How To - Seal EVA Foam Props & Costumes with Neoprene - Creature Cast

[@ninjakat26]

As a cosplayer, I don't know how I had never heard of this channel till I saw it in Jazza's blog but this has to be one of the most useful channels ever on the face of youtube. I'm coming here when stuck on something from now on. I JUST LEARNED HOW TO PROPERLY SEAL FOAM AND I'M HYPED!

[@redjack2629]

a fun thing with the latex is that you can brush on powder pigments while it's still tacky. It'll detack your surface and give a pretty spiffy finish. I've only done this with metallics (both solid and color-shift) though, so Idunno how matte the finish would be with, say, a plain carbon black. And no, after you give it a quick rubdown with a soft, lintless cloth, it won't rub off on you.

[@punishedprops]

+Red Jack That is an AWESOME tip!

[@redjack2629]

Punished Props - Hah, thanks. I did this with a pair of LARP maces I got commissioned to make, and the powder-brushed spots, which are all on the striking surfaces, are still looking good after six months. Six months in LARP is... Well, more stress than your average cosplay prop will ever see. :P

[@lindsayaries4756]

Thanks Bill! This is exactly what I needed for a costume I'm working on right now!

[@KonaRaven]

I used Creature Cast today and it is such an amazing product. It goes on easy and covers a lot of area with very little. I only used 2 coats but it was enough for my project. Thanks for the video!

[@punishedprops]

+Kona Raven That is excellent!

[@x31omega]

Love the idea you put together for your spray painting station with the fan, window and airfilter. Great job on the video keep em coming. Again as always you guys rock.

[@punishedprops]

Thanks so much!

[@NaoRonin]

Bill thanks for posting this video I went out and got some creature cast and the thickening agent. I started using it and I will never look back. Thanks again!

[@punishedprops]

Excellent!

[@netherworkscostumes1003]

Nice to see more examples of neoprene, I remember evil ted mentioned creature cast in one of his videos and it looks like a lot of fun to play around with. Very informative video.

[@punishedprops]

Thanks! It's great stuff.

[@MrKholcombe]

Bill thank you so much for all you share. I'm adapting the skyrim armor for a steampunk application as well as my first self designed and fabricated costume. My daughter wants a Tin Woodsman. Again, y'all rock and I hope you're at Dragon*Con this year!

[@punishedprops]

+Keith Holcombe Hurray! We will be at Dragon Con.

[@VvTheMuFFinManvV]

Thanks Man! I need to make a new helmet and this series is super helpful. Also that foam smith book rocks.

[@punishedprops]

+TheMuFFinMan Splendid!

[@sfcelebnaur]

Woot! More foam sealing! Thank you Bill!

[@punishedprops]

You're welcome! =D

[@GraceWillow]

UM. ORDERING THIS RIGHT NOW!!!

[@punishedprops]

+ZonZonZonbi You're gonna love it!

[@jimmyjam3187]

Aaaa, you're Adam Ellis's girlfriend, and were on the cosplay show on TV! You're amazing!

[@dralin350]

I'm super enjoying the tutorials. I'm diving into EVA currently. A friend mentioned plastidip for sealing. I was wondering what your input on this verses the ones you mention. Thanks!

[@LonelyJester]

your videos are the best and the neoprene sealant looks crazy , I loved it, but was wondering what are other options in case I cant get it or dont have enough money!?

[@kennethmterry1]

You and Evil Ted have been great for a Father of and Avid Comic Reader. We have a Local Comic Book Start Up Store my Son has recently become a patron of. They put on their first Comic Con Mini this past weekend. He was very pleased to walk in with his Deadpool Costume good old Dad made for him including a EVA Foam Helmet. He was the star of the show and everyone asked how I was able to make such a Rad Costume. I simply said "KZbin Punished Props and Evil Ted are your Two stops you need to check out". Anyway... Thanks for all of the Help on his costume. Halloween is coming up and Star Wars is calling my Name. I may try my hand at Sintra fabrication this time as I desperately want a Mando Costume for myself. I would love to see you do some Sintra tutorials soon.

[@punishedprops]

+Kenneth Terry That is SO amazing. Keep up the great work. =D

[@Red-zv2xt]

I've been wanting to use neoprene to seal props and such for my comissions! I like that it can be sanded to get rid of imperfections of the surface. If you happen to see this, would you still recommend it as a primer?

[@billybike57]

I know that you've probably talked about your spray gun in earlier episodes, any chance you can pass that along once more? I really like the "mason jar" for the spray can.

