Props made from pepakura questions

[Dumontrudisel]

I made my last prop out of paper mache and i am not happy with it at all. I've seen the props made from a pep file and they're beautiful. Can someone explain to me how to do this? How do I pep? I know there is printing it on paper and piecing it together, but I get lost at the next step. Something about bondo resin and filler. Anyone know how to do it? ANd somewhere to get a pep file viewer?

 

[WEigengrau]

Pepakura Viewer and Designer may both be downloaded for free from TamaSoft. To modify 3D models, you'll want Pepakura Designer. To save your unfolded models, you'll need the pay version, but it isn't expensive.

To do a quality pep-build, in my opinion, only takes experience, patience, and decent quality card-stock. I strongly suggest printing out a few pieces to practice on until you're confident in your skills. Once you're there, you can start playing with fiberglass. I like to coat the entire model, inside and out, with one to two coats of fiberglass resin using a stiff, disposable brush. Once that cures, I start laying down Bondo that I've thinned down to a smoother consistency with some acetone. Sand smooth and you're about ready for paint.

 

[echo5633]

I found the serial key for the pep designer free online I'm not saying you shouldn't pay for it but..... that's up to you I still sleep just fine at night. Everything WEigengrau said pretty much sums it up but depending on the size of your prop just a few coats of resin might not be enough reinforcement. If its a big piece with large open areas say a chest piece or even a helmet I would definitely lay down some layers of resin + fiberglass cloth on the inside depending on the size I'll throw down some fiberglass matte instead of the clothe to make it real sturdy. you wouldn't want to do all that bondo and sanding work to have your piece flex and crack your bondo or snap a nice chunk off. like WEigengrau said just make some practice piece and play around a little experience goes a long way. I would watch tutorials on everything ( troll around youtube ) then make something then watch the tutorials again because they'll make a lot more sense they second time around.

 

[crimson713]

I'll second what echo5633 said about matte instead of cloth...I just did gauntlets and boot covers for an Arkham Origins build last month, and as if on cue, the fiberglass cloth wasn't strong enough and the bondo cracked when I wore it at the premiere. I had pieces of bondo chipping off everywhere, it wasn't pretty.

I picked up matte for version 2.0, and while I haven't started the strengthening stage yet, I've worked with matte in the past on non-costuming related projects, and it's about a hundred times more effective.

 

[WEigengrau]

I agree that bondo is not suitable for a lot of costuming applications. I recommend expanding your skills into foam builds and resin casting for more durable final products. Resin tends to be expensive, but for a long-term investment it's worthwhile in my opinion. Particularly if you're hoping to venture into selling your work one day.

 

[mrjbarl1]

If you're fond of using bondo, I would recommend "bondo-glass". It is available in long or short hair fiber glass and is extremely strong and durable. I've made a bunch of different stuff out of it including a homemade safety shroud for my broken arm at the time, so I could keep riding bulls. It worked very well.