How to Make EVA Foam Look Like Leather Fallout 4 Heavy Shoulder Armor

In today's video I am going to show you how to make EVA Foam look like battle damaged weathered leather. Obviously the best way to do that is to fabricate some awesome Fallout 4 Cosplay heavy leather shoulder armor! This tutorial hack will show the basic techniques I use so you can craft your own fake foam leather pieces.
Art of Fallout 4 - amzn.to/3hbixpF
This book is absolutely amazing if you are a fan of the game or concept art books in general pick it up!
If you are purchasing my HD-Foam from Blick Art Materials please go through my website or these links first because I do receive a small vendor affiliate. Those affiliate clicks allow me to continue to create more instructional videos and fabrication tutorials for our awesome Cosplay Community.
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Products used in this video
Links-
HD-Foam 2,6,10mm - bit.ly/2NECyrU
HD-Foam Dowels - bit.ly/375zTPs
Cutting Mat - bit.ly/2LJuo03
Heat Gun - bit.ly/3aBioIQ
Respirator - amzn.to/2S8CrEC
Safety Glasses - amzn.to/2r3yEge
Leather Stitch Spacer - amzn.to/3l0HGW3
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Utility Knife - bit.ly/3bAbq6M
Kershaw Knife Sharpener - amzn.to/2SjfXB9
Dremel - amzn.to/2r7tdxy
Belt Sander - amzn.to/2r9DDvK
Bob Smith Super Glue 2oz - amzn.to/2r3LbzW
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Extra Tips for Glue Bottles - amzn.to/2JwuTuP
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics - bit.ly/2Sce8HK
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Iridescent Rich Silver - bit.ly/2uWBZTI
Raw Sienna - bit.ly/36QYve4
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Filbert Brush - bit.ly/2GQfVwK
Liner Brush - bit.ly/2GQfVwK
Flexbond - amzn.to/3l0IaLR
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Krylon Red Primer - amzn.to/31N7nRo
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[@SKSProps]

Check out more of my complete builds, walkthroughs, and HD-Foam at www.SKSProps.com

[@jelliemish]

Thank you! You are the first person who mentioned wearing a respirator for heating up foam and not just for burning foam or for contact cement! I had no idea that just heating it up also releases fumes! I've been working without one so far (cause I use hot glue and thought I was safe with that) but I'm going to get a proper respirator now to wear whenever I'm glueing or heating foam from now on!

[@SKSProps]

That’s great to hear I always try and preach safety 👍

[@dfcprops3849]

Wow, this is really cool and done so well. Love the "skinning" technique and your stitching just makes this piece feel so realistic. Great job!

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@joshuacastilaw7461]

Perfect timing! My 3D printed pauldron failed so I’m was just fixing to swap to a sintra build. This looks much more doable! Amazing work!

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! and be sure to tag me to see your progress!

[@sonsofmccormick1296]

Hey man, that looks incredible! I'm working on a foam armor vest, and now I'm very tempted to try your leather painting techniques... great job!

[@davidgray8681]

Your painting is always amazing dude. Really brings the fabrications to life.

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@seme]

I absolutely LOVE the endresult, it's gorgeous how much effort you put in the making and I adore how you handle the foam here! ♥

[@SKSProps]

Thank You very much!!!

[@blizatrex]

All of the color work is very convincing. Well done.

[@SKSProps]

Wayne Bakken Thanks Wayne!

[@brucecraft5858]

Dude! You have really stepped up your game. Good job.

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@PlanetAlexanderProjects]

Absolutely beautiful, I'll have to incorporate some of these techniques in with my next wasteland themed build!

[@SKSProps]

Thanks and definitely do!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Just blew my mind!!! Unreal techniques here Steve, thanks for this.

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@dennisjohansen8490]

Love your content Steve. It's very inspirational. This is the kind of thing the world needs more of right now. Great work. Keep it up!

[@SKSProps]

Thank You very much!

[@cw4608]

You are an excellent instructor and skilled artist. Thanks for putting the time and effort into these videos.

