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PSA: I used to think hot glue was the only way to build props, but I was wrong.
For years, I built every sword and piece of armor with a hot glue gun and cardboard. It was cheap and fast. Then I tried making a helmet from a video game, and the glue joints kept failing in the summer heat. A friend in my local group in Cincinnati told me to try a $3 tube of contact cement. I switched six months ago. The bond is way stronger, and I can work with foam sheets way easier. It takes a bit longer to dry, but the props don't fall apart. I see so many new builders sticking with hot glue because it's popular. Has anyone else made a switch like that and been surprised?
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cole3576mo ago
Man, I felt that in my soul. My first big build was a full set of armor held together with what felt like a whole case of hot glue sticks. It looked okay until my first outdoor con, and then it was just a droopy, sad mess by lunchtime. I switched to contact cement for foam work too, and it was a total game changer. The patience for drying is so worth it when you don't have to do emergency repairs in a parking lot. I wish I had known sooner, it would have saved me so much stress.
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lisa_carter316mo ago
Emergency repairs in a parking lot" is the worst kind of cosplay stress.
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lisak146mo ago
Used to think hot glue was fine until my own armor melted at a con.
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