EVA Foam Armor Plasti Dip Tutorial

[@XxSharpieItBlackxX]

I am so glad I invested in a respirator. It helps even every day when I clean/dust to help my allergies. And I use it all the time when doing cosplay.

[@infernospace0077]

videos are fucking great man, I'm making a suit right now and it's fun and you do a good job explaining things and are really easy to pick up and understand. keep up the good work and videos.

[@infernospace0077]

and a question my suit is black so for a second color for scratches and damage should I do grey or silver?

[@angelegend]

+Wayne Gaming ooo I would totally go silver and make it really pop

[@infernospace0077]

+Angelegend thanks man

[@trekguy66]

New favorite KZbin channel. Seriously well done. Plenty to learn here.

[@obummer14-4]

Thank you for explaining the why's of plastic dip spray on EVA foam..

[@Arygua]

I've been wanting to start a set of armor. I am also 6'2"/6'3". So your files are going to come in handy.

[@musicased9591]

Thanks a lot, I had gotten plastidip today ready to seal my foam but I didn't want to fuck anything up so I watched this first, the 1st coat looks beautiful just hope it all turns out good

[@Manic_Maul]

Great and informative. Answered a question I had about how long in between coats ! Keep up the great work

[@spartanforgeby711]

hey man will you make a helmet and torso tutorials ?

[@colony4795]

Dude. Thank you so much. This video was so awesome and helpful, told me everything I needed to know.

[@northwindknights2092]

awesome vid dude used it to learn how to do my first armour build. well don sir

[@nixland]

Thanks for the video. How about using non black color plastidip to make sure we spray evenly ?

[@Matt_Jaramillo]

Great informative videos. I'm about half way done building an iron man mark 6 suit. Almost ready for the painting stages. However, I have a question. My "hot-gluing" skills are crap lmao. There are plenty of imperfections in my suit where glue is visible and there are a few gaps. I'm not trying to make it 100% perfect because it's really not THAT important too me, but I want it to look at least good. Anyways, would it be smart to pva it to try and hide some of the imperfections, or will the plastidip help do that? Thanks man.

[@benchapman21]

Does it harden the foam?

[@jaydaperishovickery9011]

This was helpful. However, I am planning on another cosplay in which I am making a dome-type shield out of EVA foam. I'm a beginner at this, and I was wondering if I should use Plasti-dip as the primer, or would mod-podge be better? Thanks!

[@2_face_cosplay]

you suggested to not use red, but I have some left over red. can I do the first with the red and the next layer in black?

[@ManicQuinn]

What about Grey plastidip? My Ace hardware has pretty much every color available but they're all very expensive. Most of them are RM60+(Malaysia)

[@Tigrerra-le6mb]

Is the person that's recording warring a respirator?

[@angelegend]

Yes she is!

[@Tigrerra-le6mb]

Angelegend okay thanks good: ) don't want her getting sick 😬

[@angelegend]

Same here :D

[@HumbleTinkering]

are there like, light blue plasti dip? if so, is it effective?

[@angelegend]

I haven't seen light blue. I've only seen black, red, and white.

[@ashleystone5917]

Thank you! So helpful!

[@ChunkyJo]

"...go" - seriously though. Every time I've used PlastiDip the final product comes out super chunky. Like it looks like my piece was never sanded even though everything was sanded smooth. It's driving me crazy. Have you experienced this, and if so how did you fix it?

[@MichaelAcosta]

Put the can in warm water for a few minutes before (shaking up and) using

[@khairulahmad1865]

After the plastidip is dry, will covering certain parts with masking tape and later peeling the tape off ruin the plastidip layer?

[@HolyFreakinDragonSlayer]

Awesome video!

[@nixland]

I spray the black plastidip on my 4mm eva foam and the foam shrunk and deformed. How thick minimum of foam I can use with plastidip?

[@Razzy-sr4oq]

So, I know you stress using black. But what if that darkens up your base color too much? Would it be better to just do a layer in black, then in white to get a brighter color for the spray paint afterward? Thank you for making these videos!

[@angelegend]

You could do that. Or use a grey primer after the coat of plasti dip. Either way should be fine. Glad you like the vids!

