all you need for cosplay
with many tips and usages

#

• 3D printer

If you are familiar with 3D editing on the computer, a 3D printer can be a useful addition. If you only want to make small individual parts out of plastic every now and then, look around for a 3D pen.

A

• acrylic paints or spray paint, metallic colors

Choose flexible ones for soft parts or mix it in a Gesso base. Metallic colors lose their effect when mixed with standard colors, but there are special types on the market for costume designers.

• adhesive tapes & masking film

There are many of these for a big variety of uses. Check out my special adhesive tape tutorial to learn more!

• airbrush equipment

Requires more protective gear and masking work than regular painting but grants great results.

• aluminum foil

Suitable for quickly modeling small basic shapes that will be covered later. If you press crumpled aluminum foil onto heated foam, you get the effect of a leather surface.

• angle grinder with cutting and sanding disks

You can do a lot on EVA foam using hand sandpaper, a rotary sander or a belt sander. If you want to achieve a lot on large areas and have good sensitivity, try out an angle grinder with sanding disks and only very little pressure on foam. It’s not very easy, but very effective! And in contrast to the belt sander, you can immediately see what you are achieving. Cutting disks are great for quickly processing or cutting metal parts. But don't forget to wear your protective equipment.

• alcohol markers

Of course useful for coloring on drawing paper, but you can also use it to change the color of artificial hair.

B

• belt sander

Quickly achieves smooth surfaces on flat and easily accessible parts. Also suitable for smaller parts, as long as you can hold them firmly without dragging your fingers. Pliers can be helpful if you want to sand parts that are too small or too round to hold them with your fingers.

• brackets

When gluing curved elements, small clamps with little pressing force are simply great for holding everything securely in place until it dries.

• brushes

It’s a good idea to spend a bit more in high quality brushes. Struggling with brush hairs in your paint is really annoying! Get yourself a wide range of sizes from very thin up to larger ones in wide and round tip forms. If you’re working with waterbased, solvent-based or oil-based colors buy one set for each color type and DO NOT mix them.

C

• chicago screws

Also known as book screws. When working with EVA foam and Worbla, a wonderful dummy screw on armor and weapons. Comes in different lengths and head shapes. For connections that move frequently, a little screw locking doesn't hurt.

• chisel set

Chisels have proven to be very useful for making impressions in foam. Especially if you want to create lots of them in exact one size! Use a wooden or rubber mallet when working on hard materials - your chisels will thank you.

• cleaning equipment

Clean your workplace thoroughly between different work processes to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

• clothes hanger

Store your cosplays neatly and wrinkle-free in the closet.

• cling film

Cover large areas when spraying or airbrushing or use it on your body before you add duct tape to make patterns.

• clothes, suits, gloves and shoes or boots for further processing

Of course, in principle you can even make shoes yourself from scratch. But the effort is hardly worth the benefit. Things are different when it comes to gloves or outerwear.

• cordless screwdriver

You rarely need it when cosplaying, but it’s always a good choice for stable screw connections or larger holes. If the places are angled or cannot be reached in depth, try an angle gear attachment or insert several bit holders into row.

• construction foam

Do you need a large, easy-to-carve model quickly? Then construction foam is perfect! It expands significantly after application and is incredibly sticky, so protect your setup well.

• craft glue

Useful for models made of thin paper or for gluing things into your conhon.

• curve templates

You can make it yourself or use ready-made stencil sets. Sometimes not a bad way to boost your creativity with flourishes.

• cutter knife & replacement blades

A cutter knife that feels comfortable in the hand is worth its weight in gold. Always have enough replacement blades in reserve: Blunt blades not only significantly increase the risk of injury, but also leave messy cuts in EVA foam.

• cutting pad, heatproof pad

Simple and recommended to protect your working surface. Cutting pads often have auxiliary lines and geometric forms one or both sides you can refer to.

• connect pieces like buttons, zippers, belt buckles, eyelet and rivet pliers, velcro tape, elastic sewing band

There are countless ways to connect parts together. One of the most important things is to securely attach the connecting elements and test them thoroughly to prevent unpleasant surprises at conventions.

D

• desk organizer

It's great when pens, brushes and scissors are organized, space-saving and within easy reach. You can also attach some desk organizers to the wall slightly above working height.

• drying place

The possibility to hang up things is very useful when you’ll let your work dry. It should be at room temperature and free of dust.

• dust extraction

If you do a lot of sanding, a workplace dust extraction system isn't a bad thing, especially indoors. You can build something like this yourself with a box that is open on one side and attached to a powerful vacuum cleaner.

E

• EVA foam

Due to its wide range of uses and easy processing, it is one of the most frequently used materials in armor and prop construction. Available in different densities, sizes, shapes and even in the form of playdough.

