Foam vs Pep

[Purrie]

So I've been absent from these forums for a while, and now that I'm looking into making another costume, I've noticed that a lot of users seem to be switching to the foam method. I've looked through some of Ben's tutorials and it seems like it could save a lot of time/work.

For those who have started using the foam method, what are the benefits of that, vs the normal pep process? Is it easier to get the details using foam? And after looking through some of the foam thread, I didn't see whether you still fiberglass the inside of the foam/bondo the outside of it... Is that process still necessary?

Thanks for any input!
-Purrie

 

[Constrictor]

I really now sure how they're really difference because I never try foam method on Halo armors too. Trade off with details and color. Foam is hard to paint on it and color will seems likely to crack after some times. They both have advantages/disadvantages but still I never work on foam with Halo armors so I don't really know. Need to know from others too.

For me when I using foam, I use it with armors that doesn't have pep files / some details are hard to do with pep. My team use foam + PVC leather method. Leather will save you time on paint job and they're really beautiful. Never show them on this forum before because I don't have time but here are the costume our team make with EVA foam.

some minors detail can be add to. Well I like foam too because it's light weight and easy to wear XD

Out team Nightmare costume with out using PVC Leather

I don't know if my info will help you >.<

 

[CoolC]

I used both method and I can tell you foam is a lot easier. True foam method lack details, but you can easily use foamies to add details. I used foam for my kids ODST chests and it worked wonderfully. I applied plasti-dip and then used regular paint. The paint never cracks. Using the traditional pep method requires a lot of work to get to final stage. At this point I have all given up on pep method. For helmet I will continue to use pep, though.

Check out the videos I uploaded in my YouTube channel on the updates I am working on my kid's MC Mk VI using foam.

 

[Traghatti]

Having done both I can tell you this about foam;

-No need to bondo/fiberglass
-All you need is scissors/exacto knife and a hot glue gun.
-Yes the foam does suck up paint, but as Constrictor said above just use a spray on layer of plasti-dip.
-It is a little easier for details, as also mentioned above, you can just use foamies or cut smaller, thinner layers of foam.
-Foam will be VERY warm to wear, sadly it has very good at insulation and will keep you toasty, however it is lighter in weight.
-It's more flexible and has more give, you don't tear/crack parts like you would bondo, at least not as easily. Same goes if you accidently drop something onto the floor, it just bounces harmlessly into your unsuspecting cat.
-You don't have to worry about toxic fumes while working.
-Don't know about others, but I find sizing much easier. Yeah you kinda have to work with it, but it beats sizing something in pepakura, printing, cutting/pasting only to find out it's too big or too small and having to start all over. If you do glue foam and its the wrong size, you can usually just cut it where you glued it and start again. I've even printed pep files out on paper as a templet to get an idea of the correct sizing.
-The only thing I still use Pepkura for is the helmets, because of the curves and contours. But everything else, IE helmet attachments, armor attachments etc I do foam.

Hope this helps.

 

[Spacemeat]

I can echo what's been said above.

I've built a suit with pep and another with foam. The foam suit was by far easier and faster to build and ended up being much more durable than the pep one. I really prefer foam over pep and aside from the helmet, I'm glad I'm not locked in the cycle of bonding and sanding.

 

[Purrie]

Alright, so it's easier, and detailing is simpler; Bondo/fiberglass is unnecessary and is replaced by Plasti-dip. Would Fiberglassing the inside add be worth it? Or would that be too much?

Also, how much foam have you guys used in a full suit? I guess I'm trying to figure out how much I'd need to pick up for an ODST set

 

[CoolC]

While I never tried it, I heard the fiberglass and resin will soften the foam making it useless. If you use foam there is no need for fiberglass. Foam in itself is strong and sturdy. You do not need any reinforcement.

You can usually get foam in 4-5 pieces/pack. To complete a suit and account for waste you will probably need 6-8 pieces for ODST suit. For MC you will probably need a little more.

 

[Purrie]

Alright cool- Thank you for your input!