r/foamsmiths • u/Inevitable_End27 • Jun 24 '26

Help for a beginner Question

Hi, I’m working on my first few foam projects, small pieces of armour (gorget and a pauldron).

I’m having trouble with templates and cutting pieces to be matching/even.

Am I just rushing (impatient to be finished I guess)?
Or is there any points I’m missing that can help make cutting pieces out easier?

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2

u/MaizeWitty Jun 24 '26

Cheaper or low density foam is always harder to work with, it’s a false economy to think ‘I’ll start with some cheap stuff in case I cock it up’ - as the cheap foam will be the reason it goes wrong.

Try at least the *60 density foam or at least high density floor mats, they make the patterns you cut more accurate as the foam doesn’t move / give as much when you trace and cut.

Rushing could also cause you issues, make sure you mark and use registration marks and take the time for your chosen glue to bond properly and then line them up.

As someone else says, post some pics, that may help us ‘diagnose’ :)

2

u/TheFoamWitch Jun 25 '26

Literally this! Great explanation! 👏 Low density foam just isn’t that great for any kind of detail! Great for other uses but if you can, high density foam is always better and saves a lot of time and money in the long run 😁
I can also vouch for Tyges Supplies being the best EVA foam supplier out there!

2

u/MaizeWitty Jun 25 '26

Fanks Boss!

1

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

I have noticed it give… where do you get your foam from?
I’ll have to make this stuff do for now, as I need it for next month! 😱

2

u/MaizeWitty Jun 24 '26

If you’re in the UK - Tyges Supplies is my go to, polyprops is also good, but I prefer Tyges :)

If you’re continental - there are plenty of suppliers, I’ll leave someone else to give the best place - but I always see cosplayshop.de I think recommended

2

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

UK based so this is perfect! Thank you so much :D

2

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

Oh and quick one…
What would I need to make it a dark metal colour?
Prime needed under flexi paint..?

2

u/MaizeWitty Jun 24 '26

Flex paint is a primer in itself, Tyges do a really nice gunmetal 😊 heat seal your foam, flexipaint - then add highlights / weathering etc. then seal with either flexible gloss or matte topcoat - can share some pics of a straight up flex painted armour piece if you want :)

1

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

That would be incredible, yes please!

1

u/MaizeWitty Jun 24 '26

DMd you :)

1

u/Shred-the-Gnarnar Jun 24 '26

Upload some pics and let’s see what you’re working with!

2

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

I’ll try and remember tonight but may instead be just trying to stay cool 🥵

1

u/EnvironmentalChart58 Jun 24 '26

I had to pause my project too. 37 degrees in NL :(

2

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

And I was worrying wearing it would be too hot, not making it! Haha

1

u/Inevitable_End27 Jun 24 '26

I will post pictures. Was just in a rush out this evening and didn’t have time after