JFcustom's FOAM files

[Kirk0]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

At the end, after painting, to prevent paint cracks at bending, I use a glossy transparent and flexible polymer coating that comes in spray. It's designed to protect any kind of paper, passeports, drawings, clothes, gloves, shoes, camping tents and so on... and why not, also foam suits.

Do you have a link or name of the product so I have an idea of what to look for, I've struggled to find anything like you described when searching google and if my new method of painting using the camping mats works this is exactly what I need to make the suit more waterproof, flexible and glossy

I am trying out on some small practice pieces not sealing the foam with PVA or anything etc, I'm currently trialling spray painting the foam unsealed, the camping mat foam I currently use already has a nice smooth finish to it and so far painting it directly allows the foam to absorb the paint and change colour while retaining all of its flexibility, when flexed no cracking or anything is caused even using cheap spray paints. I Any rubbing occurs it will only result in red paint underneath as the foam has now absorbed the paint so that should be much less noticeable, so far it seems to be working on the pieces I have tried out, I will maybe have to do a couple of extra coats of paint but this will still be much quicker than brushing on multiple coats of PVA.

I wore my suit with undersuit etc for the first time last night and thanks to your files and help I won the costume contest I entered!

 

[Mig407]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

there is one that you did but it needs to be modified to look like arkham origins (ears shorter, and the jaw opening smaller,and the neck is different)
http://www.wintershade.com/therpf/arkham.jpg
[url]http://www.wintershade.com/therpf/arkham.jpg
Batman Arkham cowl - foam unfold JFcustom.pdo[/URL]

http://www.wintershade.com/therpf/Arkham%20cowl.pdo[/QUOTE]

-remember pep files are a guide you can modify it simple enough...

 

[Mig407]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

im still a noob..but im building skill in every build. jf your video is awesome i learned a few more tricks. thankyou for sharing

used a heat gun this time around and was able to achieve a really nice fit. this ones really fun to build.


wip...ughh bondo stage...but just to show the files work great with cardboard as well. for those who keep insisting on paper.

 

[Dragonmaster525]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Next question to everyone: has anyone tried contact cement over the hot glue? Specifically, Barge cement? This method would appear to allow the builder to allow two glued sides to dry. Then, the mating process is done without the need to worry about the glue cooling, or the thickness of the hot glue joint.

I use DAP contact cement on all my foam builds, for me I get much cleaner joints, and much stronger pieces. Once the glue is completely cured and pressed together with some pressure, I don't think you could separate them without tearing the foam.

The only downside to using contact cement is it takes more time for the cement to set, so I think the gluing process takes longer than with hot glue, but I think it is worth it in the end.

 

[Majed]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

http://www.wintershade.com/therpf/Arkham%20cowl.pdo

-remember pep files are a guide you can modify it simple enough...[/QUOTE]

could you modify it for me

 

[laellee]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

could you modify it for me

LOLOLOLOL

 

[Ghostling]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

So I owe JFC a huge debt of gratitude.
He helped me create something original for my daughter... now to purists... it's crap. But to a 9 year old girl who wanted to be a girl iron man... it was awesome.

This costume won 1st place in our town costume contest over the weekend and much of this couldn't have been done with our your help!

Thank you!


https://www.dropbox.com/s/o46aqilc2voxd9o/DSCN6009.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s9n6uv6db4ewy3n/DSCN6012.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/34ynqrk6bntfebo/DSCN5986.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7qvd09qor3ln5y7/DSCN6024.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jxst3mh40ysznay/DSCN6064.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hq0oy33zw4gedoh/DSCN6072.JPG

Thanks again!

 

[Durkness]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

That is great! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Majed]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

LOLOLOLOL

???????????

 

[Mig407]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

-remember pep files are a guide you can modify it simple enough...

could you modify it for me[/QUOTE]

i think id be the least qualified on the thread...especially in comparison to the pep heavy weights on this this thread. what i will say is take your time read this thread watch the tutorial videos some of our better skilled members have taken time to put together learn all the tricks and practice...and you do this by building as much as you can.

now in regards to you modding that awesome cowl. you could always cut out the pep in cardstock and scotch tape assemble it, make your alterations adding or taking away material to your liking. then take it apart and make it in foam.

 

[Mig407]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

LOLOLOLOL

lol lol

 

[Kirk0]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

He helped me create something original for my daughter... now to purists... it's crap. But to a 9 year old girl who wanted to be a girl iron man... it was awesome.

I think that looks great and original:thumbsup

 

[JFcustom]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Do you have a link or name of the product so I have an idea of what to look for, I've struggled to find anything like you described when searching google and if my new method of painting using the camping mats works this is exactly what I need to make the suit more waterproof, flexible and glossy

Here's the store I order it from, and the exact product : Peinture en bombe aérosol plastifiant incolore - Peinture aérosol - Toutes nos bombes de peinture aérosol - Ideko



You'll need several coats, but at the end it's just like magic.

