Zaklabs is now offering EVA foam
At Zaklabs, we love creating and building epic stuff. Whether it’s a sword or staff, a shield or helmet, props or accessories… to a full blown head to toe costume, we love creating stuff. Much of what we build with and what our cosplay friend build with, is EVA foam. So in order to create a better building environment and to help our cosplay community, Zaklabs is now offering EVA foam to it’s lineup of services and products!
- Our foam is a high quality EVA foam excellent for crafters and makers, cosplayers and prop builders,
- It has a super smooth surface on both sides so you don’t have to worry about sanding down textures or having to make sure your adhesion works.
- Our foam comes in a medium grey so you can always see your cut lines and whether that coat of black finish covered everything!
- We offer it in various densities (Y30, Y40 and Y60) depending on your need and the build. (floor mats are usually around a Y42 or so)
- It comes in standard thicknesses (2,4,6,8,10 & 12mm) and custom thicknesses! Yup! You can actually put in a custom order for a specific thickness for your build!
- And it comes in a standard width (24″ x 72″) and large width (48″ x 72″)! We can ship both (although the wide width might be a tad bit expensive!) and both are available for local pickup in the Northwest!Below are some of the questions you might have! At the bottom is a form if you want to order some sample pieces. Click here to purchase your foam!
FAQ:
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What is EVA foam? : EVA foam is the acronym for the closed cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam used as an effective material used in many creative building processes. (Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), also known as poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene.) Science and chemistry jargon aside, EVA is one of the most important materials out there to all levels of cosplayers. It is a strong, flexible, formable and cheap material. It can be used for nearly everything cosplay from armors to props. EVA foam can be shaped with heat, glued to other pieces of EVA or materials, and painted.
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Are there different types of EVA foam? : EVA foam comes in a variety of thicknesses, densities and colors and uses. It can be used for insulation, padding, floor matts, kids crafts and of course Cosplay costumes and props. One of the more common types of EVA foam used in Cosplay are anti-fatigue mats sold in automotive or tool stores. (or on-line) Today many cosplayers are opting for cosplay specific types of foam that are designed specially for building and crafting. These foams, like Zakabs foam, are smooth on both sides, vary in thicknesses and densities.
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Do I need special tools to work with EVA foam? : Nope! EVA foam is one of the easiest materials to work with. You can start with just a sharp utility knife and a clean cutting board and go to work! If you are going to bend, shape, or mold the foam, you will want a heat gun. Simple sanding can be done with sand paper or a sanding block but you might want to use a dremel like tool if you’re handy with power tools. And adhering it together you can use contact cement, super glue, hot glue or Cosbond.
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Is EVSA foam toxic or dangerous? : Under normal working conditions, EVA foam is completely safe to work with. It’s used in clothing and shoes, in food preparations, yoga mats and even in children’s toys. If you are heat forming it or using a burning tool on it, it is recommended to use a respirator to avoid any chemical fumes that might be released from the heat. You should also wear a dust mask when sanding as small particles can be in the air. And if you are using toxic adhesives such as a contact cement, please work in a well ventilated area and use a respirator. Always be safe when crafting!
If you like to purchase foam from Zaklabs, please visit our store for our complete line-up! If you would a sample of our foam, please fill out the form below! Thank you!