• extension cable

Control is nothing without power! Or something like that. Some device cables are so short and inconvenient that it's always a good idea to have an extension in reserve.

F

• fabric

Now you are spoiled for choice again. If possible, go to your local fabric retailer to get the exact color, stretchability and useful tips from the staff.

• fiberglass rods and plant sticks

These long, hard hollow or filled rods are a sought-after internal stabilization for long weapons and comply with most CON and LARP weapon rules.

• foam clay

A great invention that allows you to design even more flexibly! As easy to shape as clay but you can cut and sand it like regular foam. Always let it dry completely, this could take from a few hours up to days according to the thickness!

• fur

Artificial fur is not only very popular with furry artists. It gives your costume a noble or rustic addition. If you want to cosplay chimeras (human-animal hybrids), this is a great choice. For the sake of general animal welfare, you should always use the artificial alternative.

G

• Gesso black & white

If you want to paint soft parts, consider Gesso as a mixing base. It is much less prone to breakage than pure acrylic paint.

• glues like contact glue, superglue, textile glue

Always keep an eye on the instructions for use regarding processing times and health risks. Especially contact glue connects parts immediately and permanently, so there’s no readjustment possible! Therefore, mark how you want to join the parts before gluing.

H

• hammer

A gentle blow of a hammer has often ensured that a stuck glue bottle could be opened again. If you want to work on hard materials with chisels, use a wooden or rubber mallet - your chisels will thank you.

• hot air gun

They are available with different fan and heat levels. A must-have when you wanna heatform artificial material. Also a very hot device, so work careful with it and don’t lay it aside on flammable surfaces.

• hot glue gun & sticks

Maybe cosplayers #1 weapon of choice :)
Start with a cheap hot glue gun but be aware, most times they did not work well very long but they could unleash their real power and pop a fuse. Better choose a brand device or even one with adjustable temperature – it will let you use different types of sticks. You could also experience with colored and metallic hot glue sticks. When working with hot glue, be assured that it’s really hot and you could burn yourself easily. Put one or two layers of painters tape on your skin before you apply things with hot glue on worn clothes to prevent aching burn bubbles. Painters’ tape is also a practicable protection for your table sticked under the tip of the gun.

• helping hand

Some things just can't be done alone. Don't be afraid to ask friends or family for help.

K

• kitchen roll

Well suited as a quickly accessible base for small parts to remove excess paint, roughly clean brushes or clean the workplace.

• Kwik Seal or light acrylic structure paste

Structure or flatten your surface with this material. Works also nice to hide seams. Brand paste seems to be more break-resistent when put on soft, flexible parts.

L

• laser engraving machine

A great choice for releasing many similar parts made of different materials. Requires a little training and occupational safety, but once set up it is very effective.

• leather (faux leather)

A great and easy to work alternative to real leather. Uniform in thickness, color, shape and surface. No gaps of limbs. Use typical leather accessories to make it look realistic. There is a separate tutorial for this.

• leather (genuine leather)

Unique structure, but you need special tools to edit it effectively. Tip: Look around at artist and medieval markets for inexpensive pieces and cords.

• leatherworking tools

There are special tool sets for strong genuine leather, not all of them can be replaced with normal tools.

• lint roller

Remove lint quickly and effectively. Alternatively, you can also use painter's tape, but it's not as quick.

• liquid latex

Very suitable for special effects on the skin and for creating masks. Can also save you a lot of makeup work.

M

• measuring and mixing cups

Transparent cups with mixing scales on their sides are perfect when concrete mixing ratios are necessary.

• metal angle

If you want to process thicker materials exactly at right angles, even a large set square has its limits because you can only place it on edges with approximately precision.

• modelling tools

You can get sets of handy plastic tools with very differently shaped hard and flexible tips on the market. A great choice to work out fine details on different clays.

• multitool & attachments

It's not absolutely necessary for cosplay, but it's still super versatile thanks to its many attachments.

• mold building & releasing materials

Silicone molds with two-component resin work great. Or combine cling film with plaster bandages for molds. On bodies marigold skin cream is a nice releasing agent but you have to cover hairs, eyebrows and beards extra not to embed them in the plaster!

N

• notepad, sticky notes

What has become empty, what still needs to be done, what do you definitely not want to forget? He who writes remains.

O

• old rags

Old clean clothes, sheets, tablecloths? Anything that doesn't lint is still great, for example as a cleaning cloth with thinner. Fabrics that are not too artificial or smooth are best.

P

• paint roller

If you want to color larger, flat surfaces quickly and evenly, this is a good choice. But it rarely happens in cosplay.

• PC & printer

Plan and check your work, create templates or control peripheral devices.

• pearl pen

This allows you to quickly imitate many small beads without sewing them on. Also works for fine raised lines.