[@punishedprops]

It's Bill's Critter spray siphon gun. It's specifically designed to spray thicker materials that you can't run through a typical airbrush. amzn.to/1PWDEZ0 - Paige

[@kathleensmith7240]

If we aren't as well stocked with a spray applicator, would it be safe to say you could brush on thin layers of creaturecast and sand back any heinous beush strokes? Looking at options--loving these videos!

[@punishedprops]

You can definitely brush on layers no problem! The neoprene DOES sand down a little bit, but not as much as other materials. The smoothest application is probably spray, but depending on the brush you use you could get a great finish too! Try it out on a small test piece so you know how much you can sand it first. - Paige

[@jasonking7570]

Daaamn this stuff seems awesome! Would you say the spray gun is somewhat essential, or does it just help make application easier? Cuz if its not essential, I may have to get some of this Edit: Just looked up the product information. Spraying does not appear to be necessary

[@punishedprops]

Nope! you can brush it on :)

[@ulyssesvazquez387]

Did you use acetone to clean spray gun? also which sprayer are you using? New to hobby...

[@Sumblueguy41]

Good stuff there, Bill; ordering my batch worth of the stuff too. But estimated, what was the dry time between coats when you did it?

[@punishedprops]

It depends on how thick you lay it down. Anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour.

[@eddiedante3356]

Hey Punished Props, (or anyone that stumbles across this), this May sound like a very silly question. Could you use a HVLP spray gun to prevent that “shoot gun” over spray? I’m just trying to mitigate the amount of sanding to get that smooth surface.

[@juliancisco8558]

Does creature cast need silicone sprayed on to it to keep it from cracking like how latex and plasti-dip do? And is creature cast soft enough to hit people with, would it be suitable for a LARP weapon?

[@samaker4]

Cool tips Bill, thanks.

[@punishedprops]

+sa-maker You're welcome!

[@ParkersandQuinn]

Thanks for this Bill!

[@punishedprops]

You're welcome!

[@anthonycronon523]

Can you let Creature cast completely dry before adding another layer on it or do you still want it slightly tacky the way Evil Ted says to do with latex

[@punishedprops]

+Anthony Cronon Yes you can.

[@faustcompany4599]

Yes, Bill's correct. As a side note, the more rigid the formula, the more tenaciously adhesive it is.

[@mibberz1]

im yet again impressed but it might be because its 2am in belgium, i wish you had a template for 15thc medieval armour

[@mibberz1]

also im looking at making a flame thrower for my Mandalorian armour any ideas how i could make it starwars ish and on the cheaper side?

[@kyleswan106]

Hi Bill! Do you plan on sharing how you put together the Voltron helmet? I believe you built it a Silicon Valley Comic Con, but didn't film it. Will it be shared on Tested in the future? I'm most interested how you constructed the groove in the back. Thanks!

[@punishedprops]

+Kyle Swan Tested filmed it. There will be a video on their site soon.

[@artsculpture1024]

Such an amazing and helpful channel

[@punishedprops]

+DARK RIDE - Nightmare on Wheels Awe, thank you!

[@faustcompany4599]

Bill's the bestest!

[@titanterrainstudio]

Still pretty new to cosplay builds, but would general big box store spray paints work on this after finishing as well? Definitely sold on this vs latex rubber if it takes acrylic easier.

[@punishedprops]

Yeah you could use a rattle can on a piece like this, since it's a helmet and won't really flex at all.

[@titanterrainstudio]

@@punishedprops nice! Would you have problems with things like bracers or breastplates? In particular dbz style saiyan armor?

[@alexvalealexvale1105]

hello bill :) have you try to seal with the new " flexipaint"? look like it's a great product to avoid crack e wrinkles

[@punishedprops]

+Alexvale Alexvale I got some. Haven't had a chance to try it yet.

[@LonelyWatchtower]

you're awesome thank you for the tutorials! I do have a question though. You mentioned that Bondo is easier to smooth out or to blend in, but does Bondo not work well with foam? why do u prefer the kwik seal on this material over the Bondo?

[@punishedprops]

I prefer Kwik Seal for foam because its flexible. Bondo dries extremely rigid and will crack when the foam flexes and doesn't sand as well on foam compared to other materials. I prefer Bondo on hard, rigid materials.

[@LonelyWatchtower]

Punished Props Academy ah I see. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

[@johnblack5616]

What psi do you use on your air compressor for spraying this onto a project?

[@Max_Money_AWA]

Chinbeard the patron saint of sanding. 0:-)

[@marcusloscalzo882]

Hey Bill, I'm making a full head helmet for a costume and I need some advise on what I should seal it with. I'm trying to get a semi-gloss metallic look, with no natural texture, that can be weathered and painted. I need the helmet to be able to withstand the abuse of being worn in hot outdoor elements and not crack if it is stretched when being put on. Would you recommend plasti-dip, neoprene, epsilon or silicone to seal the foam?

