The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Cosplay— How to solve props for beginners?-01
How to solve props for beginners?-01
How to solve props for beginners?-02
How to solve props for beginners?-03
In the world of Cosplay, exquisite props can make you stand out from the crowd. Whether it's the Nichirin Blade from Demon Slayer or the catalysts from Genshin Impact, props are not only iconic features of characters but also the key to bringing 2D characters to life in the 3D world.
🦄 Chapter 1: Making Hair Accessories and Horn Decorations
For beginners, crafting hair accessories and horn decorations is the ideal starting point. First, gather the basic materials:
① 6mm-thick EVA foam sheets (~$5 per sheet)
② Hot glue gun ($10)
③ Acrylic paint set ($15)
④ Craft knife set ($8)
It’s recommended to choose white or black EVA foam, as these colors are easier to cover when painting. The production process can be divided into six detailed steps:
1️⃣ Designing the Template
Draw a 1:1 scale horn design on A4 paper. Beginners should opt for a simple straight horn shape, keeping the length between 10-15 cm. After cutting out the paper template, secure it to the foam with double-sided tape to ensure precise cutting.
2️⃣ Cutting the Shape
Use a sharp craft knife to cut at a 45-degree angle. Adjust your grip every 2-3 cm to maintain smooth edges. For complex curves, make multiple shallow cuts, removing only small amounts of material at a time.
3️⃣ Shaping the Horn
Use a hairdryer on the hot setting (held 15 cm away) to evenly heat the foam. Once the material softens (after ~30 seconds), immediately put on heat-resistant gloves to shape it. Note: EVA foam remains malleable for only about 30 seconds before hardening.
4️⃣ Surface Treatment
First, sand the entire surface with 400-grit sandpaper, then apply two layers of PVA glue (mixed 1:1 with water) as a primer. This helps the paint adhere better.
5️⃣ Painting Techniques
Use a sponge dabbing method to avoid brush strokes. Apply a light base coat first, let it dry completely (~1 hour), then add the main color. Finally, use a fine brush to add detailed textures.
6️⃣ Attaching the Horn
The simplest method is using a headband ($2) as a base. Secure the horn with hot glue, and for extra strength, lightly sand the contact area before gluing.
Advanced Techniques:
Adding LED strips (safest option: 5V low-voltage type) by carving wiring channels inside the horn.
Using liquid latex ($15/can) to coat the surface for a more realistic skin-like texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
If edges are rough: Smooth them with a wood burning tool ($20).
If paint is uneven: Switch to spray paint ($8/can) for better coverage.
⚔️ Chapter 2: Crafting EVA Foam Weapons
Creating EVA foam weapons is the perfect next step for beginners looking to level up their prop-making skills.
Materials Needed:
① EVA foam sheets (5mm & 10mm thickness, one sheet each)
② PVC pipe (2cm diameter, 80cm length)
③ Hot glue sticks (10-pack, ~$3)
④ Acrylic paint & sandpaper set (120-grit to 800-grit)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1️⃣ Designing the Weapon
Draw the weapon design on the foam sheet, keeping the total length between 80-100 cm (the maximum allowed at most conventions).
2️⃣ Cutting the Foam
① Blade section: Use 5mm foam for flexibility.
② Back & grip: Use 10mm foam for durability.
③ Straight cuts: Use a sharp craft knife with a metal ruler.
④ Curved sections: Rough-cut first, then refine gradually.
Pro Tip: For long straight cuts, lightly score the foam first, then deepen the cut in 3-4 passes for cleaner edges.
3️⃣ Shaping the Blade
① Use a heat gun (~$30) on medium setting (~150°C), holding it 10 cm away.
② Heat until the foam slightly contracts, then shape immediately with gloved hands.
③ For a natural curve, heat and shape the blade section by section (~15 sec per segment).
4️⃣ Assembly
① Insert a PVC pipe core for structural support, securing it with hot glue along the spine (10mm foam).
② Attach the 5mm foam blade sections on both sides.
③ Fill seams with hot glue, then trim excess after drying.
④ Grip enhancement: Wrap with leather or tennis racket tape for better handling.
5️⃣ Surface Finishing
① Initial sanding: Use 120-grit sandpaper, especially on seams.
② Filling gaps: Apply automotive body filler (~$10), then sand smooth with 400-grit.
③ Painting technique:
» Base coat: Spray gray primer.
» Main color: Apply with even layers.
» Highlights: Dry-brush for metallic effects.
④ Metal texture hack: Glue aluminum foil (~$3) on select areas, then seal with clear coat.
