The Ultimate Guide to Sealing Foam Props and Costumes - Prop: Shop

[@shizusaki8]

since i keep coming back to this video i made a timestamp list (mostly for myself but maybe it'll be useful to someone!) 1:09 *EVA FOAM* 1:41 *NO SEALING PRODUCT* 2:08 heat sealing 2:21 paint 3:51 spray paint *RUBBERS* 4:45 latex rubber 6:16 neoprene 7:00 *PVA GLUES* wood glue, flexbond, mod podge 9:37 *PLASTIDIP* (and flexidip) 11:05 *EPOXIES* xtc-3d, epsilon 12:53 epsilon pro 13:23 *URETHANES* smoothcast 300 14:03 urecoat 15:19 C-C-C-C-COMBO

[@GeektoStudios]

This is now my favourite video. I'm coming back to this everytime I grab my heat gun and floor foam

[@mckennamonheim2249]

BILL (and everyone) I HAVE ANOTHER AMAZING AND CHEAP WAY TO SEAL FOAM!!! There is an acrylic medium called GAC 900. it is a medium that you mix with acrylic paint and it makes it VERY flexible, I use it all the time now

[@severinsuveren5117]

McKenna Monheim noice

[@terrahbruner]

The word GAC makes me think of webkinz. Thanks for the tipp

[@SynthornCosplay]

Hi I have some questions about this stuff. I’ve never seen it used on foam, only on shoes/shirts. Does it allow for more paint to go on top of it after it dries? Is it toxic as they say? And do you have any videos demonstrating how the process works on foam?

[@DaedalusProps]

I get so many people calling me insane for using a blow torch. I mean I am insane and they are right, but hey dude, it works.

[@CazM]

For sealing the foam before priming and painting?

[@quietrioter]

Heat sealing the most metal way....maybe using lava

[@lonelyrebel_]

i use a candle

[@jackneiner7322]

You guys are doing it all wrong, you need to just fly straight to the surface of the sun

[@monsterslovetacos2812]

We are just starting out on foamsmithing and were curious about this. We went out just today and got Plastidip and I think it's a good choice for the things we're making for Halloween. Thanks for the information! -Casey

[@zenku41]

Thank you very much for this video, I'm barely starting on the EVA prop making world and this was very educational!

[@FrozenGuineaPig]

That tiny bottle of Urecoat is just too precious. Thank you for making this video though, it is super helpful!

[@partyhatlion]

Hey guys! I have a tendency to do very light coats of Plastidip, leaving a bumpy finish, and I just wanted to note that while it sands horribly, I've had a lot of success smoothing the texture using VM&P Naphtha (respirator required!) and a gloved finger.

[@KanuckStreams]

*Saves to a playlist, copies URL into a notebook so he will never lose it.*

[@CarlMateo]

Doctor Discord *Loses notebook*

[@origamikira]

RIGHT, ty for reminding me :D

[@1ManOnFir3]

Bill I just discovered the best way ever to seal a paint job but you know more than me so I want to share it. It's called Minwax indoor/outdoor Helmsman Spar Urethene. It comes in both spray and brush on, and different finishes. It's flexible and VERY durable, and probably could be used to seal foam too but I haven't tried it. It is similar to floor wax (but way better.)

[@melissaquinn1463]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For doing the work, for assuming the expense of testing, for sharing what you've learned.

[@AnarchoFuturist]

Thank you for everything you do! I bought both your books and I'm in the process of converting my garage into a prop/costume workshop.

[@katanyookatavatin1703]

This video is great! Sealing foam is a huge problem for me. Now I know how to seal foam with different kind of products, and know the pros and cons. Thank you so much!!!

[@SandmanLocke]

Timing for this is perfect. I'm in a time crunch for my con next week and this helped out a lot!

[@kurtgruber796]

This realy helps me a lot picking the right product for my ( in "Blueprint State") Armor. Many thx to both of you.

