What footwear do you use for your cosplay character? Cosplay is a fun way to become a character from your favorite anime, book, or video game. This costume play means you have to get into fashion worn by these personalities including their accessories to produce an authentic representation. It would involve making or buying costumes that can challenge your resourcefulness and creativity.
You need to get into the details of your character from head to foot. You also need to mimic their moves, poses, and manner of speaking. This exciting activity can showcase your creation just like an artist as well as your chance to be in their shoes, literally and figuratively. The experience can be fun and exciting and will give you a sense of accomplishment.
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How To Be Someone Else For One Day
Who do you want to become in your next cosplay? Preparing your costume must be the foremost on your mind. You may have a store-bought outfit or create costume-made ones. No matter how you obtained it, don’t ever neglect your character’s footwear since this part of your costume can determine your costume’s level of comfort during the event. Not to mention its major role in your outfit’s authenticity.
Your outfit may need to be paired with loafers, sandals, sneakers, or perhaps a pair of boots. Boots may come in a variety of colors and styles. It can also come at a price so steep, your budget can go awry. How about becoming creative and turning ordinary rain boots into fabulous cosplay-worthy footwear?
Comfy, Flexible Rubber Boots
Who doesn’t have rain boots at home? Depending on your location, these waterproof footwear are considered necessities, especially on rainy days. Wal mart sells these multipurpose, waterproof wellies. When you have decided to use a pair of rubber boots as part of your cosplay costume, print and pin a picture for your reference. This will help you to pull off the design together and produce your customized shoes.
Kinds Of Paint Ideal For Rubber Boots
What kind of paint do you use on rubber boots? Since their surfaces are shiny, spray painted results might leave much to be desired. You can also expect the spray paint to crack or chip off. That would be too bad especially when you are already garbed in the full glory of your costume and your shoes start peeling off like crazy.
Did you know that acrylic paint is the better choice for any project? Yes, your boots can be painted with acrylic. Since rubber boots are called by many names like wellies, gumboots, galoshes, mucking boots, and so on, don’t get confused when we use these terms interchangeably. There’s not much difference as these names still refer to the waterproof foot covering made from plastic or rubber.
Acrylics
Acrylics are considered versatile paint since they can be used to paint any surface including rubber. This is the reason why they are a popular choice for crafters and artists. When you use acrylic to paint your boots, you need to follow it up with a sealant. Ideally, you need two coats of spray paint before sealing it off. You can also use a special paint for your project.
Removable Rubber Coating
Plasti dip is a great choice since it is a rubberized paint and comes in a variety of colors. It is also fun to apply since it works just like any spray paint product and you simply air-dry after. Plasti dip lasts longer and can be peeled off without damaging your boots.
If you want a temporary color on your boots that won’t peel or chip, use a removable rubber coating instead of directly applying spray paint. This will last for a short time yet will not peel on its own unless removed. You can find this paint in spray form. It can double as filling for cracks, leaks, and holes on your boots.
The Difference Between Plastic And Rubber Boots
Boots made from plastic or PVC are lighter and cheaper than rubber. They can be less flexible and durable but they are still excellent rain boots. PVCs are considered synthetic materials.
The rubber variety, on the other hand, is made from natural materials. They can be heavier and more durable than PVC and a bit expensive. Differences aside, both can be made into high-quality rain boots capable of protecting your feet from the elements.
They can also help prevent slips and falls protects your feet from falling objects. They are there to keep your footsies safe, dry, and warm. So, shall we start painting those boots to complete your costume? Here are the steps:
Quick And Easy Steps To Paint Your Rubber Boots
First, carefully clean your boots. Wash them well including the soles. Use soap to thoroughly clean shoes and dry them off. No amount of paint will stick if the surface of your boots is wet or dirty.
Check the edges and corners for any remaining water. Some boots have straps and eyelets that can trap water. Rub to dry the remaining droplets.
If you want the paint to stick well, you can roughen the surface of your boots by gently sanding them.
Before painting, use primer since you are going to expose your boots to the elements. Some paints may already contain primer that will allow you to prime and paint at one time.
Use Valspar Duramax paint if you want to prime and paint at the same time.
If you use primer and paint separately, make sure the primer is adequately dry before you start painting.
Use two coats if you are using acrylic, one coat for removable rubber coating.
Before applying a sealer, let your paint dry completely. It will crack and peel if still wet.
Always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to safely use the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spray paint rubber boots?
Spray paint your clean and dry rubber boots. You can do so as you can spray paint it in any color you need for your costume. You can also use masking tape if you need to make designs by covering the area and applying light and thin coats of color. This is all you need and can help prevent the rubber paint from getting pulled off after drying. Make sure to remove the tape when the boots are thoroughly dry by carefully peeling the tape. Spray paint provide an even and smooth finish than painting with a brush.
Can I use flexible paint?
Rubber is a flexible material and flexible paint can be an ideal choice to color it. This can prevent cracking since the paint will adhere to the surface even if you twist and turn the boots as you wear them on.
What is rubber paint?
You might wonder if there is such a thing as rubber paint. Yes, there is and they are also versatile as they can be used to paint other surfaces, not only rubber or plastic. You can use them on materials like metal, fiberglass, concrete, and wood. They can easily be applied using a roller, brush, or spray.
Can you use regular paint on rubber?
Yes, you can although you have to consider where you are going to use your rubber project. Presently the market has three types of paints: latex-based, oil, and acrylic. In choosing which paint is ideal, consider where you will use them. Acrylic is typically ideal for indoor use. They should be used with a sealant. If you will only paint the rubber temporarily, you can use removable paint or latex. For long-lasting effect, marine and exterior oil paint would be ideal for outdoor use.
What paint to use on gumboots?
Gumboots can be painted by applying a thin coat of waterborne smooth surface sealer on the footwear twice. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. Apply two coats of the surface sealer and let the gumboots sit for two hours or more to dry.
What paint to use on silicone rubber?
Silicone and rubber might be used interchangeably but there is just a slight difference between them. Their atomic structures differ and so do the type of paint that you can apply to silicone. Ideally, silicone works well with oil-based paint. This petroleum-derived paint dries longer as it needs 6-8 hours of drying time for each boot.
How do you paint your Wellingtons?
For Wellingtons or wellies, you can use tulip acrylic paint or fusion paint that can you can easily find at craft shops. These paints may come in handy tubes that even children can handle. Do note that tulip acrylic paint easily dries off and does not drip or run.
Before you start painting, did you know that Wellington boots were named after Arthur Wellesley who was the first Duke of Wellington? The first Wellington was made from leather. In 1800, he asked his shoemaker to modify his riding boots. The result was tassel-free, form-fitting boots that can be used for both riding and social settings. The name “Wellington” stuck. In 1856 they began to manufacture the plastic version of these boots.
Wriggle Those Footsies
Do you think you can act and speak like the character you cosplay? Practice the mannerism and poses with your friends so you’ll look great in photos. Being comfortably clad in your costume and having snug-fitting footwear to boot will help in making your day a success.
Who would have thought that regular rain boots can level up to fantastic footgear? Painting your rubber boots the right way can turn these rainy day galoshes from plain-looking foot protectors into fabulous and swoon-worthy cosplay shoes that can be comfortably worn all day. Not only will they protect you from slips and falls, they can also project a look that completes your costume and level up your confidence. Now you can enjoy attending your cosplay convention in a great costume without breaking the bank.
