Hyper's Noob Foam Reach Armor Build

[Hyperballistik]

Like the title says, im a noob when it comes to this foam stuff, this is my attempt to make a more comfortable suit, I hate to wear my Busa armor because its hot, heavy, and not that easy to move around in, so with all the foam builds I have seen lately figured I would take a wack at building a foam suit myself, what you see in the pics is 2 weeks worth of work, its not the best but like I said, im new at this, let me know what you guys think so far
Here is the torso, I still need to add details, finish the neck area etc.


Shins, I still need to make the knee things, sorry for the blurry pic forgot the flash

Thighs, still need details added

Shoulders, I didn't add the detail thing in the middle because im going to cover it with a shoulder piece

Forearms

Cod piece,still need to finish this, haven't had time lately

My pep'd knife, I made a while ago for a Reach build I was going to make out of pep, also the shoulder I plan to use on this armor, I will probably use the pep one instead of making it out of foam, I just need to pep out another one


Tell me what you think or any advice, like I said before this is 2 weeks worth of work, I was hoping to finish this before Halo-ween, I try to work on it in the evenings when I get a break from my 15 other projects, so hopefully I make my deadline

[mkshane81]

Very nice start there sir!! The foam work looks absolutely great. One quick questions I had, what did you use to put the preliminary coat on the right thigh?

-Matt

[Shaymin Sky]

Pretty good for a first time. Hit me up if you have any questions. I'd be glad to help.

[Hyperballistik]

Very nice start there sir!! The foam work looks absolutely great. One quick questions I had, what did you use to put the preliminary coat on the right thigh?

-Matt

It has a little plasti dip on it, the white stuff is a window caulk called Alex Plus, its an Acrylic latex with silicone that is paintable, also it says on the label that it will stay flexible permantly, I use it to fill in the areas where I have gaps and such, I found out also that you can use it to seal the foam for paint, I just take a sponge put some of the caulking in a bowl water it down then sponge bathe the part with the mixture, let it dry and then its paintable, when you paint over it, it actually looks smoother than if you were to paint over the plasi dip spray, not to mention its cheaper and flexible

[mkshane81]

Well I'll be....thanks for the tip buddy.

-Matt

[Hyperballistik]

Pretty good for a first time. Hit me up if you have any questions. I'd be glad to help.

Thanks man

[Shaymin Sky]

It has a little plasti dip on it, the white stuff is a window caulk called Alex Plus, its an Acrylic latex with silicone that is paintable, also it says on the label that it will stay flexible permantly, I use it to fill in the areas where I have gaps and such, I found out also that you can use it to seal the foam for paint, I just take a sponge put some of the caulking in a bowl water it down then sponge bathe the part with the mixture, let it dry and then its paintable, when you paint over it, it actually looks smoother than if you were to paint over the plasi dip spray, not to mention its cheaper and flexible

That's interesting to know. I've started to experiment with sealing and painting foam armor. I'm intrigued by your special mixture. I'd like to try it, seeing as it looks to be readily available for most people, and cheaper. When making the mix, what would the ratio of water to seal be? would a watery mix or a thick mix be better?

After closer inspection, I also noticed that your shin is sealed very well. No gaps or cracks are visible at all. Is that the Alex plus? If so What are you using to apply it? and are you sanding are smoothing it after curing?

this thread has already helped me lots. Looking forward to seeing more.

[BLACKULA727]

Nice job! When we talked on the phone, you made it sound like it was a botched piece held together with popsicle sticks & duck tape. lol, it looks good "forum troll"...

[vshore100]

Man, your builds always look great. Nice foam work buddy.

[DETHANIEL]

very good my friend, everything is shaping out a lot better than foam usually does. and mind i suggest layering up the inside of the torso with more foam? itll get very flimsy and tear if you dont