Sculpt-or-Coat® first and then the Mod Podge®. You may have heard of EVA Foam used for multiple different flooring types or even Cosplay costumes, sports equipment, crafts and set design. I usually like to seal all of my paint jobs just to be sure. Working from the inside of the helmet, carefully finish cutting through the foam to remove the vision opening. Epoxy resin is water-resistant, it will dry very hard, it will be hit and scratch-resistant (if you don´t scratch it with something like metal at least) and it will keep almost everything away from the paint job beneath it. A good contact cement is what is needed. The firm structure and UV resistance of EVA foam makes it a great material for outdoor applications, and it is also popular for use as a Cosplay material. How to use EVA foam to create amazing costumes. Epoxy Resin is the worst method for sealing paint and only makes sense for very specific projects. I usually do this while the metallic is still wet. When I pulled the armor for the Knight of the Mirrors from storage, I saw that he was in desperate need of a new helmet. Waterbased paints include acrylic paint, some enamels, watercolor (this type of color will probably not stick well and you will need a lot of layers but you can use it for weathering effects), waterbased ink and more. However, all of these attributes can be offset with careful planning, design and patterning. The Link provided above is an affiliate link. environmentally friendly, safe disposal by recycling, dumping or incineration, B. X-acto® Foam Board Cutter for making 90° cuts, D. Heavy gauge plastic see-thru grided ruler, E. Fine point (bottom) and ultra-fine point (top) Sharpie®. Align the edges of the foam and press then firmly together. I have another article, that goes more into depth about Sealing EVA Foam including a step by step example, including the edges of your foam, are smooth. So after reading this article, you will know how to Prepare Foam for painting, how to Seal Foam, what colors to use, and how to Protect your Paint Job permanently.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'craftknights_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',116,'0','0'])); So how do you paint EVA Foam? Plasti Dip will protect your foam from cracks, creases, and other damage, that may occur when Foam is deformed in any way. My favorite Sealer is Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer. “Professional Spray Paints” from Liquitex. Bevel cuts are the most difficult to make cleanly and smoothly. When formulated into a closed cell foam product, it takes on the following characteristics which are of great advantage to the theatrical costumer. This practice also allows all balance marks and assembly keys to be on the working side of the piece. We have found that the Sharpie® brand of permanent marker is the best tool for the job. It’s the EVA foam that is controversial, rather than EVA. Although the EVA foam helmet is very stabile it still has more flexibility than we really want in this project. Always use sharp blades. Step 1: Find a Design! I usually seal my paint with a matt clear acrylic sealer. The potential uses for this foam are many. Helmet painted with a base coat of flat black, Metallic gold dusted over base coat and crest painted with Metallic Stone® textured spray paint by Krylon. Use an extra-fine point marker for tracing the pattern pieces onto the foam. One of the first things you will notice is the fact that most projects will be slightly larger in scale than the same item built using traditional methods. So generally you can use any kind of waterbased paint, that you like. Choose between several sizes that are right for your cosplay projects. I like the way the two colors mix. In short, it says "be accurate". It is not recommended to use any kind of lacquer or oil-based paint as some of these paints could damage the foam underneath. There are many more uses for EVA foam in producing costume props and accessories. Rough, irregular cut edges will result in a weak bond when you glue to two surfaces together. It is recommended, that the EVA Foam is Sealed with Plasti Dip before painting it but Acrylic Paint can also be applied directly on the EVA Foam without bigger issues. No, that’s not some weird… proclivity, EVA (Ethylene-vinyl Acetate) is an extremely versatile foam material (think: the material used in yoga mats) that’s used for all sorts of costuming and prop applications. You will, however, need to make some adaptations to your to your way of planning and patterning your project. EVA can also be made into EVA foam, with the use of a plasticizer. This not only finishes the interior but it also absorbs any light entering the helmet through the vision screen and aids in visibility for the wearer. Use the X-acto® Foam Board Cutter for this job. I show you how to make this double bladed axe out of it. Make an EVA foam Double Bladed Axe . Use the X-acto® Foam Board Cutter for this job. EVA foam is a wonderful medium, but care must be taken. 43M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue – Best for everyday use. Start your cut about a blades width before your marked line and make the cut in a continuous motion from start to finish. Neatness does count. If you must stop in mid-cut, DO NOT remove the blade from the work. This opening is not cut completely until later in the construction process. EVA foam floor tiles and all over flooring can be installed in a variety of different areas as foam is a multi–purpose floor covering. While Soft and Stable has a little drape to it, this product has a denser structure. Try this with ½" EVA foam. Please note that all of the comments and instructions that I will be making are based on using 4lb. This will “close” the surface of the EVA Foam to prepare it for Sealing and Painting later on.