Help with Terminator Salvation Resistance Costume

[trebory6]

I'm sort of new here, so sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, or if this was already posted(I did a search for Terminator Resistance, and nothing came up).

But anyways I am looking into making a resistance fighter costume for Comic Con International this year. Now I am more interested in making a costume similar to Kyle's, not John's commando looking costumes. Here is a still:

(Click for High-Res version)

My question is, what is the best way to make clothes "Apocalyptic" looking?

What are some hints and suggestions to make thrift store clothes and whatnot look like they have survived nuclear holocaust rather than gotten in a bad fight with a house-cat?

 

[CSMacLaren]

Dirt, wear, and a sense that you cobbled your gear together off of completely unconnected sources. You're part stealth (possibly grease paint on the face) but a lot of the dark, dirt, grime and mire just comes from digging into the dirt to avoid the H.K.s and just trying to survive. In that time, I'm sure it was like a zombie apocalypse where all normal manufacturing and production of leisure items completely ceased, so people raided gun and/or sport stores. If you got anything mil-spec, you were just darned lucky.

 

[trebory6]

Well sort of what I was asking, was how can I make all the clothes look that beaten up? I see a lot of wear and tear and patching, but I'm not sure how to go about making clothes from the thrift torn like that. Like how can I make a shirt with a grimy look, without making it all disgusting? How can I fad a shirt without washing it over and over with the wrong bleach?

Sort of what I am asking, is what are easy ways to achieve the apocalyptic look of it all?

 

[Ramiel]

Sandpaper, drag your clothes on the ground or concrete wall, bury them, tea (or coffee) stain them in the right spots and so on, the choice is yours (also when you should stop)... It's so damn funny!
Search for "weathering" or "distressing" here or google, you'll find plenty of info

 

[mez7]

-sandpaper to wear out spots, or hook it up to the back of your vehicle and drag it around on the back of a rope through some backfields for a while.

-sandtrooper costumers use a product called fullers earth to make their
armor look dusty and dirty.

 

[3720to1]

also for burn marks and singes use fireworks to singe the area prefferably ones that dont explode so you can hold them and burn specific areas

 

[Jodo]

I've been thinking of doing a resistance fighter as well, I realy wish I knew about 20 people to do it as a group...But I don't know anyone localy.

It'd be a realy nice cheap costume to do as a bonus.

 

[Chronos]

I've been thinking of doing a resistance fighter as well, I realy wish I knew about 20 people to do it as a group...

That's a really good idea!

 

[trebory6]

Anyone going to Comic Con International in San Diego on Either Thursday or Friday?

 

[Russ257]

fullers earth and a wire brush. you can also use dye remover.

 

[Jodo]

Anyone going to Comic Con International in San Diego on Either Thursday or Friday?

If I was, I'd be right there with you. I don't think I'm going to a con in general this year. :confused

 

[Chronos]

No cons?

You're in the Midwest... how about Wizard World Chicago in August?

 

[Jodo]

Chicago is still about 4 1/2 hours or more away. :unsure I'm sure if they hold SW Celebration in Indy or Florida in the next year or two I'd be able to make that. But a group of Terminator Resistance fighter might be out of place there. :lol