What are EVA foam scales?

EVA foam scales, or cosplay scales, are small, pre-cut, flake-shaped pieces of this flexible material for use in costumes and weapons in various cosplays. EVA foam is made from medium-density ethylene vinyl acetate, offering a lightweight and comfortable alternative to other materials. Their shape is reversible, allowing for versatile use in creating various types of armor or chainmail with the same pieces.

They are easy to work with, making them perfect for cosplayers of all skill levels. With the right adhesive, they stick easily to a variety of surfaces, such as foam sheets or fabric, allowing creators to customize the design and pattern of their armor.

The surface of each flake is smooth, making it very receptive to paint, allowing artists to achieve very realistic metallic finishes or any other desired effect with ease.

On the other hand, the medium density of the product provides an excellent balance between firmness and flexibility, ensuring that the armor or chainmail retains its shape while remaining comfortable to wear. In addition, its flexibility tolerates the wearer's natural movement, providing durability and comfort over long periods of use.

Also, not only can it be used as part of a shield or chain mail, but many artists use it to give a realistic finish to costumes and accessories related to dragons or other reptile skins.

How to work with cosplay scales

Before starting to work with this material it is important to be clear about what you want to do and to design your project with the maximum detail. This is necessary to know the amount of material you will use, so make sure you measure correctly the surface to be filled and count the number of flakes you need. Once you have this clear, you can start working:

1. Application: to glue EVA foam scales on your costumes or complements, you need a strong adhesive such as cyanoacrylate glue or PVA glue. Depending on the result you want to obtain, apply the adhesive on the top back of the piece or from the center upwards; and place it on the desired surface, starting from the bottom and intercalating them in the upper rows, so that they mimic the natural pattern of the scale.
2. Adapt the shape. One of the biggest advantages of using this material is its ability to be shaped by applying heat. Use a hot air gun to adjust the shape, if necessary, and make them fit perfectly to the contour of your suit. This process is especially useful for accommodating curved armor or complex details of dragon heads or the like.
3. Painting and finishing. Once the EVA scales are perfectly placed and shaped, it's time to give them the final touch with paint. Use acrylic paints, or special paints for this material, and add layers of metallic paints, glitter orange effects, depending on the style you are looking for. Remember that in Green Stuff World you have metallic effect paints or rust textures among many other varieties. Don't forget to protect the paint with a sealer, which will also give it a more resistant look.

Types of EVA foam scales

The main difference between one and the other lies, basically, in the shape given to them. Depending on the shape, the pattern finish will be different. That is why, before acquiring your EVA foam scales, you have to be clear about what pattern you want to create in your costume or accessories.

• Cosplay scale in the shape of the shield. It has a rectangular or square shape. Its finish will look pointed and will be formed by straight lines.
• Cosplay scale in the shape of tears. As the name suggests, they are pre-cut in the shape of a teardrop, imitating the skin of a reptile.

There is also a very easy technique to get round ones. You just have to get hold of a large number of thumbtacks and prick them (and glue them) on the appropriate surface, placing them in such a way as to create the pattern you need. The disadvantage of this method is that the result will be much heavier.

Advantages of using them in Cosplay

• Ease of use and manipulation. One of the biggest advantages of EVA foam scales is that they are incredibly easy to work with. It is a flexible and light material, which makes it easy to manipulate and adjust to any type of surface or structure. In addition, since it is thermoformable, it is possible to apply heat to give it the exact shape needed.
• Adaptability to different projects. This product is very versatile and adapts to multiple types of projects. Among the most common are:
  • Armor with cosplay scale. If you are creating the cosplay of a knight or warrior, this product allows you to give a realistic and detailed finish to the parts of the armor that require it.
  • Chain mail with cosplay scale. They are perfect for designing flexible medieval combat armor, imitating the warriors of this era.
  • Fantastic creature costumes with cosplay scale. They are ideal for imitating the skin of dragons, reptiles, and other fantastic creatures.
• Lightweight and comfortable. Unlike other materials that can be used to create armor such as metals or rigid plastics, this one is extremely lightweight, which means you can create a full suit of armor or combat gear without the suit becoming uncomfortable or too heavy to wear for long days at conventions or photo shoots. Thus, EVA foam scales are not only aesthetically impressive, but also practical to wear for hours on end.