Worbla has become a popular material in the cosplay community, revolutionizing the way cosplayers create intricate armor and props. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of using Worbla for cosplay, from understanding the material to creating stunning pieces that will bring your favorite characters to life.
Understanding Worbla
Worbla is a brand name for a line of thermoplastics specifically designed for crafting. Thermoplastics are materials that become pliable when heated and return to a solid state when cooled. This property makes Worbla incredibly versatile for creating complex shapes and designs.
There are several types of Worbla products available, each with unique properties:
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Worbla's Finest Art: The original and most commonly used variety
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Worbla's TranspArt: A clear version for creating transparent elements
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Worbla's Black Art: A smoother black variant
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Worbla's Mesh Art: A stronger version with embedded mesh
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Worbla's FlameRed Art: A fire-retardant option
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Worbla's Deco Art: Moldable hard white plastic pellets
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Worbla's Crystal Art: Moldable rubbery translucent plastic pellets
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Worbla's Kobracast Art: A fabric-like, interfacing option
For beginners, Worbla's Finest Art is often the best choice due to its ease of use and versatility.
Getting Started with Worbla
Before diving into your first Worbla project, it's essential to gather the necessary tools and materials:
Tools:
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Heat gun or hair dryer
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Scissors
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Craft knife
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Cutting mat
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Gloves (heat-resistant)
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Sandpaper (various grits)
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Pliers
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Ruler or measuring tape
Materials:
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Worbla sheets
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EVA foam (for creating a base or adding volume)
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Primer
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Paints
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Sealant
Basic Techniques for Working with Worbla
Heating Worbla
Worbla becomes pliable at around 90°C (194°F). You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm it up. Heat evenly until the Worbla becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the material to become too thin or even burn.
Shaping and Molding
Once heated, Worbla can be shaped by hand or molded over a form. It will stick to itself when warm, allowing you to create seamless pieces. You can also layer Worbla for added strength or detail.
The Sandwich Method
This technique involves placing a layer of EVA foam between two layers of Worbla. Heat the Worbla and press it around the foam, creating a strong, lightweight structure.
Sculpting Details
Worbla can be sculpted like clay when warm. You can create intricate details by heating small pieces and shaping them with your fingers or tools.
Creating Cosplay Armor with Worbla
Now that you understand the basics, let's walk through the process of creating cosplay armor using Worbla.
Step 1: Research and Design
Before starting your project, gather reference images of the character you're cosplaying. Pay attention to the details of their armor, including shapes, textures, and colors.
Step 2: Create Patterns
Using your body measurements or a dress form, create paper patterns for each piece of armor. You can use the duct tape method for complex shapes:
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Wrap the body part in plastic wrap
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Cover with duct tape
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Draw the armor pattern on the duct tape
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Cut off the duct tape carefully
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Transfer the pattern to paper
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Base
Using your patterns, cut out the base shapes from EVA foam. This will provide structure and volume to your armor pieces.
Step 4: Apply Worbla
Heat your Worbla and apply it over the foam base using the sandwich method. Smooth out any air bubbles and trim excess material.
Step 5: Add Details
Heat small pieces of Worbla to create raised details, edges, or decorative elements. Attach these to your armor pieces while they're still warm.
Step 6: Smooth and Prime
Worbla has a naturally textured surface. To achieve a smooth finish:
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Sand the surface with progressively finer grits of sandpaper
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Apply a primer like gesso or wood glue
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Sand again between layers of primer
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Repeat until you achieve the desired smoothness
Step 7: Paint and Seal
Once your armor is smooth, you can paint it using acrylic paints or spray paints designed for plastics. After painting, apply a clear sealant to protect your work and add shine if desired.
Step 8: Attach Straps and Fittings
Add straps, buckles, or Velcro to make your armor wearable. Consider using elastic for comfort and ease of movement.
Advanced Techniques
As you become more comfortable working with Worbla, you can explore advanced techniques to enhance your cosplays:
Translucent Effects
Use Worbla's TranspArt to create glowing elements or crystals. You can dye TranspArt using Rit Dye for colored translucent pieces.
Weathering and Textures
Create realistic wear and tear by using heat to slightly melt the surface of your Worbla, or press textured materials into warm Worbla to create patterns.
Combining Materials
Experiment with combining Worbla with other materials like craft foam, fabric, or even 3D printed parts for unique effects and structures.
Tips for Success
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Practice on small pieces: Before tackling a large project, practice heating and shaping Worbla on small test pieces.
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Work in a well-ventilated area: While Worbla is non-toxic, it's best to work in a space with good air circulation when heating the material.
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Use a silicone mat or parchment paper: This will prevent Worbla from sticking to your work surface.
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Save your scraps: Worbla scraps can be reheated and formed into new sheets or used for detailing.
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Invest in good tools: A quality heat gun with temperature control will give you more precise results than a hair dryer.
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Be patient with smoothing: Achieving a perfectly smooth surface takes time and practice. Don't rush the process.
Resources for Cosplayers
CrazeCosplay.com
CrazeCosplay.com is an excellent resource for cosplayers of all levels. While they primarily sell finished cosplay costumes and accessories, their blog offers valuable tips and tutorials for DIY projects. They provide guides on various aspects of cosplay creation, including working with materials like Worbla and EVA foam.
Online Tutorials and Communities
Websites like Instructables and YouTube channels dedicated to cosplay (such as Kamui Cosplay and Evil Ted Smith) offer in-depth tutorials on working with Worbla. These resources can provide visual guidance and advanced techniques as you progress in your cosplay journey.
Local Workshops and Conventions
Many comic conventions and maker spaces offer workshops on cosplay techniques, including working with Worbla. These hands-on sessions can be invaluable for learning from experienced cosplayers and getting immediate feedback on your work.
Conclusion
Worbla has opened up a world of possibilities for cosplayers, allowing for the creation of intricate and durable costume pieces that were once much more challenging to produce. By understanding the properties of Worbla, mastering basic techniques, and practicing regularly, you can create stunning cosplay armor and props that will bring your favorite characters to life.
Remember that like any skill, working with Worbla takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Each project will help you improve your techniques and develop your own style. With patience and creativity, you'll soon be crafting cosplay pieces that will wow fellow fans and judges alike.
Whether you're creating a full suit of armor or adding small details to your costume, Worbla's versatility makes it an invaluable tool in any cosplayer's arsenal. So heat up that Worbla, let your imagination run wild, and start bringing your cosplay dreams to life!