[@SKSProps]

You are very welcome

[@michaelwolf686]

Amazing paint job. And making this look like real leather. You have gave me so many ideas and inspiration to build things. I would love to see you do any avengers props. So many people do them. But Hardly anyone does them all in foam. No matter what you make I’ll be here for it.

[@SKSProps]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffjohnson6763]

Awesome! I’m using this for my comic accurate Mjolnir handle, and my box of HD foam just arrived, so excited to use it!

[@SKSProps]

Fantastic!! 👍

[@tobynobel5671]

That's phenomenal! I've been wondering how to make very realistic looking leather from foam, thanks! Fallout is one of the best franchises in my opinion 🙂

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@Lattmacey]

Excellent video and production quality!

[@SKSProps]

Acey McLacey Thanks!

[@TheNuSkooler]

Thanks for the video, this was extremely helpful for a project I just did!

[@SKSProps]

You’re welcome!

[@Jaig_Eyes77]

This is incredible! Well done!

[@SKSProps]

Joel Mason Thank You!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

this looks great man. solid work.

[@SKSProps]

Thank you very much!

[@RedCat_Noodle]

Im just getting into EVA and costrume making but this is absolutely AMAZING, thank you!

[@SKSProps]

Welcome to the channel!

[@willsaw6497]

As always good video. Thanks for the tips on leather making, very convincing armor.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks for watching!

[@karenritter2574]

Awesome!! Currently trying to make some shoulder armour for my OC. Thank you.

[@SKSProps]

You are welcome glad I could help!

[@NikaCosplay]

great lesson. a lot of information. thank you for your work!

[@SKSProps]

Thank You! and you are very welcome!

[@brooklynloomis48]

That leather looks sick

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@aaronc7610]

Master at work here...........love the finished leather look

[@SKSProps]

Thank you very much!

[@e.lundbom4578]

This is super. Thanks!

[@SKSProps]

You're welcome!

[@BlueForceSabers]

Great tutorial and paint job again. Would love to see a corroded metal paint.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks and noted!

[@LivingDreadDoll]

This looks amazing!!!

[@SKSProps]

Thank you very much!

[@csvega]

I have learned from you that a quality paint job doesn't really need sealing (plus it can ruin it as I have delt with in the past). A judge in costume contest was amazed this past Dragon Con that my armor wasn't sealed but appeared to be, I credited you for teaching me:)

[@SKSProps]

Fantastic! I absolutely love hearing things like this 👍

[@MissCroft09]

Thanks Dude! This is gonna be very usefull for my Cosplay project :D

[@SKSProps]

Awesome I’m glad I could help! Be sure to tag me so I can see your build!

[@MissCroft09]

@@SKSProps I will :) Following you now on Instagram so I can tag you.

[@DiRtYwHiTeBoii]

Bro.... wow!!!! That is literally insane you can make it look so Authentic

[@SKSProps]

Thank you very much!

[@mobiusmo6152]

Awesome!!11! That's exactly what I need :D Thank you!

[@SKSProps]

You're Welcome!

[@Nicole-gw4qv]

This will be our first time creating our costumes and accessories for a renaissance festival and Halloween , this video is looks very first time friendly, love the fact I'm going to need to buy a drimmel and heat gun!!

[@SKSProps]

That’s great! Glad I could help out 👍

[@Boxhed86]

Your videos are awesome!

[@SKSProps]

Thank you very much!

[@monstermorguetutorials3139]

Wow epic! Great job.

[@SKSProps]

Abdiel Von Grave Digger Thank You!

[@anders3322]

Wow, really excellent work, spot on to the reference material! How do you attach it to your body when cosplaying? Do you sow it directly to a vault suite, or will you make some sort of harness?

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! It would be attached with a parachute clip right under the shoulder pad to the shirt and additional straps would go around my chest and back to keep it in place

[@thecupcakefoxblog]

I came for the amazing paint job but the whole video is super interesting and helpful.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! Glad you liked it 👍

[@bellaarkham]

This was super helpful! Thank you!! I’ll be using this for a Kratos cosplay.