[@punishedprops]

Here’s our video detailing many ways to seal your foam prop and costumes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5iZg6Zma6t4ps0 You might want to try Epsilon epoxy and sand it nice and smooth.

[@dorianav]

Hi there! Is there another substitute for the rubber? I'd love to use it but I live pretty far away and shipping costs are expensive? Maybe I can get something similar. Is this the same they use for neoprene suits? Sorry if it's a dumb question

[@punishedprops]

No question is dumb! You can also use things like PlastiDip to achieve a similar, but not sandable coating. Neoprene rubber is different from the neoprene fabric used for wet suits :)

[@Cotygeek]

I know you've covered how to do it digitally but could you do a more in-depth tutorial on up-scaling patterns by hand?

[@Kam-go3bc]

Any alternatives to this that would be available in Europe? Would urethane rubber work as well and be sandable or is it more like latex?

[@alfrednorris1895]

What's the psi on your compressor for that sprayer? I'm thinking of buying a unit, but not sure what to buy. Theoretically I'd like something that would spray silicone (EcoFlex or DragonSkin), but wanted your opinion of what would push this neoprene. Thanks.

[@punishedprops]

Around 25 PSI.

[@g-manisawesome2342]

sweet, new video!!!

[@wayn3w]

6:24 Can you please show us how to make an EVA foam rider cap like what's on the head form?

[@UnstoppableForceProductions]

Without sanding it would look great as galvanized steel! Just throw some silver rub n buff on it and add some weathering!

[@punishedprops]

Totally!

[@bobbiac]

cool videos. Would it be a good idea to start sealing and then use the filler? Or maybe mix some of the sealer into your filling compound? Only reason I ask is because you don't seem to be happy with how it worked out in the previous video.

[@punishedprops]

+Robert Cusick That might be worth experimenting with.

[@AlphaProto]

Does Neoprene have the same flexible properties as latex? I use latex to skin my upholstery monster costumes.I don't think I am allergic to latex, but it does make me feel bad working with it. Would neoprene be a good alternative?

[@punishedprops]

+AlphaProto Yes, give it a try. Creature cast has more and less flexible options.

[@faustcompany4599]

Works great for upholstery monsters!

[@samanthabork817]

Hey Bill & Brit! Any idea if you can use creature cast rubber on rigid insulation foam? I'm wondering weather it contains compounds similar to barge cement that may melt it if I try to coat it. Thanks!!

[@punishedprops]

+Samantha Bork I haven't tried it, but I bet it would work.

[@faustcompany4599]

Works great for that! No solvents to worry about. Totally safe and chemically inert. Will not melt foam.

[@EricBrowningCosplay]

Does this stuff stick to 3D printed ABS or PLA? I'd love to toughen up an upcoming print.

[@punishedprops]

For 3D prints, I would stick to something like XTC 3D from Smooth-On.

[@EricBrowningCosplay]

I use XTC already, was just looking for alternatives, thanks!

[@DeltaWolf1000]

I do indeed have latex allergy, so this is handy. Availability in Australia? Also been wanting to try the "chipped paint" look. I can't use latex, I can't use mustard. I've heard toothpaste could be used for this?

[@punishedprops]

+DeltaWolf1000 No idea on Australia availability. Toothpaste works.

[@DeltaWolf1000]

With the toothpaste just use it in the same manner as you would latex or mustard?

[@faustcompany4599]

Yes we ship to Australia! Contact us at www.creaturecastrubber.com

[@georgedunn7573]

So how far does 1 gallon go? Will it cover a full costume like Master Chief? Or will it last for multiple costumes?

[@punishedprops]

+George Dunn I bet it would last more than one costume.

[@faustcompany4599]

When coating foam, it goes a LONG way. 4-5 hundred square feet.

[@jackpeters4489]

dude is there any chance you could do a tutorial on a power ranger helmet perhaps out of EVA foam ? I've been incapable of finding anything helpful

[@punishedprops]

Sorry I'm not planing that specific build, but some tinkering with my basic helmet template tutorial should get you most of the way there.

[@AndrewHasara]

Do you thin the neoprene before your spray it? Do you use water, water with ammonia (like latex), or something else?

[@punishedprops]

+Andrew Hasara it did not need to be thinned. If anything, I think it could be thicker.

[@AndrewHasara]

Thanks. I have been working up the courage to spend the money on some, and you sold me on the fact that it can be sanded!

