|
Author
|
Topic: Would A soft/flexible polyfoam work well for....
|
Crazy Clayer
|
posted 12-02-2000 08:32 PM
Would A soft/flexible polyfoam work well for a creature suit? As well or close to as good as foam latex? I dont have a big enough oven for a large scale thing like that. I have worked in the softest polyfoam before and it seems like it would work perfect, but It was just something small, thanks.Peter Murphy |
Jeff F
|
posted 12-03-2000 03:14 AM
I've done some work with this approach before, but you are going to have trouble with a lack of surface detail. Here are a few solutions:- Apply a thin layer of liquid latex and tissue paper to the surface of the foam to seal off the otherwise visible pores. You can also build a skin with a thin layer of vynil in liquid form.
- Texture the surface with a hot soldering iron. CAUTION: Synthetic foams release toxic fumes when exposed to heat in ths way - workoutside with proper breathing protection. Since you will still have pores visible, you will stil have to skin it in some way.
- Lay/glue pieces of yarn laid out like veins on the surface before skinning it over.
- Add various materials to create different types of texture to your skinning material, Oatmeal, wheat bran, unpopped popcorn kernels, and various other things can help create some unique textures.
If no close ups of the body are going to be shot, this is definetely worth consideration. The head, hands, and possibly the chest of the creature should be as detailed as possible. ------------------
Jeff F - Moderator
Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses |
Crazy Clayer
|
posted 12-03-2000 04:17 AM
Actually i was thinking of sculpting the suit then making a mold of the pices witha core then coating the molds with latex then mixing the foam together and pour it in. I just dont know if it will have as realistic an effect as foam latex. the foam i am thinking of using i have used before for my predators dreadlocks and they come out of the molds beautiful, i just havent done anything large enough to tell how good it looks big.thanks, Peter Murphy |
Jeff F
|
posted 12-04-2000 03:48 AM
Given the way you phrased this and due to similar questions in the recent past, I thought you were talking about using already cured polyfoam sheeting!Cold foam is as realistic as hot foam. The best hot foams whipped to higher volumes will be softer than the softest cold foams, but unless you need the absolute softest, stretchiest foam to achieve realism, cold foam will work fine. ------------------
Jeff F - Moderator
Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses |
Crazy Clayer
|
posted 12-04-2000 07:02 PM
Thanks, sounds like it will work prefect.......someone mentioned to me that I should have a completely different air source when working with it, is that true? I was just using a respirator....thanks,Peter Murphy |
crazy lou
|
posted 12-05-2000 01:09 AM
do it outside or in a well ventilated room, nothing thats cool is safe  i suppose if you have a SCBA use it, but if not outdoors will work. also look around, they may have some soft waterblown foams that are safer later
TOm ------------------
What everyone seems to forget is that once we look past race, religion, gender, and all that, everyone on this planet is first and foremost... ...a PERSON LINKS(added to11/15) |
Jeff F
|
posted 12-06-2000 02:32 AM
Working outdoors is a must!Even the best organic filters won't stop the lethal Isocyanate fumes, they're too fine, like water going through a screen door. Colorless, odorless, and deadly - fun, eh? ------------------
Jeff F - Moderator
Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses |
morpherguy
|
posted 12-06-2000 01:22 PM
urethane compresses but doesnt stretch much. You'll have problems raising your arms. |
Crazy Clayer
|
posted 12-06-2000 04:46 PM
I will be working outdoors, morphguy are you talking about the flexible kind? I know there are many different kinds and I tested the softest kind and it stretches a reasonable amount, not a lot but probably good enough. thanks. |
Wade
|
posted 12-06-2000 05:49 PM
Hey Crazy clayer...I saw your page and I must say I am very impressed with your work. That Predator is awesome. I'd have to say I'd value your advice!  |
Crazy Clayer
|
posted 12-06-2000 08:50 PM
Thanks man! |
Jeff F
|
posted 12-07-2000 01:59 AM
morpherguy is referring to elongation and elasticity, and urethaes indeed do not do as well well.If you need more stretch then hot foam is the way to go, although very soft Plastisol (vynil) is hard to beat for stretch. Of course, it is a royal pain in the butt to work with... ------------------
Jeff F - Moderator
Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses |
Thea
|
posted 12-09-2000 10:55 AM
I've known people who started out using hot foam only to switch to the soft A/B urethane. Hot foam is too expensive and hard to find an oven big enough (altho you can make one).
Sheet foam is easy and cheap, adding latex soaked in paper towel is one way to go.
If you're into using soft foam go with a 3 to 4 pound weight (it expands a lot-about 10 times original volume) if you're going to cover the piece in latex or whatever. It doesn't have much of a 'skin'.
Using fiberglass molds is the way to go when doing an expanding foam suit. ------------------
Thea
www.stagedoorstudios.com |
goldman2
|
posted 12-28-2000 01:20 PM
yes it works i used it in a short film "the virus" it takes the city and turns all of the people to goo like ailens |