[@SKSProps]

Fantastic! Glad I could help 🙌

[@cmsylvester2408]

Thank you for sharing this incredible technique! As an alternative to using paint to color the string, tea is a great way to dye fabric, lace, string, etc. Purchase inexpensive black tea bags such as Lipton and let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes, then add your string. There's plenty of instructional videos on how to dye using tea or coffee.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@danielanderson8017]

How is this guy not at 1M+ Subs?

[@chloetv1]

mind blown. love it.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@roninelenion4805]

Thank you for this. I have to make some spaulders for Jonathan Joestar cosplay and this will be perfect.

[@SKSProps]

Awesome glad I could help

[@capena82]

This all came out so great! Any chance you have the template available for purchase? :)

[@michaeldiaz6570]

Always amazing

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@Tianshanwarrior]

Amazing skill

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! 👍

[@khill6860]

I don’t cosplay, but I think I need to subscribe because it’s just so beautiful.😁. Surely I can apply this to something in my life.

[@SKSProps]

Yes you can! Thank You!

[@davidlanier2290]

🙏 on fixed income. Every time I see one of your videos and I'm in an art store.... I get closer and closer to having to live indoors doing crafts all day....

[@SKSProps]

Ha! I hear ya art is an expensive hobby

[@abyanchowdhury1667]

Amazing!!

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@bondiggity35]

so awesome 🙌👍

[@SKSProps]

fernando anthunez Thanks!

[@sgiggle7973]

this is so amazing! I want to get into foam cosplay crafting and this kind of tutorial helps me a lot. For some reason the links do not work for me :( I wish I could find the products you are talking about

[@robinh9047]

This looks amazing and really makes me want to try replicating leather! How is your foam different from other EVA foam? I'm just starting out making some armor and am looking at different types of materials.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! My foam is a higher density at a shore 38 hardness than any other brand. so it cuts much easier and cleaner, won’t dull your blade as fast. Plus because it is a higher density its waaaay easier to manipulate, has a smoother surface , and sands so much better than more porous foam

[@dianaisabelgonzalez-zuniga8831]

That was a really goid step by step video. May I ask, what is the board you use for making your templates? Can't quite understand it, but maybe because english isn't my first language 😅

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! It's called Bristol board its a heavy weight paper most people that use it are in the comic book industry

[@ljc.youtube]

very nice, uber cool

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Fabulous! You are a cutie. And a great artist. I just learned about doing this 10 mins ago from a Singer email. Never knew it was possible to sew on foam or cardboard. I'm dying to try this. I have sewing, quilting and cutting machines and supplies but none of your tools. Guess a trip to Jojo or Mike's or maybe Lowes or Home Depot! Then i need a bigger apt and more storage. Thanks. I subbed.😃🙋

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel 🙌

[@ironwolf2277]

Looks cool! Offers the same amount of protection from the video game in real life, too.

[@SKSProps]

😅 you're not wrong 🙌

[@robertrollice2829]

Great job. I’m actually basing my current project on this concept. Thank you. Question: what would happen if you skipped the “string dying part and just painted over the applied string at some point in the painting process?🤔

[@SKSProps]

Not a problem just takes longer that is what I had to actually do on my Dragon Age underarmor

[@kristinkilltastic8570]

How did I not know about you?! I am so glad I found the witches hat video!

[@SKSProps]

Awesome and welcome to the channel!

[@eluriel2355]

que canal tan genial me a ayudado mucho ❤❤❤

[@SKSProps]

awesome! glad I could help

[@CaravanFarms]

My body double is now over 20 years old...I need to make more tape repairs!

[@SKSProps]

Mine is pushing 10 years I should definitely make a new one this next year

[@SupeerFranzi]

Great! And the strips you put on the inside are so clever. 😂 I feel so stupid because Everytime I build something out of foam it flattens again. Now I hope it doesn't happens again. Thank you! Wanna build a female version of kratos.

