ACParadise Forums

I had a question about making weapons. I had an idea to make the big weapons out of pink foam then cover them in cheescloth covered in glue. Then after that drys to use paper mache pulp on it then let it dry then sand and paint it. What do you think?

I think you don't need to do as many steps. After you carve the foam, you should only have to add a single covering to it, I like to use drywall repair compound (not plaster of paris) or wood filler, and then sand that and paint.

Mind, I don't use foamcore that often, I like wood or metal to give some weigth to the weapon.

clear contact paper and a hot blower will make it tighter and smoother... not cheese paper. But good idea

I am going to use wood for some of the weapons that I am going to make but for the really big ones, they would be way to heavy to carry. Ok thanks for the tips.

Say, are you planning to make Komugi's giant syringe?
That would be cool.

I might

It's kind of hard to do and expensive, but if you have the funds making resin or hard plastic casts is great. For hilts for swords or certain pieces that are finer use quikset plastic or maybe an alginate for a mold. From there you can fill your mold with a number of different easily available compounds. Some are better or worse for painting, takes a little research as there are many different mixes and individual product forumlas. A lightweight resin fill produces so-so sturdy props that look exceptional. Mixing pigments with the resin produces an extremely uniform metallic effect. Once again, read some tutorials or send me an email about this etc. if you don't know how i'll be glad to help! For longer blades you can use the same method, but materials cost goes way up. Usually a treated foam with a spray shell works exceptionally.