EVA foam scales - Teardrop

Teardrop-shaped scales of EVA foam

A rounded teardrop outline looks softer than an angular shape and follows curved surfaces better. EVA foam scales - Teardrop from the manufacturer Green Stuff World will therefore be reached for by anyone who wants the impression of living skin, whether dragon, lizard or fish.

Where the shape comes into its own

It shows to best effect on rounded areas: on a tail, on a neck, on masks, on forearm guards or in the transition between the body and the limbs. Because teardrops are easily built into offset rows, the result does not look mechanically regular and the transitions between sizes can be graded smoothly.

A teardrop outline has one more practical advantage: the point of the scale naturally shows the direction, so even an inaccurately laid row looks deliberate. With angular shapes every deviation shows at once, whereas here small irregularities are lost in the overall impression of a living surface.

A procedure that works

• First mark the direction in which the scales grow on the surface; it affects the whole impression
• Offset the rows by half a scale, so that the gaps nowhere meet in a straight line
• Press the edges down lightly once they are stuck, otherwise the corners will lift later
• Apply the paint in layers from dark to lightened scale ridges

Who the material is useful for

It is suitable for makers of costumes and masks, for creating LARP gear and for building large figures and decorations. Working with it calls for no workshop equipment; a sharp knife, foam glue and patience in laying it out are enough.

Details of the number of pieces and the size of the package are not stated here.