[@Razzy-sr4oq]

8D God bless you and yours for replying to this! Grey might do nicely, I'd have to test it out on the kneepads and see how well it holds up. I've been steadily watching through pretty much all of your videos half the day, and I don't regret a minute. You cover many details that many other pro cosplayers simply fly right over because they're so familiar with their own technique that they've developed, but to a beginner like myself, can be a source of massive anxiety and confusion. Videos like yours are what keep this community growing and strong. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@c0pyimitati0n]

Will the plasti-dip change the texture of the foam? I have some Eva foam surfboard traction pads and the paint started to fade the first day... I was thinking of using this to seal it, but didn't want to ruin the feel of the foam. It needs to stay 'grippy' since it is a traction mat.

[@thetab0179]

c0pyimitati0n I’m honestly not 100% myself, but from my understanding, Plasti-Dip is like a liquid rubber (as Angel said in the beginning) so it will change the texture of the surface, but it should still have a grip to it. If you’re worried, you could use a single mat and use a can of Plasti-Dip on it to test it and see if it’s what you want. If you have multiple sheets you plan doing it on, spray it on single sheet at a time, basically don’t have them already connected before you spray, so you can still disconnect and move them when you don’t want them there and need to move the mats.

[@sauronsrighthandman301]

Hey angelegend I was wondering if you have ever used white plasti dip? I got some because it was a few bucks cheaper than black however when I use it however careful I am it always bubbles up. Even when I heat treat the foam. Have you ever had this issue which plasti dip before?

[@angelegend]

I have had the issue before, only with black plasti dip. I have worked with white and it worked just fine. Typically the reason the plasti dip will bubble happens when the can is cold (like if you live in a cold environment and left it out in the garage over night) which is why I keep my cans inside. the other reason it will bubble is because of a clog at the nozzle where the paint sprays out of. It can be cleared with a small piece of wire, or sometimes your finger nail. Occasionally the paint will bubble if it hasn't been shaken long enough prior to use. I usually shake my cans for 2 minutes before I spray. Hope this helps brother!

[@samicuniverse]

I know if it starts bubbling before it dries it means its working but also heat your can in hot water for smooth application not boiling though

[@angelegend]

Correct, it wont bubble too bad if the can is warm, and if the spray hole is clear. The biggest issue I ran into was not clearing the channel before using a can for the second time.

[@elocsivraj4464]

Has anyone on here ever used plasti dip to design a shirt? Been wondering about that sort of stuff. Thanks in advance if anyone has any answers.

[@CutieYoli]

so after you use the plastidip what paint do you suggest using?

[@angelegend]

I suggest using Krylon and acrylic heavy body paint

[@euanhare]

Did he heat seal the foam?

[@ronc8632]

If I'm attaching the foam on top of fabric can I still glue it on the fabric after its sealed ? Also, if we are only using 1 color, do you still need to wait 2 days max for it to dry ?

[@angelegend]

Yes you can attach it after sealing, and yes you should still wait 2 days for it to finish gassing before painting. Or else you can end up with a really rough finish.

[@diademmm]

Hey! Before you plastidip, do you woodglue your EVA foam first? Because I've been told to but it seems tedious if I could just seal the random cracks and creases with a dremel and a poxy-like material.

[@angelegend]

I don't because I want it to still be flexible. If you want the shape to be hard with a shell then you can wood glue it. If I was doing Iron Man, I would probably wood glue. Halo armor I don't tend to though. Plasti dip does a good enough job of adding strength.

[@VALENTINEproductions]

If you heat seal first you wouldn't have too use so many cans.

[@angelegend]

Good to know. I primarily use the amount I do to lock the shape into form, as I move quite a bit when I'm wearing it. Also it removes my need for a primer when I paint it.

[@VALENTINEproductions]

Angelegend what you do works. But since foam is so porous, when you heat it, that closes the pours and makes it less absorbent giving you the ability to actually paint right on it. You can paint directly on to it this way but the more paint will make it crack since most paints aren't flexible. So the plasti after heating will actually sit on top of it better and in turn you can paint the plasti dip as you normally would.

[@angelegend]

+VALENTINEproductions Again good to know. I've only had trouble with paint cracking when the paint has been enamel based. Like I said before, the plastic dip is more for strength than anything. It also covers my hot glue, and protects it from the sun when I'm out doors. This way the seams won't pop. I may give the heat seal a try, but I'll still end up adding some plastidip for strength.

[@NinjaBat109]

I wish I have eva foam

[@z33pys5]

I made a foam helmet. I was going to paper cache it then paint? Whats your guys opinion.