[@budliv]

Thanks guys!!! now I'm gonna end up spending even MORE money with smooth-on than I was originally planning. "the more you know"....the lighter your wallet gets lol. great video though. also I have been using rustoleum filler primer and then plasti-dip for props that don't need to bend and have gotten some great finishes. super smooth with enough sanding of course

[@ryankrammes8245]

I'm gonna guess this video will continue to bring in views for a long time, great job!

[@cleverbast594]

For things that I've covered with black Worbla I really like filler automotive primer. It sands beautifully!

[@christopherhereford2595]

I work at a Michael’s art store and would like to add a way you can get the material(s) you need. Use our online store and check to see if the store near you carries your item. Before going in though call up to the Michael’s store and ask them to check their stock before coming up there. There should be an item number on the products page of the Michael’s website. Give the person on the phone and wait for someone to bring it up and they should (depending on what it is) be able to put it on hold for you. If they do not have the item a great option is to do an in-store pickup. By doing this, you pay online and they ship your item(s) to the store of your choosing. And the best part is that by doing an in-store pickup you don’t have to pay shipping.

[@punishedprops]

Great tip, thanks for sharing! =D

[@Grimfaxe]

Thank you guys!! This is an rediculusy good guide! And Im at this stage of my costume making right now so the timeing couldnt be better!!!

[@loneshadow0844]

This helps a lot. Although i don't know if I can complete a full Dead Space Engineer suit within a month.

[@McKnoxyKnox]

Awesome and informative video :) I haven't used a wide range of materials to seal but my favourite for foam is PVA and then plasti-dip and for worbla its gesso and then mod podge :)

[@jeremyhunt8920]

This was excellent, and hugely helpful.

[@leew5090]

Since I'm on a pretty extreme budget, I generally use regular school glue, it acts just like Mod Podge but takes about six layers to be properly paintable

[@punishedprops]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@seanpinkey2188]

"Hand-cannon" is the street term for revolvers. I know you all play video games, but Britt is a verified lethal gangster.

[@RetroChalet]

Bill & Britt I love you guys

[@punishedprops]

Awe, thank you! =)

[@chrismapley7513]

u guys r great I was wondering what to use now I know how much appreciated thank you

[@PhantomGun4]

interesting to watch. tho, what i'm looking forward to design i think i most likely would be wearing resin plastic parts instead of foam. think something on the lines of Daft Punk but, more than just the helmet and hands.

[@Zulfburht]

when brushing on clear coats in woodshop we were told to use only foam brushes to avoid streaks and brush marks

[@punishedprops]

That's a good idea.

[@meylincruzify]

Thanks I learn a Lot!

[@punishedprops]

You're welcome!

[@beatlebabe1969]

Damn I just finished sealing my chest armour too fml I was cheap and used wood glue...

[@beatlebabe1969]

Wow thanks for replying! The timing of this video was excellent for me haha. It's only a problem for the armor I made for my dog since it doesn't bend very well, but it still looks pretty good for my first foam build 👍🏼

[@anotherjumpycrafter]

Which one of these methods would be useful for sealing large cracks or seams?

[@frozencrazytuna]

Hey Bill and Brittany, awesome video! VERY informative. Do you guys plan on doing a brief overview of the voice changer in your Mechanist costume?

[@julienboreau]

Very cool vidéo, ....but ... the best is the final scene :) How can you build this robot-voice ? Thank-you for all that stuff :)

[@punishedprops]

You're so very welcome! Here's a video where I talk about adding the voice to my Mechanist helmet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGzYYCnoqabZ8U

[@BlissfullyEvil]

So helpful! Quick question: is varnish flexible, and does it work on Worbla?

[@punishedprops]

It depends on what kind of varnish - there are now products like the Valour Clear Coat by Poly-Props Ltd that is a special, flexible finish. If you're making something like a pauldron that doesn't really need to flex, a regular varnish is probably fine! But something that gets flexed a lot will likely need something more flexible

[@BlissfullyEvil]

@@punishedprops Thanks! I’m just terrified of cracks after one of my other projects cracking up!!

