Cosplay Glossary: EVA foam, Worbla, PLA, ABS, Weathering, and more explained

|Cindy Jong
Cosplay woordenlijst: EVA foam, Worbla, PLA, ABS, Weathering en meer uitgelegd

When you start delving into cosplay, you'll quickly encounter all sorts of terms that might sound unfamiliar. What is EVA foam? Why do some cosplayers use PLA and others ABS? And what does weathering actually mean?

In this cosplay glossary, we explain the most common materials and techniques, so you know exactly what everyone is talking about.

EVA Foam

EVA foam is a sturdy yet flexible foam material widely used for armor, shields, helmets, and large accessories.

Advantages

  • Lightweight

  • Easy to cut

  • Relatively inexpensive

  • Good for painting

  • Ideal for beginners

Disadvantages

  • Less sharp details than a 3D print

  • Can be damaged with heavy use or if you bump into something

You'll see EVA foam frequently used in cosplay from games like Halo, Fallout, Monster Hunter, and World of Warcraft.

Worbla

Worbla is a thermoplastic material that softens when heated with a heatgun.

This allows it to be molded into almost any desired shape.

Advantages

  • Strong

  • Thin material

  • High level of detail possible

  • Reusable during shaping

Disadvantages

  • More expensive than EVA foam

  • Requires more practice

  • Requires heat for processing

Worbla is often used for elaborate details, crowns, masks, and fantasy armor.

PLA

PLA is one of the most popular filaments for FDM 3D printers.

The material is easy to print, making it popular among hobbyists.

Advantages

  • Easy to print

  • Good print quality

  • Low risk of warping

  • Affordable

Disadvantages

  • Less heat resistant

  • Can deform in a hot car

  • Less strong than ABS

PLA is ideal for props, decoration, and cosplay that won't be subjected to heavy stress.

ABS

ABS is a stronger filament widely used for cosplay parts that need to withstand impact.

Advantages

  • Very strong

  • Heat resistant

  • Good impact resistance

  • Easy to post-process with acetone

Disadvantages

  • Harder to print

  • Requires higher temperatures

  • Can warp without an enclosed printer

For large helmets, armor, and sturdy props, many experienced makers choose ABS.

PETG

PETG's properties lie between PLA and ABS.

It combines good strength with relatively easy printing.

Many cosplayers use PETG for parts that need to be slightly more flexible.

Resin

Resin is used in SLA and MSLA printers.

This allows for printing extremely fine details.

Therefore, resin is often used for:

  • jewelry

  • small props

  • emblems

  • ornaments

  • miniatures

Resin parts are usually less suitable for large armor builds because they can be heavier and more brittle.

Weathering

Weathering literally means the aging of an object.

Using paint techniques, you make a prop or armor look as if it has been genuinely used.

Think of:

  • scratches

  • mud

  • rust

  • dust

  • burnt edges

Weathering often makes a cosplay much more realistic.

Primer

Primer is a base coat you apply before painting.

A primer ensures better paint adhesion and reveals imperfections before you apply the final color.

Filler Primer

Filler primer contains extra filler.

This can be used to fill small print lines from a 3D print.

Cosplayers often alternate sanding and filler primer multiple times for a smooth result.

Seam Lines

Seam lines are the joints where two parts are glued together.

For a good final result, these seams are completely removed with putty, sanding, and primer.

Heatgun

A heatgun resembles a hairdryer but gets much hotter.

You use it for:

  • shaping EVA foam

  • heating Worbla

  • slightly bending plastic

  • speeding up paint drying

Always use a heatgun carefully and according to safety instructions.

FDM Printer

An FDM printer builds an object layer by layer by depositing molten filament.

This is the most common technique for large cosplay parts such as:

  • helmets

  • armor

  • large weapons

Resin Printer

A resin printer uses liquid resin that cures with UV light.

These printers offer much more detail than FDM printers and are ideal for small parts.

DIY Kit

DIY stands for Do It Yourself.

With a cosplay DIY kit, you receive an unprocessed base that you:

  • assemble

  • sand

  • prime

  • paint

  • finish

This gives you the freedom to build your cosplay exactly as you wish.

Which materials are best for beginners?

There is no perfect material for every cosplay.

A good rule of thumb is:

  • EVA foam for large armor parts.

  • PLA for simple 3D-printed props.

  • ABS when extra strength is important.

  • Resin for small details.

  • Worbla for complex shapes and decorations.

Many experienced cosplayers combine different materials in one costume.

Finally

Every cosplayer will eventually learn these terms. Don't be deterred by all the jargon: you don't have to understand everything at once. Start with a project that suits your skill level and learn new techniques step by step. Before you know it, you'll be using terms like weathering, primer, and EVA foam as if they're the most natural things in the world.

Do you have any questions?

Are you unsure which material best suits your project or are you looking for a DIY kit as a basis for your next cosplay? Feel free to contact Splash of Magic. We'd be happy to help you brainstorm.