Hi, I have not post in a while, but I have a question.  I am building a puppet for this years VBS.  It is a dinosaur puppet.  I am using Styrofoam to carve the figure, and then I want to cover the Styrofoam with a hard shell.  I have seen this method done before, but it was a while ago.  If I remember correctly you use wallpaper paste for the binder, but what do you use for the actual shell?  I was thinking about paper grocery bags.  I want this puppet to last for a while.  Any wisdom would be appreciated.


Craig

p.s.  I will post pictures as soon as it is done.

Hi Craig:

Consider a material called Sculpt or Coat.  Find it at:  http://www.sculpturalarts.com/foamcoating.htm
The material is very good and as the name implies, you can sculpt it or use it to coat a project.  It sands easily and takes any kind of paint.

Alternatively you can make your own substitute.  Try mixing drywall mud, white glue and latex paint diluted with water if need be.  Various other materials can be added such as sawdust, foam chips, etc for texture.  Professional props and scenic artists call this material by various names like texturing compound, mud etc. and most have their own pet names.

On the paper mache you're talking about, yes, wheat paste or wallpaper paste will work although the process will be more time consuming.  I usually use white glue mache, 1 part PVA (i.e. Elmer's Glue All) to 2 or more parts water.  Keep in mind that mice will eat anything containing wheat paste and paper and that if it gets wet it will mold or be ruined otherwise.  For the patches/paper, yes brown paper sacking is good, but the stiffer the paper, the smaller the pieces will need to be.  Think about 2 coats of brown paper sacking and a top coat of tissue paper.  Thin cloth in a layer will also give good strength as in re-wire for concrete.  Use an odd number of layers, 3, 5, 7 etc. 

Another thought is that if your dino will have scales you could fabricate the scales, coat them and attach to the main carving.  Keep the scales as thin as you can and/or reduce the size of the main carving to get a properly proportioned result.

If you really want strength and durability you may want to consider fiber glass.  This requires good ventilation/outdoor work area, breathing mask and eye protection as well as dedicated tools.  There would also be a learning curve for you if this is your first project.  If you have someone in your church or connections to a body shop there would be a resource to help jump start your skill set.  Fiberglass resin will probably melt your foam, so the foam may not make the best substrate if you go this route.  Prime with something that won't be eaten by the resin and/or terst it first.

Finally, have a look at the dino puppets recently posted on puppetbuilding.com.  They are flexible and not rigid and flexibility is important for "realistic" movement.

There are many other alternatives, but this should give you several options.  I hope I've not given you TMI.


Will look forward to the pics.

Marty

I don't know about Craig but I really appreciate the knowledge you just laid out for us, Marty.  Thanks for taking the time.

This is the reason I come to this forum for help.  ask a simple question, and get answers to questions you never thought to ask.  Thank you Marty.

Craig

Hey guys:

No problem.  Glad to help out.

Marty

 Curious minds would always like to know. This is some great information you have shared. I agree this is a giving community of talented people.
I firmly believe that it feels good to share, Thanks Marty !!!!!

Billy D.

Yes, many people have so many great ideas on this sight.   

Consider a material called Sculpt or Coat.  Find it at:  http://www.sculpturalarts.com/foamcoating.htm
The material is very good and as the name implies, you can sculpt it or use it to coat a project.  It sands easily and takes any kind of paint.

A little caution with Sculpt and Coat that it will become gluey if left in the hot sun or hot car or any hot building.  It will ruin itself or other objects it comes in contact with.  Rain will also cause it to be ruined.  Just something to consider when planning this project.

Daryl H

Good point.  You definitely want to seal sculpt or coat.  Prime the glue mache I recommended as well before painting.

Marty

Well, I know it has been awhile, but here are the pictures of the puppet.  The arms did not work well, and fell apart after the last performance.  I am back to the drawing board with them.

looks like a dinosaur to me! I'm curious  I noticed in your photo bucket gallery that you have a lot of paintings. Do you collect them ? or could these be some of your artistic creations?

Billy D.