- WigsAdding wefts to a wigA beginner-friendly technique for sewing or gluing extra hair wefts into a wig to add volume, length, or colour without buying a whole new wig.
- MakeupApplying a foam latex or silicone prostheticA guide to attaching ready-made foam latex or silicone prosthetics with skin-safe adhesive, blending the edges and removing them safely, for first-time makeup cosplayers.
- MakeupApplying body paintA beginner's guide to applying cosmetic-grade body paint safely on skin for costume characters, covering patch testing, setting, and clean removal.
- FoamBevelling EVA foam edgesHow to cut EVA foam edges at an angle so armour panels meet cleanly at corners and seams, for beginners making their first foam armour.
- MakeupBuilding a cosplay makeup baseA beginner's guide to layering skincare, primer, foundation, and setting products so costume makeup lasts all day at events.
- PropsCasting resin parts in a silicone mouldHow to mix two-part polyurethane resin and pour it into a silicone mould to make hard, identical costume parts, for makers ready to work carefully with chemicals.
- FoamDetailing with foam clayFoam clay lets cosplayers add raised textures, fine details, and sculptural accents to foam armour and props without heavy tools or heat.
- ElectronicsDiffusing LEDs in a propA beginner-friendly technique for softening harsh LED hotspots in costume props so the glow looks even and atmospheric rather than like a bare bulb.
- SewingDrafting a pattern with plastic wrap and tapeA beginner-friendly method for creating a custom-fit pattern by wrapping a body or dress form in plastic wrap and tape, then drawing and cutting it apart.
- FoamGluing foam seams with contact cementA guide to bonding EVA foam edges cleanly with contact cement, suited to beginner and intermediate cosplay armour builders.
- FoamHeat-forming curves in foamA beginner-friendly shaping technique that uses gentle heat to bend EVA foam into curved armour pieces and organic forms.
- FoamHeat-sealing EVA foamHow to close the open pores of EVA foam with a heat gun so primer and paint go on evenly, a key prep step for beginners making foam armour and props.
- WigsHeat-styling a synthetic wigHow to curl, wave or straighten a heat-resistant synthetic wig with low-heat tools, for cosplayers styling a wig for the first time.
- FoamKerf cuts for tight foam curvesKerf cutting is a beginner-friendly technique for bending stiff EVA foam into smooth curves by removing thin slices of material from the back side.
- SewingMaking a mock-up (toile) before you cutA mock-up (or toile) is a test version of a costume sewn in cheap fabric so you can fix fit and design problems before cutting your real material.
- PropsMaking a silicone mouldAn introduction to making a silicone mould of an original piece, for costume makers who want to cast repeat copies of prop and armour details.
- PaintMetallic finishes on armourA guide for new cosplayers on how to make foam or 3D-printed armour look like shiny metal using paint and finishing products.
- PaintPriming and sealing foam for paintHow to prime and seal EVA foam so paint goes on evenly and survives the piece bending, for anyone painting foam armour or props.
- 3D printingSanding and filling 3D printsHow to sand and fill the layer lines on a filament 3D print so it is smooth and ready to paint, for makers finishing printed props and armour.
- ArmorSculpting details in thermoplasticA beginner-friendly technique for adding raised rivets, filigree, and decorative details to costumes using thermoplastic scraps and pellets.
- SewingSewing faux leather and vinylA guide for new cosplayers on how to stitch faux leather and vinyl cleanly without the material sticking, skipping, or leaving permanent holes.
- SewingSewing four-way stretch fabricA beginner-friendly guide to stitching four-way stretch fabric so seams move with the body without popping or puckering.
- WigsSpiking a wigHow to shape a synthetic wig into sharp, gravity-defying spikes with teasing, gel and hairspray, for cosplayers recreating anime and fantasy hairstyles.
- ArmorStrapping and attaching armourA beginner's guide to the straps, buckles, and harnesses that hold foam or thermoplastic armour securely on your body while letting you move.
- PaintWeathering and dry-brushingAn introduction to weathering and dry-brushing, painting techniques that add wear, dirt and age to costumes and props, for beginners painting their first pieces.
- ElectronicsWiring battery-powered lights safelyA beginner-friendly guide to safely adding battery-powered lights to costumes, covering off-the-shelf components, basic wiring practices, and convention rules.
- ArmorWrapping foam in WorblaA beginner-friendly armour technique where heated Worbla sheet is folded over shaped EVA foam to create hard-surfaced costume pieces.
Cosplay · Techniques
Looks, techniques, materials and tools for building costumes, from foam armour to wig styling.
There’s much more to the member Atlas
You’ve seen what’s in the Atlas. A free account shows you all of it the way it was meant to be read:
- The illustrated Atlas map across all six Realms
- Each collection in its own art, colour and type
- Cover grids and list views you can switch between
- Portraits and fact sheets laid out beside every entry
- A contents rail and reading progress on every guide
- Section tabs and a quick switcher for jumping between collections