[@hashtastic3537]

The water from the paper mache is going to leak into the foam and cause it to expand a bit. Way easier to go the plati dip route, or maybe modge podge.

[@Duh_Hamburglar]

how long do i wait for it to dry after applying all the coats i need before i paint the colors i want??? i wad thinking of leaving it overnight

[@angelegend]

+Mecha_Ghidrah leave it for 2 days so it has time to finish gassing. Otherwise it may mess up your paint.

[@NicholasWingoldenkiwi2095]

Can this work if I make body armour for a batman costume

[@angelegend]

If it's foam, absolutely.

[@NicholasWingoldenkiwi2095]

Angelegend I’m currently designing my own Batman costume and I was wondering what would you recommend in the way of using foam for the costume

[@Mr__seed]

after you plasti dip the armor can you use heat gun to add final changes ?

[@angelegend]

+Big Zee You can't make changes to the shape after you've dipped it. But you can add a cool crackle effect to the paint you put on top of it with a heat gun.

[@vvkatatomicvvkateandthelat2784]

How many cans of paint/primer/plasti dip did you need for the entire suit

[@Finalhellmaster]

He said around 3/4 for an entire armor

[@alessandroalvino7702]

Great video. I'm making a foam armor for Larp. Can I use the plastidip as an alternative to isoflex? Is it shockproof?

[@angelegend]

+Alessandro Alvino yes and yes

[@alessandroalvino7702]

Angelegend thank you :)

[@angelegend]

You are welcome!

[@zupinu2000]

how do you avoid bubbles that form? no matter how long i shake it ( no dirty joke here) i get bubbles time to time which really suck.

[@angelegend]

+Commander Shepard I have to unclog the spray can with a piece of wire.

[@zupinu2000]

oh not on the spray paint, rather on the foam. Like you would spray on the foam and then suddenly there's a few small bubbles that form on the foam. This is done after heat sealing t he foam. It's funny because some spots are fine and some are not which baffles me...

[@angelegend]

Hmm, it's most likely do to the heat sealing. If the foam is sealed then the plasti dip doesn't absorb, and instead gasses causing the bubbles. How close are you when spraying?

[@zupinu2000]

not too far, about the same length shown in your vid....then perhaps i'll use Mod Podge instead to seal instead?

[@thetab0179]

Awesome info Angel! However, I’m thinking about potentially turning my suit into armor that could be used in Airsoft or just in general be strong enough to not break if I ran into something or fell (not with my full weight though, like into a wall). Would using an epoxy, resin, or PVA glue turn it into a hard shell that would work for my intentions? If so, would I plasti-dip, apply the later of whatever I’m using, and would I need to use a primer (or sand + wetsand before priming the hardened shell) before applying paint? Sorry for the length question, just trying to get it all down in advanced to prevent me from running into an “Oh shit!” moment. Thanks!

[@angelegend]

Actually if you are going to use PVA glue, you wont plasti dip it at all. You also can plasti dip your armor, and then coat it in a spray-on resin. It would need 4-5 coats of resin to handle some of the higher psi air-soft guns, but it could be done.

[@drxus9609]

Hey, I've used plasti dip for a stormtrooper costume I've made from Eva foam, but after using the plasti dip and painting over it, the armor tends to crack everywhere, is there something I'm doing wrong or is there another product I can use besides plasti dip to prevent cracking but seal the armor?

[@angelegend]

Yes. After painting your armor I would coat it in 2-3 layers of spray on clear acrylic. That should keep it from cracking. Now take into account if you flex too hard on a piece, it may crack because you have pushed the piece past its flexible zone. Hope this helps

[@drxus9609]

Angelegend alright thanks! :D

[@rosebud10123]

Angelegend Would you find the spay on acrylic in the spray paint section as well?

[@angelegend]

Yes you will.

[@quiksilvababe]

is this armor a high bend area, or an area that does not flex at all?

[@Djungleskogg]

I have a ton of air bubbles. I used a lot. How can I get rid of them to paint over? And can I have some cracks in my foam. Can I fill it and hit with the plastidip again?

[@angelegend]

+Brandon Leonard question, was the can really close when spraying?

[@Djungleskogg]

Angelegend kinda.. it's just bubbly so idk if it'll be alright to paint over?

[@angelegend]

I gotcha. even if it is bubbly it should be just fine to paint over. Have you done 1 or 2 coats of plasti dip?