[@LAKster]

Great vid, this is going to help me loads in the future :D

[@mrjacob1000]

Is there a substance that makes foam like hard plastic for certain projects

[@tryhead]

super helpful! kickass your guys

[@cloroxbleach6673]

This video is like my 10 commandments

[@thello77]

I've had good luck so far with Weldwood as an adhesive. You mentioned it's not so great? I was using E-6000 before but man, Weldwood spreads creamy over huge surfaces like a dream and bonds to it's mate fast. E-6000 always spread all gummy.

[@thello77]

LOVE your videos, by the way

[@punishedprops]

There are two types of Weldwood. The red can and the green can. The green can is water based and is not a great adhesive for EVA foam. The red can is pretty great.

[@thello77]

Thanks for the information! I luckily got the Red Weldwood! LOL

[@Xoroxouselric]

Trying to make warhammer vampire counts armor and the latex rubber sealant seems to be the best way to go. But i checked poly latex 60 and it says it has been discontinued.

[@Ginn31]

Question : Do I have to sand the first layer? Like after spraying on a primer? I have to sand the primer layer AND THEN paint on? And then spay over the paint to seal. Is that the process???

[@sfcelebnaur]

I really like how durable Urecoat is and it's shine. It's too bad about it's paint issues. Is there any suggestion when trying to do dry brushing or weathering? I know SO is available for URecoat. Is there any suggestions for adding another sealer on top of URecoat that would allow a bit of sanding?

[@sfcelebnaur]

I actually phoned them and tried to talk to them on there help line, its been a week or so, yet to hear back unfortunately. I appreciate them having that help line though.

[@sydneyrehmke9598]

Can I use art and glow resin? will it work the same?

[@wereshnefer]

So Modge Podge (and by extension other PVA glues) are good for covering seams? I'll have to try that out. I was planning on grabbing some Creature Cast for my current project since it sounds like it's got the flexibility and acrylic adhesion I'm going to need, but I've had concerns about trying to use Dap or similar to fix up seams. This is a tremendously timely video for me. Thanks guys!

[@cavebearstudio6517]

Smooth-Cast 45D would work much better than Smooth-Cast 300. It is honey colored, but not as thick as Ure-Coat and sets up much more quickly (closer to 300's cure time). Also, heat helps epoxy cure faster, but might be an issue with the foam (I don't really work with EVA foam much, but I imagine it could warp depending on your heating method).

[@cavebearstudio6517]

Great videos by the way. I'm more of a creature maker and sculptor for hire, but occasionally I get projects that require using foam and your videos are a great resource!

[@GeekOutStudio]

What brand or where do you get the neoprene that you mentioned? Also how do you spray it?

[@GeekOutStudio]

Thanks. I've got a couple of big projects, Armored Baymax and 40k Space Marine, and I'm looking to get a smooth finish that's better than Plastidip.

[@macrumpton]

Do you have any suggestions for making foam and paper stiff? I have been using CA glue on the paper which works pretty well, but is a little pricey. for foam I have tried wood glue, but I wish there was something better.

[@punishedprops]

I usually use something like Epsilon Pro, which is designed specifically for that purpose! Fiberglass is another great option

[@samwalsh205]

where can one buy Neoprene? when I look it up its in sheets, not a liquid.

[@NotABadBear]

is the poly latex called something else now?

[@xXTheUndecidedXx]

For some reason whenever I try coating heat sealed Eva foam with black plastidip it sprays this weird splotchy texture instead of a light even coat, and I've used different cans aswell...

[@punishedprops]

It could be the cans are too cold. Try putting the PlastiDip cans in a bucket of hot water from the tap for 10 minutes before spraying.

[@jadedlion1001]

ha nerd... I love you guys

[@nicholaswellmann8661]

@punishedprops how would you guys make stormtrooper glossy?? would the last product you used work for trooper armor??

[@CMTechnica]

Going to have to try some of these for my cosplay because just spray paint doesn't work :(

[@CMTechnica]

***** oh, I will! (Thanks for the reply, you guys are AWESOME!)

[@thedanimator]

BILL! I know a lot of the RLSH (real life super hero) folks and I was curious to try making custom armor builds with a coat of carbon fiber to help them survive a combat situation ... should one occur. Anyhow, any thoughts on applying that stuff? I've never used it before, but it sounds similar to finer glass applications ... that I've also never tried. ;) Thanks for your awesome content! You guys rock!

