Cosplayer’s Gold: The Beginning Crafters Guide to Worbla
Thermoplastics are VERY hot this season – let’s check out what’s worth knowing about this popular cosplay resource with this Guide to Worbla!
If you’re getting into cosplay for the first time, or you’re out to learn a new skill, it’s likely that you’re curious about Worbla. Worbla is a name that is thrown around a lot in the cosplay world. Thermoplastics are a great way to create detail and texture without being weighed down by heavier materials. It allows cosplay to be easy-to-wear and durable.
But what does it take to build something from thermoplastics, and how did using them for cosplay come about? We’re here to answer these questions with today’s guide to Worbla!
When cosplayers want to build armor and props that are realistic but easy to wear and wield, foam and thermoplastics are two ingenious ways of making that happen. Cosplayers around the world meet online to share tips and tricks for working in these mediums, and there are some impressive works of thermoplastic art seen in competitions all over. This week we’re diving into history, uses, supplies, and how-tos of Worbla!
The Origins of Worbla
Worbla is a brand of thermoplastics named after Worbla AG, a former synthetics manufacturer from Switzerland. Thermoplastics are a group of materials that become malleable when heated, allowing them to be molded and sculpted into shapes, solidifying when cooled. Worbla is also somewhat adhesive, allowing layers to fuse together creating laminated effects great for building. This helps with building detailed, three-dimensional shapes like armor, scrollwork, and the like. Thermoplastics are popular with cosplayers and crafters because of its versatile quality. Worbla is one of the most commonly used materials for cosplay builds.
The Guide to Worbla for Cosplay
Worbla can most regularly be seen in cosplay props and armor-making. Its lightweight and durable properties make it an obvious choice for cosplay projects. The larger the prop build, the easier it is to manage when Worbla is used instead of materials like metals and leather. When combined with other materials like EVA foam to give shape and texture, Worbla can be built into some amazing results. It becomes quite hard when cooled, allowing for easy transport and wearing. The material also takes sanding, sculpting, and painting well, making it easy for beginner cosplayers to interact with it.
Prep and Plan – What You Need for Worbla
If you’re looking to create a cosplay that has a lot of heavy details like metal armor, an elaborate headdress, or bracers and boot details, Worbla might be a great way to get your concept to be visual but comfortable to wear. The sky is the limit on its uses, and it’s available at most craft stores as well as online. There are basic supplies you need for working with Worbla. Safety is sexy, so always come prepared with the proper safety gear for handling thermoplastics. You can check out the Worbla site for more supplies, but here are some to get you started.
Worbla Sheets/Rolls
Depending on the project you’re building, you can get it in Original, Black, and Transparent sheets. Most projects will require the Worbla to be painted, so use your best judgment on which style is best for you! These come in smaller pieces and big rolls, so you can customize your purchase to the amount you need.
Thermal Tools
You’ll need a heat gun for working with Worbla. While there are a ton of price points and styles, this Heat Gun for Crafts gets great reviews and has a low price point.
Sculpting Tools
Everyone has their own process for sculpting and carving, but these Sculpting Tools are a great way to start your Worbla journey.
Instructional Materials
With the right tools comes a need for knowledge. There are so many amazing books on the market that teach you how to work with materials like Worbla. Check out Kamui Cosplay’s website for these great resources!
You’ve Got the Gear… NOW What?
Once you’ve got all the supplies (don’t forget safety glasses and gloves!), you’re ready to get to work. Have a great time picking out what project you want to build, then take some time to observe how other artists work! Here is an excellent tutorial by the Queen of Crafting herself, Kamui Cosplay. You can learn more about her crafting process by watching her tutorials on YouTube:
Painting and Finishing Worbla
After you’ve created your work of art, you can dive into painting or texturing the pieces. Kamui has a tutorial for painting as well, which you can check out here:
Go Forth and Create
The important thing to remember is that there’s no right or wrong way to cosplay. It’s all about learning from what’s out there and adapting it to your own purposes. Do you have a tip or trick for working with Worbla or other cosplay materials? Are there other cosplay instructional guides you would like to see featured here on BoLS? Let us know in the comments below!
~Join us next week for more Cosplay Coverage~
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