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Paper Mache Armor and Prop Tutorial
Published: 2012-01-03 03:18:22 +0000 UTC; Views: 135748; Favourites: 3357; Downloads: 1496
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Description
At last, the long awaited Paper Mache Armor and Prop Tutorial!I've had a lot of practice with this method, and this is the formula that works best for me, so I hope it can help you build your armor and props with ease. I really enjoy working with my hands and making armor pieces using various methods, so please don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any - I'll be glad to answer them!
Tutorial and all images therein are Copyright Fire Lily and FireLilyCosplay.com.
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Comments: 271
This is fabulous *^* And it makes me super happy because most cosplay armor tutorials these days use EVA foam, which is awesome, except that I don't have a heat gun, which makes things difficult. This is a great alternative!
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I'm thinking of making Mettaton's chestplate i.ytimg.com/vi/ogNHObCZjwU/hqd⦠but I'm not sure how to go about planning the sleeves and torso components. Do you have any suggestions?
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loving the tutorial, im building shinji's plugsuit currently and i was wondering if you had any thoughts on the steps i should take in order to make it as accurate as possible(like giving it a light shine or something) anything is very much appreciated!
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Hello! This is great for getting a smooth outcome, thank you! I do have a question though. I am currently making Maka's Scythe (it looks like thisΒ i.imgur.com/TXBNm.jpg ) and I have completed everything except paper-macheing (is this a word XD) the cardboard blade and spray painting.
My goal is to cover the blade in such a way that it will appear totally smooth and metal-like. So my question is if the method you describe here was used on the blade, would it appear too thick? Would it be possible to only do 2 layers of paper mache and one layer of gesso and get the same effect?Β
Basically, what is the best way to make a ridiculously large cardboard blade appear smooth when painted. Thank you for your time!Β
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The easiest way would be to make the blade from plastic. You can use ABS plastic sheeting, Transparent Worbla, or something similar. Glue it to your base and then paint it. That's the best way to get the smoothest surface for the blade.
If you want to use paper mache, you MUST use a minimum of 5-6 layers of gesso for sanding purposes to get a smooth enough surface. And the paper mache is what adds strength, so I wouldn't skimp on those layers, either.
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Unfortunately I have already completed the blade with cardboard, so I will have to go the paper mache route. I did some experimenting and you are right, I will have to use a lot of gesso. Thank you for the advice!
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How hard is it once it is all dry? Like in terms of impact resistance? I'm worried about cracking my armor pieces if i bump into something.
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They take bumps and jostling very well. You should worry more about sharp edges, which will indent the armor. But dull impacts are no problem.
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Would a few layers of acrylic paint instead of Gesso work too? Where I live they don't have Gesso sadly.
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No. The more layers of paint you put on, they more likely they are to crack. Try using wood glue instead or filler primer. Both are sandable.
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Hm,so....A few layers of paper mache and then a few layers of woodglue,then sand it?
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Yes. And you may need to add more wood glue depending on how smooth you need it.
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Hey 
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I'm not sure what you're asking...? You need a base for the papier mache - you can't just use it alone or it will be too likely to break. At least use wire or something as a skeletal support.
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Sorry if Im talking gibberish :3 but I got the answer I needed so thnx!
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Shoulder armor without destroying bank accounts, sanity, hands, or brains!
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This is probably a stupid question but, do you need to put the paper mache part or can you just use tape and gesso?
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I would not recommend Gessoing directly over tape (it doesn't suit my preferences), but you are welcome to try!Β
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yea thanks, tried it already, I wouldn't recommend it either...(β_β; )
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I am trying to figure out how to make a rather complicated staff and am at a loss. I am making the FFXIV WHM Zenith staff and the dang thing has 4 wings coming from the main piece and the staff itself looks like it is marble. On top of which, I have to be able to travel with it. Do you have any recommendations?
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi⦠; <---staff
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you are very welcomed
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Liquitex. Brand doesn't really matter to me since it's just used on a prop - I get whatever is most cost effective.
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Would this stand up to whacking with pool noodle swords reinforced with fiberglass?
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I assume so?Β I've never tried, so I'm not the best to ask!
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For which piece - the Athena Pauldron? I made straps from vinyl, but I've also used leather, webbing, and thick cotton.
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hmmmm, i got a question:
Isn't chipboard sturdy and flexible at a smal point? I'm trying to make two bracelet like armor pieces for my forearms and my doubt whether i should use chip board or printed cardboard or duplex card stock?
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Yes!Β Chip board is awesome.Β I use it for bracelets, head pieces, helmets, etc all the time.Β
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HMMM I tried chipboard and it broke easily, so i went with duplex card stock. now i'm at the 4th layer of gesso and it's coming up ok
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The stuff I use is the cardboard from the backs of paper pads and notebooks and such.Β You can also use poster board or cardboard cereal boxes.Β But I'm glad the card stock worked
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yeah at first the card stock wasn't staying in place but after mummifying it with isolation tape and papermache it, it turned out good (luckily i had the bracelt with styrofoam balls to keep it in shape)
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This is awesome! Thank you for the tutorial, it will be very helpful!
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I have a quick question, for the chip board is it usually sold in craft stores? Or where can I find it? This is a very helpful tutorial!
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I usually get it off the back of note pads and such. Β I think they sell it at Art stores like Dick Blick's, but not so much at craft stores. Β Though you can buy card stock or heavy cardboard.
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Thank you that's really helpful!
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I cannot wait to try this out next time! Thank you!Β Β
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How sturdy is this? I was just wondering because I wanted to make Edward Elric's automail arm and leg and all that. >.>
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Pretty sturdy. I wouldn't recommend LARPing in it or SCA fights, but it will hold up well. It can also be heavy. Maybe look into using Sintra or Wonderflex? Much lighter and easier to work with.
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Oh! Thanks so much! I just don't know how to work with Wonderflex and I've never heard of Sintra. This will be the first thing I'll make and I wanted to do something I've done before. (Such as Paper Mache Lol.) But I'll certainly try it out! If I do end up using this idea, I'll certainly link some pics!
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