[@thedanimator]

Hah! Agreed, but those crazy RLSH type make their own bullet-proof armor ... I'd never try that or make any guarantees for eva+carbon fiber "armor" ... I'd probably call it ... "fancy padding" ;) I imagine I'd want to rough up the surface to help the carbon fiber material stay in place ... or maybe just use the textured side?

[@karolgomez4080]

How do you un-stick glue when its dry and allplied to foam?

[@joebrewer4298]

If you used contact cement you will have to cut it apart but if you used hot glue just use a heat gun.

[@sharkdoodoo9749]

what kind of suit is that underneath the mechanistic costume?

[@sharkdoodoo9749]

Thank You I've been looking for something just like that, this never crossed my mind. Keep up the good work!

[@jeanettaquila]

When armor with plasti dipp is cracing you can very easily fix it with a heat gun. ;)

[@MaxxsHandle]

something i found randomly, and a question that confuses me. I didn't have a heat gun when i did my first cosplay (again thank you for all you do) so i ended up attaching strings to insides of curved bits to bend them (like a bow string to it's arms) and the biggest sin... no heat sealing. I just painted it with rattle can rust-oleum, went with different colors ti get different effects, and shockingly... when i got to the con, I was asked by a friend (who knew i had no heat gun) what I heat sealed it with, to get that finish. which brings me to my question.. is heat sealing really necessary? I mean, what is the difference between something painted that has, and something that hasnt been heat sealed?

[@MaxxsHandle]

if he didnt catch it not being sealed, why seal it?

[@MaxxsHandle]

***** so its more of a rule of thumb, may or may not be necessary. Type deal. But could randomly it will turn out fine regardless. Thank you for your insight

[@DEATH66680]

i did the mod podge method did few layers and it just cracks soo I guess 1 or 2 layers of it might be best

[@DEATH66680]

I tested the latex method the other night and you know how you use contact cement under the latex to make it stick to the foam better I did a sandwich method of contact cement latex then contact cement and the paint stuck like heaven which I know you said latex is hard to paint normally with normal acrylic paint but not with that method hope this helps others :D

[@radicalradish1947]

I was wondering with the urethane (polyurethane??), if i didnt tint it, would applying a coat of, say, acrylic spray paint underneath before hand and then applying the coat of urethane work? Also, i was wondering because i live in Australia, would you possibly know any other good brands to use for the urethane that would be easily accessible to me? or just other brands in general? I absolutely loved the video btw!! very useful as I'm trying to figure out the best method to use in order to make my Zer0 from borderlands 2 helmet :D

[@punishedprops]

That just might work. Cosplay Chris is a great KZbinr from Australia who would have a better idea for materials in your area: kzbin.info

[@Chaco126]

Hey! Great video here! I do have a question though. I do combat larps and want to elevate my weapon game by adding more exposed foam details rather than covering my whole weapon with a cloth cover (required for striking surfaces in my larp). I feel like flex bond would be best to try first based on your video but what would you recommend to try first for fairly intense combat?

[@punishedprops]

Barge Cement is my go-to method for adhering foam to things - it was originally designed as a leather adhesive to hold soles to shoes, so it's very strong!

[@gutabo226]

hi ! question. a friend was wondering if painting EVA foam with a candy color(Car paint) ruins the eva foam or not? We are planing on cosplaying soon, and we need some gold chrome paint for the armor and well we cant find it. Nice video

[@punishedprops]

The EVA foam will be fine, but if you want a super shiny finish you'll need to seal your foam with something like Epsilon to get a rigid shell and then sand it really smooth before applying your car paint.

[@gutabo226]

thank you, that was really useful and pretty much solved all of our problems. now, we're wondering if you can do that with crafting foam?

[@r.cfrance3115]

Hello, i'm french and i need your help, what do you think of the gesso ? And I would likes to make e power Armor of Fallout 4, the pecies are not verry exposed to squichy what primer i can use ? Thanks you

[@ipimpedurputa]

Can you use fiberglass resin to give a stiff finish thats sandable?

