Foam costume

[lilcajundevil]

Trying to figure out how to make a minion costume out of foam for my 12 yr old. Need to know what kind of foam to use,can it be painted, and what kind of paint will I need? Any pointers will be greatly appreciated by this newbie!

 

[Robiwon]

You want Foamies! These can be found at stores like Walmart. You will however find a larger selection at large craft stores like HobbyLobby.

Cut out some posterboard templates. Then cut them out of the Foamie.

Heat it up with a hairdryer or heat gun (lowest setting) and glue together. Coat them in diluted white Elmers glue.

And then paint! I used regualr aoutomotive silver and Tamiya dark silvers.

 

[Elmar329]

Is there any special ratio for diluting the glue?

 

[Robiwon]

A little thicker than milk. Not real thin as it will soak in too much, not too thick or it will leave brush strokes.

 

[Xolotl]

Nice tips Robiwon, but if i may ask does the glue mixture help harden it or does it still have a foamy feel?

 

[Robiwon]

The foam will still flex a bit. The reason for coating it in white glue is to give it a "skin" or smooth surface for your paint to stick too. Otherwise the paint will soak into the foam, basicaly it's a sponge.

 

[STEALTH]

Amazing Robiwon!

Is it alright if I include this as an alternative to painting for a tutorial?. Seems very cost effective, especially for younger builders who can't get stuff like plasti-dip or modge podge or things of that nature.

Just awesome once again

 

[STEALTH]

Edit - accidental clone post from phone

 

[lilcajundevil]

Thanks Robiwon! Never would have thought of that. How do I round out the foam sheets.I'm trying to make a Despicable Me minion. Also, will the Elmer's glue be what to glue it together with? I will have to make the minion pretty big!

 

[Kromanc]

Excellent man, this may solve the problem that I don't fin a place with plastidip near my house. If you have any more pics or videos please upload them for further information.

Jerry

 

[Robiwon]

lilcajundevil,
I sent you a PM that should help out with you costume. For glueing large areas I would at least use a hotglue gun. Velcro can also be your friend with Foamies.

Kromanc,
One of the best sites for Foamie costum tutorials is How to Build a Predator Costume - The Hunter's Lair Check out the site and serch for foamies.