 

[mickc22]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Do you have a link or name of the product so I have an idea of what to look for, I've struggled to find anything like you described when searching google and if my new method of painting using the camping mats works this is exactly what I need to make the suit more waterproof, flexible and glossy

I am trying out on some small practice pieces not sealing the foam with PVA or anything etc, I'm currently trialling spray painting the foam unsealed, the camping mat foam I currently use already has a nice smooth finish to it and so far painting it directly allows the foam to absorb the paint and change colour while retaining all of its flexibility, when flexed no cracking or anything is caused even using cheap spray paints. I Any rubbing occurs it will only result in red paint underneath as the foam has now absorbed the paint so that should be much less noticeable, so far it seems to be working on the pieces I have tried out, I will maybe have to do a couple of extra coats of paint but this will still be much quicker than brushing on multiple coats of PVA.

I wore my suit with undersuit etc for the first time last night and thanks to your files and help I won the costume contest I entered!

http://i.imgur.com/amjuee8.jpg

Kirk0; I seal my foam (LD45) with this:
liquid car wraps/
it comes in multiple colors, I'm using Anthracite (Metallic) as a base, they also have a clear gloss, I tested both with and without PVA and the adhesion is superb, and they are really helpful and keen to see any armour builds using their products
here's a pic of my helmet and also the test piece I did, the left side of which has no pva on it:

 

[cavx]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.


So after 4 weeks and a MASSIVE THANKS to JFCustom, I now have a Pred Bio.
Considering how rough I was when I hacked the foam, it turned out OK. I sealed the foam using ABS Sludge (ABS melted in acetone), sanded and painted.

 

[Kirk0]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Here's the store I order it from, and the exact product : Peinture en bombe aérosol plastifiant incolore - Peinture aérosol - Toutes nos bombes de peinture aérosol - Ideko

View attachment 248280

You'll need several coats, but at the end it's just like magic.

Thanks JF, what is the flexibility of the paint like after this in terms of paint cracking? Does it prevent a lot of cracking?

Kirk0; I seal my foam (LD45) with this:
liquid car wraps/
it comes in multiple colors, I'm using Anthracite (Metallic) as a base, they also have a clear gloss, I tested both with and without PVA and the adhesion is superb, and they are really helpful and keen to see any armour builds using their products
here's a pic of my helmet and also the test piece I did, the left side of which has no pva on it:
View attachment 248309View attachment 248310View attachment 248311View attachment 248312

Thanks, that looks good, I did actually look at this on ebay yesterday when looking at various different paints.
I'm not having any issues with the paint adhering to foam but the paint cracking when the foam is flexed is my problem, I need a paint which will not crack as easy when the foam flexes/stretches have you tested how flexible the paint is?

 

[JFcustom]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Thanks JF, what is the flexibility of the paint like after this in terms of paint cracking? Does it prevent a lot of cracking?

Without this spray, my paint sometimes used to get cracked in multiple thin rifts when strongly bending the foam.
With it, the paint simply doesn't crack at all. At all at all. Not even the thinest crack line nowhere. Works 110% fine.

 

[myk83]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Whoops! Try again...

 

[mickc22]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Kirk0:
The Liquid car wrap is rubber based so it's extremelly flexible, I've only used it as an undercoat, but it has helped, I've had some creases but no cracks as yet

oh and it works out cheaper buying the tins than the spray cans, you only need an HVLP sprayer (for fences) and you use so little
they also have a facebook page and are really helpful

 

[myk83]

Re: FOAM speed building files ►Stormtrooper◄ in progress.

Do you have a link or name of the product so I have an idea of what to look for, I've struggled to find anything like you described when searching google and if my new method of painting using the camping mats works this is exactly what I need to make the suit more waterproof, flexible and glossy

I am trying out on some small practice pieces not sealing the foam with PVA or anything etc, I'm currently trialling spray painting the foam unsealed, the camping mat foam I currently use already has a nice smooth finish to it and so far painting it directly allows the foam to absorb the paint and change colour while retaining all of its flexibility, when flexed no cracking or anything is caused even using cheap spray paints. I Any rubbing occurs it will only result in red paint underneath as the foam has now absorbed the paint so that should be much less noticeable, so far it seems to be working on the pieces I have tried out, I will maybe have to do a couple of extra coats of paint but this will still be much quicker than brushing on multiple coats of PVA.

I wore my suit with undersuit etc for the first time last night and thanks to your files and help I won the costume contest I entered!

http://i.imgur.com/amjuee8.jpg

I recognise that bus stop!! How did it go at The Barge?!?

I'm in the final stages of my Mk IV suit for my birthday next week, painting things and connecting it all together. How did you sort out your boots? And what foam did you use for it?

Have to say it looks pretty good, and can only hope mine looks something like this!