[@ipimpedurputa]

Punished Props thank you!

[@EvilTedSmith]

OMG! Your best video ever!

[@toebeansvideos]

Thanks Ted :)

[@linkpie]

You guys rock so much! You too TED! Made a Arthur Knights of Justice two years ago and making a Ike cosplay for AWA in a week using a lot of the methods you guys recommend! If you are ever nearby, let us know. Love to visit and show off what you guys technically helped to create

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching our videos!

[@brennenhalliwell4632]

I am not a costume designer, but rather an architecture student. This video was extremely helpful to understand how to cover my foam architectural models!

[@MegaBlackrose67]

Some of these seals, like plasti-dip, can have the wrinkles removed by applying some heat even after being painted. not all of them though. KamuiCosplay has a good video that shows how some of these seals react to stress and if they can be fixed with heat

[@punishedprops]

Yeah Kamui did a great job showing how to fix some wrinkles. =D

[@rafa4614]

PlastiDip ftw

[@pygmybugs]

Just for reference, it's not super uncommon to be allergic to neoprene. Less so than latex (although I'm allergic to both because ...special?), but it's something to watch out for, especially if you're doing a commission for someone you don't know or something. If someone has issues with contact cements like Barge (which are neoprene based), it's likely that neoprene will also irritate.

[@punishedprops]

Good to know!

[@juliesczesny90]

I saw someone use PlastiDip on EVA foam. She showed you could get the wrinkles out with a heatgun, at your destination. I've not seen anything else do this, thought I'd mention it. You all rock!

[@punishedprops]

Yeah that was our pal Kamui, she's super clever! =D

[@rodline9027]

Awesome video! Great information that everyone who uses EVA should watch.

[@ZacHiggins]

Just when I think you guys can't get any better, you go and put out this video! Great job, so much information, and the outtakes were worth a million bucks!!

[@barhamitzvah]

I LOOOOOVE this video so much! I really like the chart you made, too! Terrific idea and I appreciate all the work you and Brit put in for this video!

[@javakat343]

This is AMAZINGLY comprehensive. Thank you! I was shocked that you included Urecoat, which is what I have lying around, so I apreciate your thoughts on it!

[@i.am.adrian]

Excellent Breakdown! Really great work. Having used flexbond, PVA, Plasti-dip, Flexidip, Epsilon, and Angelus, I can verify your results. Many of your foam props have weathered, aged, or distressed looks to them, what would you recommend for a prop you want to look shiny and new?

[@JamesLFilms]

Thanks! I'll have to try neoprene. I'm extremely allergic to latex. Which stinks!

[@nothing5214]

What is a glue that can seal eva foam and styrofoam together? Does gorilla glue work?

[@DoctorBahnausSee]

finaly! thanks so much. i watched so many of your videos and was like "wait what? why is he useing x/y to seal it, the last time he was useing y/x" great video and sooo helpful! :)

[@Its_mr_kai]

Something to note about PVA glues, the wood glue especially but also mod podge will yellow over time. This is more of an issue if it's a top coat but it can discolor light and white paints painted over top. This is only an issue long term but if it's something you're going to display or use for years use archival bookbinding PVA instead. It won't discolor and it's a bit more flexible but it does cost a lot more and it's not water resistant like TiteBond 3.

[@vkkidz4life]

Does anyone know good sealants for expanding insulation foam? Im looking to make a big ass corndog (dont ask) but i cant find much info on what sealants are safe?

[@jaximusgt6577]

vkkidz4life I use wood glue, flexbond or epsilon pro. Be careful, Any aerosol or spray cans will eat away at insulation foam

[@marcomarterer7232]

On solid props i have tried waterwashable UV resin. I like the hard surface, the sandability and the fast and total control over the curing process.

[@Zulfburht]

EVIL TED!!

[@TruePoindexter]

Have you guys used any more of the neoprene? I'm looking at it (I think creaturecastrubber.com/ is the right site) and it's not inexpensive but I would imagine it would last awhile. Do you need to use the thickener or can you use it as is? Did you have any issues with it bonding to the foam like how latex can sometimes peel away from the foam?

