Thread: Adding bulk to your prop?

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Hi,

I am new to the board. Have seen some great things.

I need help with my prop I built. I built it out of PVC pipe and now would like to add more bulk to the body, arms and legs to make it look more realistic.

Looking for suggestions and reasonable cost.

Thanks!

I'm a big fan of bubble wrap... then again, part of that might be because we throw out so much of it at work that I have an endless free supply of it. I'm not sure how much the stuff actually costs.

Some use those pool noodles. Just slip it over the PVC.

I use chicken wire. I think it's called poultry netting. You can get it at Lowes or Home depot. a roll of 2' by 25' is about 12 bucks. There are a couple how to's on the site about using it. Very easy & extremely light weight. Get the 1" mesh not the 2" though.

I second pool noodles or pvc pipe insulation, which is pretty much the same thing. Its the perfect size.
Thanks
Phil

pool noodles are great for arms and such. I've seen tutorials for using wads of newspaper and duct tape to bulk items. To me that sounds like a lot of work and I'm liking the idea of using bubble wrap or chicken wire though.

I've used both noodles and bubble wrap.
I like the bubble wrap best.
The noodle are too "jointy".
The wrap is smoother.
plus I like a little bulk for my pvc body and a swoop down over the shoulders with bubble wrap fills out the costume nicely.

It's about 22 buck for a 100" roll at home depot.
I bought it thinking i wouldn't have enough and ended up using about 10 feet for all 3 figures.

I have found that small bath towels and a roll of 1" foam padding works best. I use rubber bands to secure the towels so i can remove them. The 1" foam padding you can get at walmart for @ 15.00. I believe it is 24" wide by 12'...

foam padding sounds like a good idea I tried pool noodles they work good too but if you are looking for pool noodles now good luck they are usually only available in stores during the summer time if you look on ebay they would probably overcharge you so I would suggest what darthrott said foam!

I use pool noodles, large plastic pop bottles , chicken wire and football or hockey shoulder pads when I can get them.
I use my dummies outside and they are usually out there for a few weeks , so for me
foam or any fabric filling would end up being like a giant sponge under the dummys clothes.