• Personal protective equipment

This consists of ear protection, dust mask, safety glasses, disposable gloves, work gloves and sometimes also safety shoes. Please always follow the safety instructions when working with chemicals, dust, heat and sharp and heavy things.

• pencils, feltpens & permanent markers

In the search of the right form for appliques start with a pencil and use darker shades step by step till you like the form. Close your eyelids a bit for better imagination and blending out earlier lighter pencil and pen strokes. On smooth and artifial surfaces like foil, Worbla, EVA foam, PVC or metal use permanent markers. There are also permanent pens with a small and/or brush tip on the market – in colorful bundles they are cheaper than disk labeling pens.

• plaster bandages

Ideal for stable impressions of body parts. Available in pharmacies or often much cheaper in art stores. You should apply at least three layers quickly on top of each other to get a stable base. Not suitable for armor construction due to the rough surface and susceptibility to kinks.

• power strip

Self-explanating, but please pay attention to the maximum wattage not to cause a cable fire!

• PlastiDip

Works well as a primer or top transparent protection. Also available in different colors. Protect your health and note the directions on the packaging!

• primer

The importance of good priming cannot be emphasized often enough. Primer not only makes the surface of foam disappear but also serves as an adhesion promoter and painting base.

• punching tools

Similar to chisels, you can use them to achieve great effects on heated EVA foam or Worbla. Bring in patterns or traditionally use them on real leather. Use it to make holes, attach eyelets and much more.

• pyrography station

Hot and smelly, so remember to wear your protective gear. However, with a little practice, you can quickly set great details to your material!

• paper & cardboards

Essential for notes, sketches, stencils and paper models. Save large boxes; if you separate them a little, you can easily store some of them behind a shelf.

• pliers (small & plumber's pliers)

If a clasp is stucked ot you want to form metallic stuff, pliers are simply great!

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Occasionally used when making hard, smooth objects with a small thickness. There are also transparent versions on the market.

R

• ribbons

You can easily sew simple ribbons and straps yourself from your raw material or use spray glue to create double-sided strands. When it comes to decorative ribbons, let me recommend you visiting a fabric store or researching the Internet. If you have a sewing machine with an embroidery function or even an embroidery machine, you can make many things yourself exactly according to the template.

• Rub ’n Buff

Probably one of the best choices for realistic-looking metal surfaces. Very, VERY productive, easy to apply and quick drying.

• ruler, set square, drawing circle & tape measure

Essential tools for precise work. Plastic rulers instead of wooden ones are highly recommended cause they nearly could not get unstraight.

• resin (two-component resin)

Not easy to process and harmful to health, but extremely stable and versatile. Great for pouring silicone molds.

• rounded & patterned molding aids

For evenly rounded parts heat and stretch your material over a ball, sizes of a salad bowl, etc. And nearly everything you can press in clay or heated materials could be useful to create structures! This starts from crumpled aluminium foil over cookie cutters up to texture rollers from your local painter’s shop.

S

• safety pins

You rarely need them when building. For peace of mind, you should have them with you at every con - even if it's just someone else who is grateful for a safety pin.

• sample fabric

Sometimes you want to test your pattern before cutting the good, expensive fabric. Discarded cloths and sheets are well suited for this.

• sanding tools & paper

Available in many different grain sizes, it is always good to have it in reserve. You can get for dry and wet sanding. I recommend grits 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 240 for armor and weapon surfaces. Be patient and do not skip any grit level when sanding to get the best result. For larger areas you can use a rotary sander with velcro sandpaper.

• screwdrivers

Magnetic or non-magnetic – they are great when working with chicago screws, mechanics or maybe you wanna use the big flat one to carefully open a can.

• scissors for paper, cardboard, fabric, metal

You quickly tend to cut different materials with the same pair of scissors, but as a result they quickly become dull and are no longer suitable for all materials. Divide your arsenal into paper/cardboard, fabric and plastic scissors. You can geht special left and right sided scissors for good cuts in thin metal sheets.

• sewing machine

You can actually do everything without it, but it's often more effective that way.

• sewing patterns

You can buy it or make it yourself.

• sewing needles & pins

Sewing pins did not only hold fabric pieces together. They can hold wigs in place on your wig head dummy or foam pieces on your fullbody construction dummy. Discard rusty or bent specimens and never leave them where you or your pets will perch.

• sewing thread

Different thicknesses, colors and even transparent versions - the choice is yours!

• smartphone, calculator

Take photos of your progress, bridge waiting times, look something up or check a mathematical matter.

• silicone

Available in different designs and a great material for making molds. Ask your trusted art supply store about the right material for your project.

• sponges

If you’re not working with airbrush tools, sponges can support you massively to get fine, brushstroke-free surface when you dip it on the painted area. For areas that are difficult to access simply cut a piece of the sponge and maybe use tweezers.