Time Estimate:
A standard EVA foam sword takes 8-10 hours to complete—spread over 2-3 days for best results.
Troubleshooting:
① If the blade bends: Insert a carbon fiber rod (~$5) inside the PVC pipe for reinforcement.
② If seams split: Reinforce with fiberglass tape (~$8) on the inner side.
🖨️ Chapter 3: 3D Printed Prop Making
3D printing is the best choice for crafting high-precision props. Beginners should start with an FDM printer like the Creality Ender 3 (~$200). First, master Tinkercad, a free online modeling software that offers many ready-made cosplay prop templates for easy customization.
Key Modeling Considerations:
① Wall thickness: Minimum 1.2mm
② Overhang angle: No more than 45 degrees
③ Supports: Ensure sufficient structural support
④ For swords: Split into blade, guard, and grip for better print quality and easier assembly. Include 5mm tenon-mortise joints at connection points.
Slicing Settings (Beginner-Friendly):
① Layer height: 0.2mm
② Print speed: 50mm/s
③ Infill density: 15%
④ Supports: Use "tree supports" (saves material & easier removal)
⑤ PLA filament settings:
» Nozzle temp: 200°C
» Bed temp: 60°C
» First layer speed: 30mm/s (for better adhesion)
Post-Processing (Most Critical Step!)
1️⃣ Removing Supports:
Carefully trim with flush cutters (~$10) and tweezers.
2️⃣ Sanding:
① Start with 120-grit (removes layer lines)
② Progress to 240-grit (smooths surface)
③ Finish with 400-grit (polishing)
3️⃣ Detailing:
Fill fine imperfections with UV resin (~$20) and cure with a UV light.
Painting Preparation:
1️⃣ Priming:
① Use automotive filler primer (~$10)
② Spray 2-3 coats from 20cm away, waiting 15 mins between layers.
③ After full drying (~2 hours), final polish with 800-grit sandpaper.
2️⃣ Painting:
① Use model paints (Vallejo/Citadel) with fine brushes for layering.
② Seal with matte/gloss varnish.
Time Estimate:
① Printing: ~15-20 hours (for a moderately complex prop like a pistol)
② Post-processing: ~8 hours
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
① Warping? Increase bed temperature or apply glue stick.
② Weak layer adhesion? Check extruder temperature.
③ Blurry details? Reduce layer height to 0.1mm.
🧰 Chapter 4: Prop Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance can significantly extend your props' lifespan. Here's a professional guide to keeping your cosplay investments in top condition.
Essential Maintenance Toolkit
1️⃣ Basic supplies every cosplayer needs:
① Microfiber cloth ($5) - for gentle dusting
② Makeup brush set ($8) - reaches intricate details
③ Silicone lubricant spray ($10) - protects flexible materials
④ Airtight storage container ($15) - prevents dust and moisture damage
2️⃣ After each use:
① Gently dust with microfiber cloth
② Spot clean stubborn stains with 70% isopropyl alcohol
③ Air dry completely before storage
Material-Specific Care
1️⃣ EVA Foam Props
① Storage: Always lay flat or hang - never fold!
② Monthly care: Apply silicone spray, then buff with soft cloth
③ Reshaping: Use hair dryer at 30cm distance to reform warped areas
2️⃣ 3D Printed Props
① Inspect joints before each use
② Reinforce weak points with epoxy resin ($10)
③ Long-term storage:
» Disassemble into major components
» Line connections with protective foam
» Avoid sunlight to prevent PLA brittleness
3️⃣ Electronic Components
① Monthly checkup:
» Test LED strips with multimeter
» Inspect battery compartments for corrosion
② Preventative measures:
» Use silica gel packs ($5) in storage
» Protect wires with heat shrink tubing ($3)
Convention Emergency Kit
1️⃣ Be prepared for on-site repairs with:
① 5-minute epoxy - quick fixes
② Mini hot glue gun - versatile bonding
③ Touch-up paint set - color matching
④ Compact tools - for adjustments
2️⃣ Damage control protocol:
① Photograph the damage
② Assess severity
③ Temporary fix small issues
④ Retire seriously damaged props
Long-Term Storage Solutions
1️⃣ Professional preservation methods:
① Deep clean all components
② Individually wrap in bubble wrap
③ Climate control:
» 15-25°C ideal temperature
» Moisture absorbers + anti-moth tablets
④ Premium display options:
» Glass display case ($50-100)
» LED lighting + humidity control
2️⃣ Quarterly maintenance:
① Inspect all props
② Pay special attention to rubber/latex (prone to degradation)
Pro Tip: For valuable collector's pieces, consider professional conservation services to maintain maximum value and appearance over time.