Help with material selection for Tobirama armor (Naruto)

[hiredmagmatic]

Hey guys! I'm extremely new to prop making, costuming, designing, and all that good stuff and I decided I wanted to try and do a simpler build for my first armor/costume. I wanted to make Tobirama's armor set from Naruto since it seems relatively simpler than a lot of other builds out there, but I wanted some advice for material selection. The armor is technically supposed to be made out of metal, so sheet metal would be the obvious choice, however, that would be a little out of my budget, so that's out of the picture. Same thing with 3D printing and resin casting and such. Being that my budget is so limited, EVA foam seemed like a good choice, especially since there are guides out there involving foam, however, after making a few test pieces, they looked way too thick, and using craft foam seems like it would be too flimsy. I've seen people use trashcans, which seems like a viable option, and was also thinking about paper mache or clay/Crayola Magic Model, or maybe if there was a way to reinforce craft foam better than PVA glue. Honestly, I just want some ideas from the community, and any help or suggestions would be really appreciated.

(note: I've never actually sealed craft foam with PVA before so I'm not sure how sturdy that is. Any insight into that would be appreciated! )

 

[Helbros]

What wast the size of the EVA foam you were using? I could see the 1/2 inch being a bit thick but the 1/4 inch may work.

 

[hiredmagmatic]

Yea I was using 1/2 inch, is there 1/4 inch out there?

 

[Helbros]

Here is the 1/4 inch roll that I have used in the past:
http://www.sears.com/cap-barbell-multi-use-foam-mat/p-00615593000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[hiredmagmatic]

Oh thanks dude! I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it at a department store lol.

 

[DizzyStrmtroopr]

sears is the only store I know that carries the 1/4in thick eva, but its difficult to find in stock at stores. its by the toolboxes ($25 for 4x8 iirc) but usually sold out or only have the grip pads or yoga mat stuff. so I switched to the rolls at harbor freight however its cheaper ($7 for 4x8) its also thicker, and they have 2 kinds. the roll is noticeably thicker but not a dealbreaker, the other being 1/2 thick puzzle locking squares (too thick and more expensive for less square footage) and it has the hourglass pattern on the bottom. great for mass effect armor but not for anything needing a smooth surface like most applications.