- AirbrushAn airbrush is a small spray tool used by cosplayers to apply thin, even layers of paint to armour, props, and fabric for smooth finishes and gradients.
- Heat gunA heat gun is a handheld tool that blows hot air, used in cosplay to soften foam and thermoplastics so they can be shaped, curved, or sealed.
- Hot glue gunA handheld electric tool that melts glue sticks and dispenses them as a fast-bonding adhesive, useful for costume assembly and embellishment.
- Overlocker (serger)An overlocker (serger) is a specialist sewing machine that trims, encloses, and stitches a seam in one pass, ideal for stretch fabrics in cosplay.
- Respirator and cartridgesA guide for new cosplayers explaining how respirators with replaceable cartridges differ from dust masks and when each type of protection is needed.
- Rotary toolA rotary tool is a small handheld power tool used in cosplay for carving, sanding, cutting, and engraving foam, resin, and 3D-printed parts.
- Sanding blocks and paperA guide to choosing and using sanding blocks and sandpaper for smoothing cosplay props and 3D-printed parts, aimed at beginners.
- Sewing machineA sewing machine is the core power tool for costume stitching, helping new cosplayers sew seams faster and more evenly than by hand.
- Sharpening stoneA sharpening stone restores the edge on fixed-blade craft knives and small chisels, helping makers at any level make clean cuts in EVA foam.
- Soldering ironA soldering iron joins wire connections and mounts LEDs in cosplay electronics, suited for makers who want neat, lasting electrical joints.
- Tape measure and pattern rulersA quick guide to tape measures and pattern rulers for beginners who want to measure bodies and draft costume pieces accurately.
- Utility knife and snap-off bladesA guide to using utility knives and snap-off blades for cosplay prop and foam work, aimed at beginners who want clean, controlled cuts.
Cosplay · Tools
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