[@SKSProps]

You’re welcome! 👍👍

[@Ggallardophotography]

Help. Many Questions!! Lol Love this btw. BUT How do you make sure it stays on your shoulder?! Also if you have one of each side…Is there some sort of harness that crosses your body? do you bind the two with the harness? Making my first cosplay costume and needing to learn more.

[@SKSProps]

With a single or dual shoulder pieces yes I’d use 1” nylon or 1”elastic straps to wrap around to keep them in place.

[@patiencebecquet1907]

Phenomenal!!!!

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@diogo.rodrigues.1884]

Hi Steve, Just watching again your video for the layering down the arm and I do have a question of opinion, if it isn't much to ask: I'm planning on doing a 15th century Japanese armour out of foam, but I'm wondering what would be the best to give maneuver ability to the arm: going with elastic straps or trying to cord like the original armours between lackered pieces?

[@SKSProps]

I think cording would look great on the outside like the original armor sets but nothing says that you have to make the underside the same way. I think that elastic strapping would allow more movement and unless you're going into battle would probably be fine

[@diogo.rodrigues.1884]

@@SKSProps thanks Steve. You have no idea the chaotic environment that the armour will most likely have to go through 😅

[@cjfish6349]

Nice

[@SKSProps]

Thank You!

[@GiselaHyuga]

Coooool!! but how do you attach it to your shoulder? 🥺

[@SKSProps]

Just like I had mentioned you’d have elastic or nylon straps cross your chest or through the neck down the sleeve. I’d personally pair it with my combat armor chest piece and attach it to that

[@sugaslate14]

Can you do more of these fallout style builds?

[@SKSProps]

Maybe I’ll be inspired to do so when the live action series comes out

[@NewFoundTerror]

Hey Steve quick question. Why don’t you clear coat or seal your paint work on your props? Thanks for the video’s!!!

[@SKSProps]

I usually do not clear coat because the coating is either matte, semi gloss, or gloss so it kills the effect of the paint itself over the entire prop. That's also why I only use heavy body acrylics because they are richer and have a higher pigment count. So in the end the paints do what they do and because I'm not going into battle they hold up well.

[@Alphatechaustin]

I love it

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! 🙌

[@alexiuslovett5452]

I had to make a shoulder piece for Halloween. I should have watched this first, but how do you get it to stay on your shoulder without extra support pieces?

[@SKSProps]

I used elastic through the collar and around the armpit 👍

[@aszeria]

Even though Flexbond is non-toxic, would you recommend still wearing a respirator when using it or do you think wearing one is not necessary? I've been wanting to make the switch and stop using Plastidip for everything.

[@SKSProps]

You don't need to wear a respirator with flexbond which is great for people that may not have a space to spray plastidip. Also if your prop gets crushed you can still use a heat gun to make it bounce back and it won't bother the flexbond

[@ramirezkarlos1978]

Can I use Mod Podge to seal my foam instead of the flexbond?

[@SKSProps]

You sure can! just be aware if your foam creases with flexbond you can heat it with a heat gun and it will pop back, it won’t with mod podge

[@jameshopkins5702]

The cell phone that you’re using is it the same phone that you used to do headliners in cars?

[@SKSProps]

I get what you mean. And I have seen a couple of people use my foam in headliners. Just depends on what density works for you

[@davidweidenaar7595]

Didn’t see where it was listed. What did you use for the thread? It’s nice and thick

[@SKSProps]

Nothing special It was just a spool of thick white cotton thread from Joann’s

[@davidweidenaar7595]

SKS Props thank you!

[@mrwisker]

Can you do a shiny metal armor tutorial?

[@SKSProps]

Mr W on the list 👍

[@LightSubscriber]

Can you combine HD-Foam and Thibra to make props?

[@SKSProps]

Sure you can use Thibra or Worbla in combination with my foam

[@cwhyde36]

How are you attaching it to your arm as finished product?

[@SKSProps]

I use 1" elastic straps to keep it in place on the shoulder and upper arm

[@KowaiPoltergeist]

3:00 How long does this normally take to dry? Also, fantastic video by the way!

