Hardsuits/general mech suit cosplay

[Anonymous No.6475224]

General mechsuit cosplay and discussion of making them. Iron Man, BGC, Gundams- whatever you've got.

Techniques for building very much appreciated so I can get working on that bad boy in the picture.

[Anonymous No.6475417]

Might we also discuss Transformers costumes as well since it's up the same alley construction wise?

[Anonymous No.6475508]

>>6475417
Go right ahead. Any and all cool mech and robot type cosplay is welcomed.

[Anonymous No.6475522]

There needs to be more BGC cosplay.

[Anonymous No.6475617]

>>6475417
Go right ahead. Any and all cool mech and robot type cosplay is welcomed.

[Anonymous No.6475634]

What is a good lightweight material to make large flat panels out of if you don't want to use cardboard? Sintra? Masonite board would be too heavy I think.

[Anonymous No.6475944]

I don't know about anything besides cardboard, seeing as I've only ever used cardboard (and fiberglass), so can't help you there.
One general rule I found for cardboard is that you never want to paint it directly. The resulting paintjob will look ass-ugly. You wanna cover it up with poster stock to give it a nice smooth surface.
Also, NEVER make your costumes with duct tape. One, it's bond gradually weakens. Two, it is hard to paint or glue anything over it (extremely non-sticky surface).
Use hot glue instead. Less conspicuous, stronger, and paintable. Just down burn yourself like I did multiple times.

Fiberglass is good for making free-form parts. You just gotta make the shape over which to apply the resin. I make a ribbed frame, into which I sprayed expandable foam. After giving it AT LEAST 3 days to cure, I cut and shaped it to the desired shape, slapped paper mache on it and finally applied fiberglass resin (be sure to use fiberglass mats, coat it multiple times and sand it down really good).

Pic is a mecha cosplay I'm currently working on. Built entirely out of cardboard and some fiberglass parts.

[Anonymous No.6475947]

BTW, I was wondering how other mecha cosplayers attach and keep all the parts on their body.

[Anonymous No.6475966]

>>6475522
Just finished watching the 8 episode OVA. You have no idea how happy I am to have stumbled upon this thread/image.
Thank you, Anon.

[Anonymous No.6476073]

>>6475944
Is fiberglass as scary as it sounds to someone who has never used it before?

[Anonymous No.6476084]

>>6475966
Your welcome!

[Anonymous No.6476085]

>>6475966
You're welcome!

[Anonymous No.6476315]

>>6476073
It's not really scary if you know how to use it and you are careful. before you try, I would suggest you do a test and apply it to just a flat piece of cardboard to get the process down. My test ended up not drying all the way so I'm glad I didn't do that on the actual piece.
One very important piece of advice I have for fiberglass is DO NOT skimp on the liquid hardener. The resin comes with a dropper of the stuff but it likely won't be enough (they are sold separately also). The instructions will give you a recipe for, say, 14 drops per 10 ounces of resin. I recommend always going over the minimum to ensure the resin hardens all the way.

Like in the picture, you need the resin, liquid hardener, and fiberglass mat. You also need a measuring cup (that you don't mind eventually throwing away) and cheap paint brushes (which you will also end up throwing away, you can find cheap ones for like $2) for applying it.

The process:
Do it in a well ventilated place. Wear gloves and a mask of some sort (it's noxious and kills brain cells, that part is scary). Mix the resin and appropriate amount of hardener (mix it well). Apply one coat with the brush. Apply the fiberglass mat (the mat will prevent chipping and cracking later, do not skimp on it), and apply a second coat over the mat. Fiberglass usually dries in 2 hours.Lightly sand the 1st layer, and apply the 2nd coat. Sand the second coat very well and get rid of bumps. Sand it multiple times, each time will smaller grain sand paper to get it smooth. Finally, spray primer on it to prepare it for the final paint.

On a side note, if you want to conserve as many paint brushes and measuring cups, you can use acetone to clean them up immediately after use. Even still, eventually, they will become garbage.

Lastly, if you still need help, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet.

[Anonymous No.6476318]

>>6476315
I forgot to mention, apply the fiberglass mat while the bottom coat is still wet, and Immediately apply more resin over that.