[@FullThrottle1091]

Neoprene being able to be sanded some is interesting. Do you know how well would it perform cold casting metal in place of using a resin?

[@punishedprops]

I'm not sure! I haven't ever tried to do that with it. I think it would definitely be worth some experiments! Our employee Paige has been able to cold cast rubber pads on the bottoms of the hooves she makes, but can't buff it to a shine because of the texture, so that's worth considering.

[@jakdarkstar4629]

Excellent video. This is the best side by side comparison of products I've seen so far, and you answered several questions I had involving failures I've had with various products. Props to you! No pun intended. ;)

[@jrmh096]

This video is super helpful, as i do not yet have the pro equipment nor a garage good for spray painting. Just one thing, I did try to use Barge all purpose cement on foam as a base coat, but did not realize it is THAT challenging to apply, as I was brushing , little lumps started to appear , making the surface NOT smooth. What should I do in this situation, or how to brush on the contact cement to ensure a smooth surface? Thank you.

[@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 LARP?

[@ecsaul23]

Hey, I couldn't find an email to contact to ask so I'll ask here. I am redoing my table top as a Mario Mosaic made of craft foam. I am trying to find a material to pour over it that is clear to be the table top surface. Craft resin is the choice that will do what I need but it is high gloss and I don't want gloss bc of glare when playing board games. Other stuff like polyurethane would likely eat the foam and I'm not sure it will do what need. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@anhtu-42-9ctran4]

hey!-i have a question that when i sprayed the paint on the foam surface,i noticed there were some tiny holes on the surface which make the pain didnt go all on it. How can i solve this,thanks!

[@1234hellinthepacfic]

Hey guys absolutely fantastic information I am currently building a star wars storm trooper armour set but I am also building another set from eva foam I want a finish that is gloss black (shiny) the shadow trooper type what would you recommend ??

[@genevievegrismer7145]

I bought a pair of platform boots online and when they arrived, the platform bottoms were foam rubber. It shreds easily and is obviously not waterproof. What is the best waterproof sealant for the foam rubber that can withstand abuse from being shoes? I was thinking of getting plasti dip.

[@garybiggs9010]

Has anyone coated EVA with Platinum silicone? I thought maybe if the EVA was rough sanded the silicone would soak in and bond.

[@amandajones8841]

Love the rigour. I'm just about to start on foam armour, and trying to work out if plastidip is worth the $40 per can it costs here.

[@joshua81489]

Im curious is there a way to put a hard outer shell on eva foam armor that would be durable to the point of taking hits from 450 - 500 fps airsoft guns?

[@punishedprops]

You would probably want to use a different material for airsoft armor.

[@lasarith2]

Joshua Lee you might be better off with Smooth on 65D, but ask Smooth on themselves if anyone would know it be them .

[@thatweirdgirl8466]

Use SEVERAL layers of EVA foam....like 7 layers at least 😂

[@yfset8]

Ever experiment with plasti-dip and worbla? I'm curious what type of finish I'd get.

[@joshhaug7481]

I Was working in my fallout power armour and I couldn't find a video on how to seal it. Until you posted this So Thank you so much (:

[@Xoroxouselric]

I used Plastidip and have used rustoleum spray paint to paint on top of it and i'm getting cracks when it flexes a little. Any tips to stop it from cracking?. Or is there a different spray paint that i should use? Or will clear coat plastidip help solve this issue?

[@adepressedavacado]

Which method would you say is the most rigid? I'm guessing something like epoxies or urethane are but they're pretty expensive to buy..

[@isaacspalter5122]

where abouts would you consider EVA props to be appliable? i know cosplay is a big one but what about movie sets or other low budget projects?

[@DarkLumiya]

how do you seal on top of the paint? I can't find future floor wax and will have to order online for angelas finisher which will cost more than the product to ship it, I have tried varish but it still cracked under pressure

[@NinjaofColour]

Drinking game, take a shot every time the word "foam" is said