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',118,'0','0'])); If your Prop is not moving and does not bend (for example a solid armor) then you can seal your Foam with simple white crafts glue. When you're removing the texture (or when heating the foam for shaping), make sure to keep the tip of the heatgun about 2" from the foam. You can use craft foam as well with similar results, but craft foam is thinner and more flimsy. The second photo at the right shows the pieces needed to make the great helm. It is a soft, yet durable polymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. EVA Foam is an extremely versatile product suiting a broad range of uses and applications. If the edges become mis-aligned, do not pull them apart and try to re-align. (the density) ½" thick EVA. On wrong side of front mark the opening for the vision screen. Craftknights.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The side bands of hats will be wider than the width of the head. EVA foam blunts the knife quite quickly, so make sure you sharpen it when needed. These products are similar to white glue. The openings in the face guard are cut by using a ½" punch to make the top and bottom curves, then connecting the resulting holes with straight cuts. You basically have one, and only one, chance to make the join. Sculpt-or-Coat®1 and Mod Podge®2, used alone or more usually in combination, are the solution. It may take a few trials before you begin to feel comfortable with this adjustment in scale, especially if you have made hats before. I sometimes also add a little bit of weathering but that is completely up to you. To separate a glue joint use acetone to break the bond. Gorilla Original Glue. Craftknights also participates in affiliate programs with CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-leader-3','ezslot_19',126,'0','0'])); You can use some oil-paints but try if your EVA Foam likes the paint on a separate scrap piece. So when in doubt use Plasti Dip! The metallic coat is then dusted over that base coat. Then the Foam can be painted with Acrylics, Spray Paint with an Airbrush, and more. Liberally apply adhesive, coating both pieces and allow about 10 seconds for the glue to become tacky. Mod Podge® on the other hand is thinner and self-leveling as it dries. As you walk the pieces toward you the joined curve will just pop-up into position. So even though you can paint directly on EVA Foam I would still recommend to Seal it with either white glue or Plasti Dip, simply because the paint will hold much better on Plasti Dip and your EVA Foam will also be way better protected than without any Seal.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'craftknights_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',127,'0','0'])); If you don’t Seal it with Plasti Dip, then you will also have the issue of wrinkles, cracks building, and paint chipping on the surface of your painted Foam. Thick or thin, foam will adapt to your different projects. If you don´t want to use any spray paint or airbrush, then you can also simply use a paintbrush and some acrylic paints. Sloppy marking and cutting can result in a less-than-perfect finished product. When these have dried it is time for one or two more coats of Mod Podge® to seal and protect the painting as well as add additional strength to the helmet. I use EVA foam in 6mm thickness. We have found that EVA foam readily accepts paint, glues and various finishes which makes it ideal for costume accessories and props. Except for the vision screen and tip, all of the pieces are cut x2. I have found that if you have a flat surface to work on it is much easier to get the pieces in proper alignment. By doing this, the slit openings will maintain a constant spacing from outside to inside when the face guard is curved around the helmet. They can be used for lots of places where sealing and cushioning are needed. But if you want your prob to be almost indestructible and last for probably an eternity, then this is the best way to do so. Where do you find it? The color of the Basecoat depends on the main color of my project. If you have found this tutorial informative and useful, please take a few moments to fill out our Opinion Form . Follow the steps in order and the outcome is predictable. EVA foam is easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors and thicknesses. I only recommend materials, that I also use and that I would recommend to a close friend. Allow each coat to dry before proceeding with the next application. Its surface squishes down when you press your fingers into it, quickly bouncing right back into place. Finish your cut slightly beyond the end point of your marked line. EVA Foam Tape By using foam lamination and slitting capabilities, EVA foam materials can be fabricated as foam tapes with or without adhesive back. Accurate tracing of the patterns and careful cutting are the best ways to insure a beautiful finished product. If the metallic coat seems to be to heavy, the base coat can be lightly dusted over the metallic to kill some of the shine. Alone or combined with thermoplastics, it will address your needs.Foams