Should I get clear plasti dip or black plasti dip? Does it make a difference?

[BladeRunner]

I need to buy plasti dip for my foam Batman The Dark Knight costume. Should I buy clear or black. I want clear plasti dip, but if it is bad, I guess I will get black plasti dip? Also do I even need plasti dip or is there some sort of paint I could use that does it better? Basically what do you recommend. I have gotten such mixed answers from so many people that I am extremely confused.

 

[Whit]

I need to buy plasti dip for my foam Batman The Dark Knight costume. Should I buy clear or black. I want clear plasti dip, but if it is bad, I guess I will get black plasti dip? Also do I even need plasti dip or is there some sort of paint I could use that does it better? Basically what do you recommend. I have gotten such mixed answers from so many people that I am extremely confused.

Same here. I too am working in foam and want to know the best route to take. Plasti dip alone seems to work for some and others go the modge podge or PVA glue route, then dip and/or paint. I think there have been other answers as well.

I went ahead and bought spray plasti dip in black, but I haven't tried it yet. I still need to finish up my parts for my vest and then glue them.

Once that's done, I'll use the spray plasti dip, unless I hear otherwise.

Hopefully we will get some clarification.

 

[BladeRunner]

At least test it on something before you apply it to your whole suit.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

If all you're wanting to do is seal the foam, black plastidip will be just fine. The clear might add a little too much shine to it, unless that is what you're going for.

If you were painting your pieces other colors, I would suggest the PVA route, and then painting your color over that. Since Batman is black, the black plastidip will complete two steps in one

 

[BladeRunner]

But does the black plastidip create the correct black color? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

Well, it's black... What color are you trying to achieve?

 

[BladeRunner]

More of a matte black with a more carbon or high quality look rather than just sloppy, cheap-paint black. I would like a slight shimmer; more like the paint jobs on these:

http://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...ht-edition-matte-black-maserati_460x0w-1-.jpg

http://www.sunrisesigns.com/Portals/84214/Gallery/Album/1911/custom-matte-black-ferrari-wraps.jpg

and less like the paint job on this:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg-kkmEGuFk/TjBTX5bEvqI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/uL6o17gQfqU/s640/228279_2011071519.jpg

 

[Ibnzbass4]

First thing to consider is the kind of foam you are using. If you are using foamies or some other craft foam (i.e. an open cell foam) you should take the time to seal it first. I know I posted this recently elsewhere, but you can either use simple PVA glue (Elmer's is fine) or make a mixture of 1 part Aleene's flexible fabric glue, 1 part Sobo or Elmer's glue and two parts water. This second option allows for more flexibility over using just PVA glue. Using a paint brush, coat the pieces in the mixture and let dry. After a goo 5 or six coats, the foam will be completely sealed and ready for painting. Stick with the black plastidip and experiment. You can achieve different looks depending on how close, how far away you hold the can (using the spray version of course). Practice with different positions to perfect the look you want. If you are using closed cell foam, you should be able to paint without sealing it.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

More of a matte black with a more carbon or high quality look rather than just sloppy, cheap-paint black. I would like a slight shimmer; more like the paint jobs on these:

http://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...ht-edition-matte-black-maserati_460x0w-1-.jpg

http://www.sunrisesigns.com/Portals/84214/Gallery/Album/1911/custom-matte-black-ferrari-wraps.jpg

and less like the paint job on this:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg-kkmEGuFk/TjBTX5bEvqI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/uL6o17gQfqU/s640/228279_2011071519.jpg

Well, you have to consider the medium you're working with. Foam just simply won't produce results like a professional auto body sprayer on a luxury sports car. Also, not sure about the Maserati, but the Ferrari is actually wrapped in a matte vinyl, not painted.

However, proper surface prep of the foam will lend better results than just hitting it with some paint. Seal the foam first using PVA or plastidip, then if you aren't happy with the plastidip color you can put a coat of primer on and paint over the top.

 

[BladeRunner]

Thanks for all the help guys. This is clearing a lot up.

 

[BladeRunner]

I know Elmer's glue is slightly acidic. Will it do anything negative to the foam or will it work perfectly fine as a PVA glue to seal the foam?

 

[Ibnzbass4]

Elmer's should not hurt the foam. Watch Xrobots thread on plastic coating foam. He coats craft foam with PVA glue, then tops it with smooth cast 65 in order to make it rigid in lieu of papercraft/resin/bondo. I have always used the mixture, but Elmer's should be fine.

 

[BladeRunner]

That sounds wonderful. This has been extremely informative. Also would you be able to give me a link to that thread?

 

[Ibnzbass4]

Here you go:

http://www.therpf.com/f24/how-plastic-coat-foam-costume-pieces-146539/

Not that you should use this for a Batman suit. You need more flexibility with that. Sealing and plastidip should work better for this.

 

[BladeRunner]

Should I still use PVA for sealing because XRobot says it makes the pieces a bit stiffer and will crack with bending?

 

[Ibnzbass4]

I'd say take the time and make the Aleene's/Sobo/Water mixture. That's what a lot of people do when making craft foam armor (not hard Iron Man armor) for similated leather armor or LOTR type stuff. That will give you more flexibility and you will essentially have a rubber coat on top with the plastidip. Better for the Bat.