[@SKSProps]

Thanks! Spray adhesive is usually tacky in about 5-7 minutes it can differ depending on how cold the room is

[@jermaineabrahams2483]

an Artist not a cosplayer. an Artist

[@SKSProps]

🙌🙌

[@sonicfreak04]

can I make a strong belt or a scabbard out of eva foam?

[@SKSProps]

You can make just about anything out of foam. For belts I’d recommend to back them with 1” nylon

[@greenfireproductions8629]

How do u keep the shoulder armor from not falling off ??

[@SKSProps]

Depends on how much armor your making. If you’ve got two just attach them together like football shoulder pads. With this one it has 1” nylon that attaches then loops around my body under the armpit on the opposite side

[@greenfireproductions8629]

@@SKSProps ah that’s what i was thinking but I didn’t see it thanks for the info

[@jakeangell]

Was curious, I bought some HD Foam through BLICK (I didnt realize that I should click through you BUT will next time! Sorry!) I didnt see you use the Foam Clay in this video BUT how does adhering the Foam Clay to a piece of HD Foam work? Does it work to put the foam clay on the HD Foam to dry? OR build your details out of the clay then adhere, then sand? Is there a way to make them look like part of the HD Foam? The clay parts? Maybe someone has tried this? I wanna grab some Clay Foam online and just want to make sure it work the way I am thinking. Thanks!

[@SKSProps]

jake angell hey first off thanks for the support! You can build with foam clay either way. You can build separate and glue it to the foam or wet the foam and press the foam clay onto it and it will adhere. Check out my keyblade video and the beetle video where I show that method.

[@toddverciglio9200]

what type of glue was used? Is the bond instant?

[@SKSProps]

I used several types of glue 3m 90 spray adhesive for the large piece and yes it is pretty instant. I also used bob smith superglue for smaller details and it is also instant

[@toddverciglio9200]

@@SKSProps thank you, I was asking about the super glue. I am looking for something with great adhesion and a fast bond...no time to wait

[@SKSProps]

@@toddverciglio9200 Gotcha I have a link in the video description to go right to the brand I love to use

[@stephenrenwick8781]

VERY Fallout 4 looking armour.

[@SKSProps]

Thanks!

[@mikepantoja1113]

Hey… do you sell the patters of this ? Please!

[@SKSProps]

No it’s a simple enough design just to draw out on poster board to fit your shoulder

[@rockinHurley777]

Yay armor!!!!! 💪😎

[@SKSProps]

Armor for the win!

[@rockinHurley777]

@@SKSProps im glad you finally made some!

[@SKSProps]

@@rockinHurley777 Diamond City guard is still on my list of costumes at some point

[@michaeltolbert25]

wow this was posted on my 18th birthday lmao

[@Nightmarex357x]

You should always says how long truly took you to make all your props. 👍

[@SKSProps]

On average though it wouldn’t be accurate because I could make them waaaay faster if I wasn’t having to film and move the camera around

[@sharontaylor6441]

He looks like Leo Drcaprio.

[@lucavpollaccia847]

the template is present on your site? *_*

[@SKSProps]

No, but you don’t need a template for this it’s just simple shapes The main part of the video is as about how to paint fake leather vs the shoulder pad construction

[@georgegotjokes]

I was waiting the whole video to see how to attach it to the shoulder but nothing. No one ever shows that part lol

[@SKSProps]

That is something I can cover in another video specifically on strapping. It really would need a whole video to cover the bases. But if this was a finished costume piece I would use nylon straps and parachute clips to either wrap around my chest or they would be sewn into the shirt to make it seamless.

[@georgegotjokes]

@@SKSProps That'd be great to see. Thank you!

[@leahcim3010]

I always thought super glue would eat the foam away, how is this not happening here?

[@SKSProps]

Super glue can eat XPS/insulation foam but not Eva foam

[@BabyBishRemy]

The Flexbond is OOS at Blink. Bummer.

[@SKSProps]

It’s out of stock everywhere in the US and Canada flexbond is having supply issues

[@Samp26789]

WOOW~👍 👍 Best good my style~👏 👏 south korea 🇰🇷 Ya hoo~👄