Techniques — Cosplay — The Atlas

Adding 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.
Applying 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.
Applying body paintA beginner's guide to applying cosmetic-grade body paint safely on skin for costume characters, covering patch testing, setting, and clean removal.
Bevelling 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.
Building a cosplay makeup baseA beginner's guide to layering skincare, primer, foundation, and setting products so costume makeup lasts all day at events.
Casting 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.
Detailing with foam clayFoam clay lets cosplayers add raised textures, fine details, and sculptural accents to foam armour and props without heavy tools or heat.
Diffusing 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.
Drafting 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.
Gluing foam seams with contact cementA guide to bonding EVA foam edges cleanly with contact cement, suited to beginner and intermediate cosplay armour builders.
Heat-forming curves in foamA beginner-friendly shaping technique that uses gentle heat to bend EVA foam into curved armour pieces and organic forms.
Heat-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.
Heat-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.
Kerf 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.
Making 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.
Making 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.
Metallic 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.
Priming 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.
Sanding 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.
Sculpting details in thermoplasticA beginner-friendly technique for adding raised rivets, filigree, and decorative details to costumes using thermoplastic scraps and pellets.
Sewing 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.
Sewing four-way stretch fabricA beginner-friendly guide to stitching four-way stretch fabric so seams move with the body without popping or puckering.
Spiking a wigHow to shape a synthetic wig into sharp, gravity-defying spikes with teasing, gel and hairspray, for cosplayers recreating anime and fantasy hairstyles.
Strapping 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.
Weathering 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.
Wiring 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.
Wrapping 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

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