• spray film

Available matt, glossy or brilliant. Quick drying and great protection for your cosplay from the elements. Not very cheap but worth every penny and quite productive.

• spray glue

Great for quick, large-area bonding of many materials. Protect your health well according to the processing instructions and generously cover the area around your workpiece. Connects parts immediately and permanently - readjustment is not possible.

• spraying cabin

Very practical when painting larger parts indoors to keep the surrounding area as well as the freshly sprayed parts clean. You can build it yourself with a little effort and craftsmanship.

• squeeze bottle with fine dosing tip

You can buy them or if you or your friends are dyeing hairs clean those empty mixing bottles carefully, let them dry inside completely and use it as a great lockable applying tool for contact glue and similar liquids you want to apply very precise.

• steaming iron, ironing board

Apply iron-on motifs or carefully iron your fabrics with the correct temperature. If you own an ironing board with a meshy surface, use a cover out of thick fabric to prevent the mesh texture from getting ironed into your fabric.

• stirring tools (wooden sticks, paint containers)

Rinsed out food containers such as small yogurt cups work well for mixing up smaller amounts of colors. Wooden sticks from icecream or from a bought package are an inexpensive and great mixing tool. Pro tip: If you want to reuse the color later, put some painter’s tape or cling film on top of the cup and leave no gap: This way they won’t dry out!

• storage boxes

Transparent or labeled very useful; empty puzzle boxes are great for storing and organizing things!

• synthetic hair color

A white or blonde synthetic wig, free of hair styling products, can be colored with a homemade mixture. Buy alcohol-based colored ink and mix it with water at least 1:1 for a vibrant color result. The more water, the more pastel-like is the coloring result. Spray it well on the wig, let dry and rinse with clean water until no more paint escapes. Then dry carefully, brush out and style. • nailpolish Super practical for artificial nails and claws. You can also use it as a primer for small smooth surfaces such as chicago screws.

• shelves (high)

Sort your material and safe you a lot of space on the floor.

• shiny metallic foil

Self-adhesive foil you can apply on parts to save painting and drying time.

• shoe polish (colored shoe polish)

This allows you to slightly adjust the color of leather or faux leather.

T

• tailor's chalk

Very suitable for marking darker fabrics as it can be easily removed. For lighter fabrics, a pencil with little pressure or a light, thin permanent marker also works very well if the fabric is not too translucent.

• tailor's dummy

Especially if you mostly work solo, a tailor's dummy is hard to replace. There are different ones you can buy or you can build an image of yourself using cling film, duct tape and construction foam. You can just as easily insert needles here.

• textile paint

In contrast to acrylic paints, textile paints contain components that increase durability on fabric.

• thinner (universal thinner)

Remove old paint, clean your tools of solvent-based paints, but ventilate well and follow the safety instructions on the container. Also use solvent resistant disposable gloves.

• tweezers

Probably the finest extension of your fingertips when working on tiny details.

W

• waste bins

Separate your waste to help our environment and sort it as soon as it occurs.

• water in a vessel and a spray bottle

You’ll often need water to clean your brushes, tools, smoothing clay or Worbla surfaces and much more. A flat, rinsed icecream container is very lovely for that job cause it’s hard to tip over and you could even wetten larger pieces of plaster bandages in it. Fine spray bottles are comfy to apply water evenly.

• wig head & styling accessories

Essential for storing and styling wigs. But be careful, Styrofoam dummies dissolve when they come into contact with some chemicals or strong heat!

• wigs

It's practically impossible to make a wig yourself. But you can separate them and put them together to make new wigs.

• weapon rules

Most small and large cons have specific weapons rules that you should definitely adhere to. Not only to gain access, but also to avoid offending passers-by or authorities on the way to the event site.

• wire

Good for keeping edges of clothing, wings or hair in the desired shape.

• wire mesh

A good form basis for narrow, elongated elements such as horns or long ears that should remain as light as possible. However, you should hide the honeycomb structure well, as it usually doesn't want to be shown.

• Worbla

One of the basic materials that make up your cosplay dreams. The result depends heavily on choosing the right type. It comes in many versions with different surfaces, transparency, stretchability, opaque or translucent, mesh-based or pure.

• working space

A comfy room with a bright light source is really necessary cause you will spent lots of hours in it! And if you don't really see what your hands are producing, it won't work. Use daylight! If you are left-handed the window should be to your right and if you are right-handed it should be on your left. Artificial daylight sources such as LED terrarium bars have proven very effective! In addition, your workstation should be large enough to be able to lay out at least one large-format sheet of Worbla or EVA foam and still be able to move around to cut it.

• weathering effects

Wanna make your cosplay look more realistic and worn? Check out my tutorials for working with artificial leather and patinating armor parts!