[@michaelsuffi8505]

yeah!second to comment. love the video, ive been trying to find a good sealer

[@sernigel9619]

hey I got a question. if i were to do this, how durable would this be? can I give it a beating or would I be better off using fiberglass?

[@faustcompany4599]

Ser Nigel It is SUPER durable and can take a serious beating.

[@H22-z6e]

Can you use rubber cement paint over the liquid neoprene ??

[@punishedprops]

I think so? I'm not sure

[@danielstonebraker7099]

The website says the neoprene can be polished with a felt wheel or acetone, any luck attempting this?

[@punishedprops]

We haven't tried that yet.

[@faustcompany4599]

You can use all kinds of abrasives on it, felt, nylon and wire wheels, sanding sponges, sand paper, scouring pads etc. acetone will break down neoprene so you must use it sparingly, if at all.

[@VariablePenguin]

What would you say is the best option for someone to seal EVA if they don't have access to an air compressor?

[@punishedprops]

+VariablePenguin Use whatever your favorite method is. You'll just have to brush it on. Brush marks may be an issue. For a sprayed option, PlastiDip may be the best bet.

[@mikepercival7424]

I've used creature cast with just a brush and it works pretty well. Took me a couple tries to get a nice thin layer each time.

[@diegator]

The second layer didn't go on so well, right? I tried it last night, and it seems like it'll pool on if the underlying layers are already dry. If brushed on before the underlying layer is fully dry, I ended up with more visible brush strokes.

[@punishedprops]

I think that is the case. I think it'll be less of an issue if I thicken it more. I got some more thickener, so I'll test it out on my next foam build.

[@diegator]

I'm going to try the thickener this weekend as well!

[@faustcompany4599]

Yes, the thickener will help with surface tension/fish eyeing/pooling.

[@protochrisx]

It looks like Creature Cast says you can apply it with an airbrush. I see you use your Critter gun, have you tried it with an airbrush?

[@punishedprops]

I have not. The Critter sprays way more material, so it was idea for this project.

[@protochrisx]

Damn, I'll keep looking to see if anybody has. It would be convenient to only need one gun and one compressor instead of two. Also, saw from another video that you're in Seattle. Greetings from Ballard.

[@SarahMaeBea]

I recently emailed Creature Cast this question and they said an airbrush will work as well!

[@kjjk2009]

Would i be able to just brush on all my layers and then sand it down so i dont see any brush strokes?

[@punishedprops]

You could, but brushing over existing layers that DO have brushstrokes will create and inherently uneven finish. Your best bet for a smooth finish is to sand between layers so that each time you put a new layer down, it's on as smooth a surface as possible. If you want to try that out though, grab a small piece of foam and brush on your layers, then sand once at the end and see how you like that finish compared to sanding between layers. It might be the case that simply sanding at the end gets you a finish you're perfectly happy with! - Paige

[@punishedprops]

Yup!

[@urartcray]

could you please make yondu's original fin from gaurdians of the galaxy?!

[@evilB300]

hello i am fairly new at this i am planing on making a destiny warlock helmet with foam, but like i do not have much money to but fancy stuff. what can i use to seal the foam to make it kinda plastic ish and stil be able to spray paint? i heard about plasti dip?

[@adrianschulz9063]

evilB300 my advice was, buy Woodglue Based on pva and Sand it after it dried. But you should consider woodglue is not as flexible as neoprene so be carefull when using the helmed.

[@punishedprops]

+evilB300 Plasti Dip is good. Also consider Mod Podge.

[@alaskankare]

anyone know if this stuff can be shipoed to alaska? I cant even order solar generators because of the batteries. :( does this count as a hazardous material? Thanks for the video! love em

[@punishedprops]

+alaskankare You'll have to ask the folks at Creature Cast.

[@faustcompany4599]

We. An definitely ship to Alaska. Not hazardous at all. Contact us through www.creaturecastrubber.com

[@bcostell69]

Cool

[@glenrose33]

how do you go about making a STARWARS stormtrooper helmet?

[@dillonhunt1743]

will rattle can spray paints adhere well to this without cracking?

[@punishedprops]

+Dillon Hunt Depends wildly on the spray paint you use.

[@dillonhunt1743]

I'm actually working on the same voltron armor, but I don't have an airbrush or critter gun. Would you recommend testors spray paint for models?

[@BurnChris518]

Is it okay to hit the kwik sealed foam with heat?? I hear it re-opens up your seams.

[@punishedprops]

I think a little heat is OK. Too much will burn the foam and potential melt the Kwik Seal.

[@RaymondOreFineArt]

Does anyone know if you can get this in the UK?

