Restoring Oz? Buffy Screen-Used Foam Latex Werewolf Head

[Birdie]

I recently purchased Oz's animatronic werewolf head from Propstore LA. On arrival, the prop had apparently suffered in transit, as the damage to the foam latex face area was more significant than stated in the description.

I've spoken to Tom Spina and a few other professionals about having the piece restored, unfortunately the current quotes are out of my price range (the prop was a significant investment that I hadn't figured on paying hundreds of pounds restoring) so I now have a damaged prop that I can't afford to have repaired.

I know there are a lot of really knowledgeable folk on this forum in this area, I'm not one of them, so I figured I'd ask you guys for advice.

What would the process be in fixing up this kind of damage? The foam is still fairly soft to the touch, but I'm guessing drying, handling and too much traveling around in boxes is responsible for the damage.

How would one approach this? If I have to save my pennies for a year to get this done professionally, what am I actually paying for?

Any advice appreciated!

 

[BATS]

I'll take a stab at saying that this could be restored by mixing up some cabopatch and filling in all the damaged areas, then as it sets you sculpt, sponge and texture that patch till it very very very very closely resembles the area around it

buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut

this is a skill that takes a ton of dedication and practise and since this is a screen used piece, its not a piece I would suggest learning on

thats why Tom's quote is high for you, because he has the time, effort and experience to work this back to life

so theres that

so you might be saving so that a piece so near and dear to you, ends up restored perfectly to your expectations


things like this fall under proper tool proper job to me

 

[Birdie]

Tom actually used to own the prop (the damage occurred after it passed out of his hands) and I absolutely would be saving up to have him repair it if he weren't on the other side of the atlantic.

I'm not going to attempt it myself, I guess I'm just looking for insight into the process...it seems it's a helluva lot more involved than fixing up the resin props I'm used to :unsure

 

[Weequay]

For me, it should be left alone.

What you have lends character to my eyes.

Its a good few years old now and is still ina mazing shape. It isnt goiung anywhere soon. Put some money aside each month and let it sit for a couple of years. If you still feel it should be rerstored then you will have the money to let tom handle it.

 

[piehead]

This does not look like a difficult job to me. i wouldnt use cabopatch though , i would go with foam latex, mixing small batches to use as a filler then hitting it with a hair dryer to cure it before painting etc. its what was called scumble back in the ole jim hensons creature shop days and was a technique for repairing the first turtle suits. thing is if you are not 100 per cent confident in the needed skills , i would leave very well alone, save and let an expert like Tom look at it . Nice buy tho