[@Djungleskogg]

I've done two. Should I do another?

[@angelegend]

I wouldn't do another. I think it will be fine if you paint it, but is there a small piece that you can test paint on?

[@SofthammerStudios]

I wish they do it in the UK but it cost so much

You can use Woodglue with a sponge brush :)

[@SofthammerStudios]

Wait that works what type of glue like any brand

[@angelegend]

Truth! PVA Glue for the win

Any kind of wood glue, but I use this : www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/12/12ec9d06-ba31-4fcc-a520-634b2286e3b3_400.jpg

[@angelegend]

Yes! You can also buy it by the jug as well. Makes pouring it into a bowel or plate easier.

[@Djungleskogg]

Soooo, all I need to do is plasti dip and then spray paint over? Will the spray paint/plasti dip crack a lot of I hit it with a heat gun to form it after it dries?

[@KalimombuMBanga]

Brandon Leonard don't heat form after plasti dip.

[@quiksilvababe]

do ALL your molding and details BEFORE plastidip -- dont back step the process

[@jordanhunter3786]

Brandon Leonard you should have it set formed and ready before you do any plasti dipping

[@dxxddxdx]

Jordan Hunter i didnt know about Plasti dip until today. Im doing a really big and heavy sword and painted it all black (its all Eva) and yeah it didnt look as i expected. Can i apply plasti dip over the already painted foam and then re-painted over the plasti dip coat? D:

[@jordanhunter3786]

Eduardo GM shouldnt be a problem. The spray on rubber takes a few coats and should cover up just fine. After you paint over the plasti dip, u wanna give a good few layers of an acrylic clear coating and it should be great

[@nhoc1209]

My foam always gets fuzzy and clumps after plasti dip, no matter how good I sand it before. How do I fix it? Help :/

[@iicustoms1]

nhoc1209 make to to heat seal the foam before painting (heat up the foam with a heat gun) always run ur can of plasti dip over warm or hot water, then it should be fine

[@arcticeagle]

hi, i'd like to ask if plasti dip is water resistant? thanks!

[@angelegend]

It sure is.

[@lucabellotti1616]

Hello, do you know of any other ways of sealing Eva foam? The only reason I ask is the price of Plasti dip in Australia is expensive. I only just found your channel and I am now addicted. Love your vids

[@angelegend]

+Luca Bellotti Hey thanks so much for the kind words. Yes there is another way. You can use pva glue, but the flexibility of you foam goes away due to a hard shell being formed from it. Or before you start building, you can heat seal your pieces of foam with a heat gun. This will make it so they can take paint with out need for dip or primer. My suggestion would be to heat seal the entire sheet before you even start cutting on it.

[@lucabellotti1616]

Thank you for the speedy reply and great tip. Have a great day!

[@angelegend]

Absolutely. You too!

[@XLordProductions]

thankyou very much for this

[@Liofa73]

Probably best not to do it on a rainy high relative humidity day...

[@stijnverhoft4801]

and go

[@quiksilvababe]

why not white or red?

[@angelegend]

+lydia I don't like white or read because it's nicer to have black as a base just in case some paint flecks off. Plus red on black is tougher to see for the first 1-2 coats, so you may end up using more than you need.

[@Dabura911]

thx for the tip mate :)

[@cheyanimeukato2570]

Ughhh, I feel so dumb I accidently bought white plastidip, I didn't want to immediately spray it on the pieces that I already had so I sprayed it on some scrap peices of craft foam, I don't really understand why the black vs white makes such a big difference but please don't make the same mistake I made........I don't usually buy paint and I didn't know that there was different colors of plastidip so I just picked up the first can I say of plastidip, It had a white cap on it. Now I know that the cap is what the color of it is............time to buy another can of the stuff

[@angelegend]

White will do just fine. Reason I like black better is that it's easier for me to see the coverage, and if a layer of paint comes off my armor then the below color is black. This way it doesn't look so bad.

[@Deathjam4]

your spray skills are not really something to be desired but good video and explaination

[@douchenozzlemcgee6111]

lmfao bruh whya gotta be an ass XD better than what we've both prolly done

[@NicholasWingoldenkiwi2095]

Can this work if I make body armour for a batman costume

[@codymosby3650]

When doing a helmet should I plastidip the inside as well?

[@angelegend]

+Cody Mosby No need. Just do the outside.

[@codymosby3650]

Angelegend Thanks