Tag Archives: Props

Safety on Breakaway glass

As we know glass can be dangerous, smashed shards are sharp and can cut deep into the skin. When smashing a bottle or a window all ways wear protection of some kind or be prepared to end up with some nasty cuts. This is where tempered glass and sugar glass come in handy and become less dangerous. There’s a scene in Django Unchained where Leonardo Dicaprio slams his hand on actual glass and cuts his hand and continues with the scene. Much of a shock the team was so amazed they kept it for the duration of the film and changed his costume to have a rag over his hand for other scenes. Now if the production crew knew he was going to accidentally cut his hand they could of prepared for the with a sugar glass cup and its be a lot safer to break. The scene was amazing either way adding to Dicaprio’s character. It was just an example to show how glass can actually harm you when you break it unsafely. Tempered glass is different from sugar glass. Tempered glass is meant to break a second before the actor breaks it with tiny explosives to break the glass. Tempered glass would fall under the pyrotechnics part of the production team.

Now here’s a way to make sugar glass, (surprise it involves sugar), you melt sugar at 320 degrees, then once melted, you pour the melted sugar into your mold or pan. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL. Once poured, let it settle, or if you’re pouring in a 3D mold, rotate the sugar evenly to coat the sides and pour the excess out to get a bottle shape. Once ready take the glass out of the pan or mold and it’s ready for use. Here’s a key note: keep the sugar glass in a cold environment before use, as heat tends to melt sugar.

If you need a visual example here’s two links for your use.

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What type of adhesives to use

This is a comparison to many adhesives to see what works best for your project.

PVA glue/ craft glue/ wood glue

“Polyvinyl acetate” “white glue”

The only difference between white glue and wood glue is that wood glue is yellow and dries harder

You can make homemade PVA glue 

Water-soluble, non-acidic

Works on plastic, paper, fabric, styrofoam, organic materials, cardboard

Pros: does not emit strong fumes, non-toxic, dries clear without stains and flexible, cheap, easy to apply, odorless

Cons: can take 24 hours for curing, takes at least 30 mins for clamping, limited shelf life

$8-20 depending on size and brand

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Painting a metallic look on Eva Foam

There is multiple ways you can paint a metallic look on foam. Here are some paints you can use to achieve that mantellic look.

First thing to do before painting is priming your foam so the paint will stick to the Eva Foam.

Two Recommend choices are Flex Bond or Plasti Dip.

Lets start with the old fashion way first with some Primacryl paint and a paint brush.

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Rubber Weapons

Why are rubber weapons are used in the first place instead of real ones? Rubber weapons are used for action scenes in movies or theatrical shows so the actor doesn’t get hurt during combat scenes. As the video below show a documentary of Jurassic World and their props. The actor Chris Pratt had a real weapon and a rubber one. Simulating his action scenes with a fake weapon. Rubber weapons are lighter and less dangerous to use then metal ones, causing less accidents and making a safer work place.

Jurassic World: Props and Animals | Featurette | Jurassic World

Now you might be asking, how do I make a rubber weapon so I can film action scenes safely?

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