that you will find in the cosplay world are usually foam you find as exercise mat or ground sh… This extremely dense foam can be found in many commercial applications from handle grips to flotation safety devices to sports safety equipment. We use Master® Quick Drying All-purpose Cement1. But if your Prop can be bend or twisted (for example a shoulder piece, that is thin enough to be bend) then I would recommend Sealing it with Plasti Dip. In all types of construction, whether you are working with wood or fabric or any other material that can be cut and assembled, there is an order of construction that will dictate the outcome of the project. While its use is already well established in many industries (toys, carpets, sports equipment, etc. Place the foam on a cutting mat and, using a craft knife, cut out all the different parts. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'craftknights_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',121,'0','0'])); I usually mask all the parts, that are not supposed to be painted in that color, with some masking tape. Plasti Dip will minimize these issues by a lot! Its still a good alternative if you don’t have thin EVA foam or don’t want to buy some. There are several ways to seal EVA Foam (depending on the kind of project) but the most reliable way to Seal Foam is using Plasti Dip. Then I spray paint the unmasked areas and remove the masking tape after the paint coat has dried. Change them as soon as … In short, you can seal your paint job with a simple coat of Acrylic Sealer, Varnish, or even Epoxy Resin. And more texture was added by soaking lace motifs in Mod Podge® and gluing them onto the dragon body and wings. That being said, you don´t have to Seal your EVA Foam after painting it. The short answer is, the foam has to be Sealed Before you Paint it. The metal body catches and drags across the foam. Keeping these mats clean is … With this method, my painted areas will get an even smooth paint job with sharp edges. Lay strips of waxed paper between the edges to be glued to facilitate aligning the edges. TIP #3: Always work with the right side of the piece facing up. It is also terrific for armor and weapons. This waterproof Gorilla Orginal glue by Gorilla can be an amazing glue for Eva … You can buy it here on the Blick Art supply shop. The base coat is a flat black spray enamel. Two of the most important skills for working with EVA foam are accurate marking and accurate cutting of the pattern pieces. I used a pencil to trace my pattern and sharp X-acto knife to cut it out. Although we have had adequate results with other brands, we prefer the Masters for overall workability and performance. It is always a good idea to flip the pattern when tracing the second of two pieces so that the pair of pieces form a mirror image. You need a pillbox hat to fit a 23" head. So if you see, that the layer of glue, that you applied, is very light and is not really tacky, then simply apply another layer to the EVA Foam. Holding the foam piece use your scissors to cut a 45 degree angle along the edge and then do the same to the piece your gluing it too. If you don´t properly Seal your EVA Foam before and after painting, then your Paint job may not last very long. A very thin layer of this acrylic Sealer is more than enough to seal your paint and protect it from most things.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'craftknights_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',123,'0','0'])); And with that you are done, you have successfully prepared, painted, and sealed your EVA Foam! Pattern dimensions will need to be adjusted to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the foam when forming a curved or tubular shape. We began using it for character heads but soon discovered that it had so many possibilities in other aspects of costuming. Bonding the Foam … 2. Then the Foam can be painted with Acrylics, Spray Paint with an Airbrush, and more. You sometimes have to apply multiple layers of paint before it completely covers the underlying color. Some more aggressive oil paints can damage the foam, dissolving, or bending it. This will help tremendously when trying to get angles and better seams. After I applied my Basecoat I then start painting the general forms. If your foam piece could be bend or twisted (even if it is only by accident) then the layer of varnish could break and repairing that is quite annoying and in some cases even impossible. WHAT YOU CAN MAKE WITH EVA FOAM. This is due to the fact that as you form the flat piece of foam into a tube, the inner surface contracts and the outer surface expands. I used Createx™ Airbrush Colors2. You can buy them from the Blick Art Store right here. The plastic model works best since it slides more smoothly over the surface of the foam. Then reapply the glue, allow to set-up and make the join again. After painting, you can choose to Seal your Project with a Mat Sealer, Epoxy Resin or a Varnish. Usually I apply 2 coats on the exterior to seal the foam before I do any painting. Watch your fingers and hands! If any of the edges are mis-aligned, it is better that they be on the wrong side of the finished piece. And we are constantly finding new uses for the product. Most of the detail painting and any shading necessary to "pop" the details were applied with an airbrush. To further dimensionalize the dragon I add highlights to the details I want to emphasize. 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