[@faustcompany4599]

Raymond Ore Fine Art we can ship to you directly. Contact us through www.creaturecastrubber.com

[@damiendominguez320]

Hi from france this one is only available in USA, sad.

[@faustcompany4599]

Damien Dominguez we can ship to France! Contact us at www.creaturecastrubber.com

[@StephenOsirusCovers]

nice

[@stellamitema5387]

Please do nova's helmet please😀

[@musicapimba]

do the Daredevil helmet!!

[@exaltdragon]

Can't help but notice that according to their website it says that it can be chemically smoothed with acetone. :thinking:

[@punishedprops]

+exaltdragon Ooh I didn't see that! I need to give it a try.

[@faustcompany4599]

Do it carefully as acetone will break down neoprene

[@guillermonavarro5073]

right now i m on way to make the elit knight armor from dark souls but i dont now how to make the helmet (because it's made of 3 parts that 2 are the visor) please help. pd:And sorry for my english i'm not native.

[@punishedprops]

+Mr.Jodanvsky You can start with my basic template as a base and just keep adding to it. You will have to experiment a lot, but you'll get it.

[@guillermonavarro5073]

Okey thanks also, if you know about wich helmet im doing what size of eva foam shoud i buy?

[@aimeewright2469]

Is there an Australian alternative?

[@punishedprops]

I’m sorry, but I don’t know if there is.

[@aimeewright2469]

@@punishedprops thanks anyways

[@misterwipes9568]

I'm making a prop and I'm using insulation foam and I have to make a curved cut all I have is a utility knife it's kinda hard ,any tips?

[@punishedprops]

+Whitman Donald Invest in a rotary tool. It'll make it way easier to carve curved shapes.

[@misterwipes9568]

I used mine and it worked I guess I didn't think of that but thanks

[@nixland]

How is Plastidip compared to this? thanks

[@punishedprops]

+nixland PlastiDip is easier to apply from a spray can, but I like the finish and durability from the neoprene better. Being able to sand the neoprene is a huge bonus too.

[@nixland]

+Punished Props I see. I will try it. Thanks

[@The442nd]

Isn't Plastidip good enough?

[@punishedprops]

+The442nd There are many ways and reasons to seal foam. Here's more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5iZg6Zma6t4ps0

[@faustcompany4599]

Plasti-dip is extremely toxic.

[@GeminautVA]

@@faustcompany4599 so am I

[@sparkymularkey6970]

I have never gotten a smooth texture with Plastidip. I've followed all the recommendations and it's never worked. Neoprene seems a lot easier.

[@JGDeRuvo]

$75 a gallon?!

[@Lolturtle145]

As he said, it goes a long way. If you're doing cosplay as a hobby and not a job, I can imagine it lasting 2-3 years per gallon, or more, depending on your material choices.

[@drumsaredope]

highly doubt it will last 2-3 years. you can go through about 3 cans of plastidip in one armor project

[@drumsaredope]

I agree $75 a gallon seems way marked up. I'll stick to plastidip.

[@Lolturtle145]

Like I said, if you're like me and it's a hobby, and you do one maybe two costumes a year, it'd probably last a long while. Plus the brushing and sanding options come with that cost. Not saying you MUST use this, lol, just trying to make reason of why someone might buy it.

[@SilverScreenMassage]

difference is a coat of creature coat is like a teaspoon worth of material, 3 coats on a batch of armor (4 sets of bracers, grieves, tassets, 24 inch shields and one breastplate) used up about 3 inches of the gallon container. I have found it much more cost effective with better detail than plastidip.

[@TrappedInTheMatrix]

We should meet up sometime! I live just north of you

[@fordguyfordguy]

so distracted by the over exaggerated hand movements - but great content!

[@punishedprops]

Thanks for watching!

[@biggabossariiel]

I will quite my life and work for you

[@JomasterTheSecond]

I'm not a millionaire, so I think I'll just stick with Mod Podge and Plastidip for now...

[@punishedprops]

Funny enough, by volume, the Neoprene is cheaper than both of those. Neoprene is about $.59 an ounce and Mod Podge is about $.75 an ounce. PlastiDip is nearly a dollar an ounce!

[@JomasterTheSecond]

Cool! Shame I don't have a large amount of money to drop at once :P Plus, exchange rates and shipping kinda screw up the pricing too...

[@punishedprops]

What I like to do it go in on a large order with some friends. I did this with a buddy on a 5 gallon order of latex rubber and we split the cost.

[@faustcompany4599]

Jomaster The Second Pints are available on website now so you don't have to spend too much until you know you like it.