How to make Anime Cosplay Armor Costume

Anime armor costumes and prop making can be done without fiberglass, You will need to collect reference shots of the style of armor you will want and then start with foam, vinyl, paper mache,

it is important to note that making armour is expensive, so to get good results and save money, you can make cosplay armor out of cheap materials such as metal, wood, steel and cardboard,

it requires that you understand how much pressure can be applied on certain types of styrene, which is better than trying to mold a breastplate out of fiberglass.

Making Armor Materials and Tools :

You are going to need scissors, craft utility knife, hot glue gun, hobby sanding films, craft foam sheets, silver and black testors model paint, needle, thread, patterns, plastic sheeting, glue, strips of leather,straps, buckles, velcro for closures, xacto knife, newspaper. Best resource for getting started: http://amethyst-angel.com/armormaking_materials.html

When cutting, measuring and attaching the bodice for the breastplate, then you will need to add a flange to the bottom, glue the pattern pieces together to create the front and back halves of the breast plate,

you will also need to create pauldrons, with plastic or paper mache, next you will need foam and polystyrene, glue, silver paint and a pair of old shoes for foot armor.

Then you will have to make the cuff and the glove for the gauntlets, learn more about armor and prop making at amythest angel.com.

Instructions on what you will need to construct a cosplay costume out of armor, you can make one inexpensively without metal.

Some of the materials you will need include:

• poster board
• styrene sheets
• contact adhesive
• hot glue
• masking tape
• thread

The first step will require that you make a pattern of the armor from muslin newspaper or poster board.

Next you will want a reference photo of the exact copy of the anime cosplay outfit you will be creating from scratch, fun foam will make it possible for you to check how the pattern will fit before you complete the rest of the design.

Styrene is a piece of plastic that is used for modeling, hobbies and crafts. It works best because you can curve and mold the shape you will need for the breastplate, undergarments can be sewn by hand, basic techniques for stitching fabrics together applies.

Once you attach all the parts with a hot glue gun you can paint the outer sections and once dry you can try to put on the armor by yourself so make sure the neck hole is big enough and the waistline fits secure,

Then add closures with snaps for the sides and when constructing the gloves take into consideration the fingers because you will need each movement to be smooth and not constricting. Learn more about how to make armor at cosplaylab.