Metal in Costumes

[Axel Kennedy]

I'm trying to find a better way than resorting to sheet metal for my metal mam costume.  Am I not allowed to use aluminum  or light metals??

[KnightRiderGirl]

Our rules are, unfortunately, that "live steel" can't be in the con anywhere.

I believe that might include the light metals, but I'm not exactly sure

[Dukat]

No metal, period. Only thing that might get past would be something covered in foil...but silver paint would work just as well.

[Tal Greyheed]

Than this might be a problem for the Mandalorian Mercs, since all of the attending members have Aluminum or Steel armor

[Dukat]

You're right, that's a problem. I'll have to talk with Julie on that one.

[Axel Kennedy]

I need to get that shiny look for the dark Red Metal wears....any suggestions besides foil?

[tagaseguchi]

Hey Axel!
Try this tutorial (I really need to add this one to the useful site thread since I have pointed three people in this direction so far)

http://risachantag.deviantart.com/art/Cosplay-Metal-Texture-Tutorial-44652823

[Dukat]

Until I get a chance to talk this over with Julie in more detail, I'm going to make a temporary call on this. All long as it's not bulky/potentially dangerous, metal in costumes is ok. Metal props themselves are still no no. But I'm not going to worry too much about metal used in a costume unless there's bulk issues, other materials are just more forgiving in the crowded hallways.

Edit: After a little discussion, this is going to be my stance on this. Overly bulky and potentially dangerous metal costumes will be turned away as though they were metal props. Potentially dangerous being sharp metal corners, burrs left on edges, etc. This will be up to the discretion of security.

[Oriana]

Until I get a chance to talk this over with Julie in more detail, I'm going to make a temporary call on this. All long as it's not bulky/potentially dangerous, metal in costumes is ok. Metal props themselves are still no no. But I'm not going to worry too much about metal used in a costume unless there's bulk issues, other materials are just more forgiving in the crowded hallways.

Edit: After a little discussion, this is going to be my stance on this. Overly bulky and potentially dangerous metal costumes will be turned away as though they were metal props. Potentially dangerous being sharp metal corners, burrs left on edges, etc. This will be up to the discretion of security.

This is a good call. We need to prevent metal weapons from being used for safety's sake. Metal armor is a bit different- but sharp pointy metal armor in crowded hallways is still an issue. I wish we could just say use common sense, but since common sense isn't really "common", I'm glad these issues are being discussed ahead of time on the forum.

[tagaseguchi]

Sintra or Wonderflex is a good alternative to metal and is easily painted (like in that tutorial I posted)

[Dukat]

Yes, thank you very much for posting that tutorial Taga. While metal can look really really cool, it also has potential problems, alternatives are awesome.

[ragabash!]

Personally, I would think that metal armor would be fine, provided there are no spikes or sharp edges.  If you have any doubt about your costume piece ask yourself this question:

If an awkward preteen cat girl comes running down the hallway, trips and stumbles into you, will she be killed or horribly maimed?  Or even just a little maimed?


Now regardless of whether or not you think that would be doing the favor is another issue altogether and not for discussion in this thread.  Also keep in mind that I have no official say in this matter, I've just dealt with metal armor a fair amount in my time.  This is Dukat and Julie's realm.  So play nicely and by their rules. 

[Axel Kennedy]

thanks for the help on the tutorials.  Now I just have to find the stuff and find red chrome paint

[tagaseguchi]

Cosplaysupplies.com has the wonderflex, I'll have to ask my friend Rayne where she got her sintra for her Slave Leia outfit.

[nik the foamsmith]

ive worn metal armor for the past 3 years but is smooth and since its real ormor it made to defelct stuff