Ironman glove help - sealing foam

[charades]

I've used craft foam, due to time constraints and budget, for my IM mk vii build. I worked out the glove/palm parts, and they look awesome etc, but how do I reinforce the foam to make it stiffer, while still being able to slide my hand in and not crack or shatter the paint? Not sure how you guys have all done it.

I'm using a piece of velcro to "close" the glove down the outside of my hand.

Just a note, Plastidip is expensive and difficult to find in my country/area. I've heard it's still available in some stores in Canada, but costs about $20 a can. I'm really not willing to spend that much, so I'm soliciting other suggestions.

Other questions I have - where can I buy epoxy resin? Is it the same as automotive resin?

 

[bustermedic]

Just a shot in the dark, but if it's already painted, I would try sizing up some cardstock and using PVA glue to line the inside of the gauntlet maybe. Either that or use a sponge brush to brush some on the inside. Just make sure it's not the water soluble school glue that cleans up with warm soapy water so you don't sweat and end up gluing it to your hand lol

 

[charades]

It's not painted yet.

I might try the cardstock idea. Just really not sure whether the paint will still crack and shatter when the glove is bent. Might have to experiment first. Hopefully I have time.

 

[bustermedic]

if it's not painted, I would try coating the exterior with PVA glue first. Use at least 2 coats and see if it's made a difference. Automotive resin is exothermic, so you will run the risk of damaging the actual foam if you don't do it right. You may want to try the xrobot method of plastic coating. Try some casting resin from a craft store after you coat the piece in PVA glue. It gives the piece a plastic coating so it should make it more rigid, but still semi flexible. Here's a link to his website : http://www.xrobots.co.uk/coating/

 

[charades]

if it's not painted, I would try coating the exterior with PVA glue first. Use at least 2 coats and see if it's made a difference. Automotive resin is exothermic, so you will run the risk of damaging the actual foam if you don't do it right. You may want to try the xrobot method of plastic coating. Try some casting resin from a craft store after you coat the piece in PVA glue. It gives the piece a plastic coating so it should make it more rigid, but still semi flexible. Here's a link to his website : XRobots.co.uk - Plastic coating your Plastazote / EVA / Polystyrene foam / cardboard props and costumes

Hopefully xrobots might peek in at this thread. I found the product he mentioned (Smooth-on 65D), and see that there's a "trial size" for ~$25. How many ounces is that and how far does it go? Is it one of those things that a little goes a long way? Or would I need the gallon for a partial suit?

Details that might clarify my question:
I'm a girl, 5'3-'4, 125lbs
Doing partial suit - shoulders, chest, back, forearm, hand, calf, boot. No abs or upper thighs.

 

[bustermedic]

If you're going to coat all of the pieces in resin, I would go with the 1 gallon. You have to account for waste as well (stuck in brushes, spillage of excess while drying, stuck in mixing cup) in addition to more than one coating because you want to put multiple THIN layers on so that it spreads and cures evenly over the piece to minimize sanding and reshaping later. Plus, if you want to make something else later on, you may have a little bit left over to get started with.

 

[bustermedic]

Bare minimum, I would go with 2 trial sizes.

 

[charades]

Sounds better to get the gallon kit I guess. Thanks so much for your help!

I'll finish my first suit by continuing the way I've been going so far, and then order some plastazote or EVA for a second one.

 

[bustermedic]

You're welcome! I used craft foam for my hands as well. i will be redoing them simply because I don't like they way they came out because they were rushed. Gonna try mightyjohn's technique of fastening them after I fabricate a new pair and get them articulated like I want. Good luck!