Creating The Perfect 3D Spider Effect On The Tasm 2 Suit

Creating a Spider-Man TASM 2 suit for cosplay involves several steps, from choosing the right fabric to painting the 3D webbing and spider emblem. The fabric should be 4-way stretch spandex in pink and blue to prevent white showing when stretched. The webbing can be created using urethane or outlined with fabric chalk and then drawn with a fabric marker. For the spider emblem, puff paint is an option, with colours like Tulips Navy Blue Slick, Red Slick, and Metallic Black.

Choosing the right fabric

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your TASM 2 suit, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, durability is key. You want a fabric that can withstand the application of paint and other materials, as well as one that will hold up well under stress and not become distorted when stretched.

Spandex is a popular choice for Spider-Man suits as it is a 4-way stretch fabric, ensuring the colour remains consistent even when the fabric is stretched. It is also a breathable fabric, making it comfortable to wear. However, spandex may not be the best choice if you are using certain paints or adhesives, as some users have reported issues with the paint not adhering well to spandex.

Other fabric options include lycra, which is a durable and flexible fabric that is easy to put on and take off. This could be a good choice if you are looking for comfort and ease of movement.

If you are screen printing your design, you will need to choose a fabric that works well with this technique. Some fabrics may not hold the ink as well, so test prints are recommended to ensure the ink adheres correctly. Additionally, if you are dyeing your fabric, ensure you choose a fabric that can be dyed the colour you require.

Finally, consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Some fabrics may be better suited to creating a shiny or matte finish, for example, so keep this in mind when making your selection.

Getting the colour right

One option is to use spandex, which comes in a variety of colours and can be sourced in a shiny texture. Millskin spandex, in particular, is shiny on one side and dull on the other. However, it can be difficult to find the perfect shade of red, as some find that it appears too dark.

Another option is to use screen-printing or dye-sub fabric techniques. Screen printing involves applying an image to the fabric using heat or pressure, which can be a good way to achieve the desired colour and texture. Dye-sub printing involves dying the fabric before sewing, which can also help to achieve the right colour and ensure that the suit does not turn white when stretched.

Additionally, some creators choose to hand-paint the webbing on the suit. This can be a time-consuming process, but it allows for greater control over the colour and overall look of the suit.

It is always recommended to do a sample print or test a small area first to ensure that the colours are correct before proceeding with the full suit.

Painting the 3D spider

Materials and Preparation:

Start by gathering the necessary materials, including 4-way stretch spandex fabric in blue and pink to avoid whitening when stretched. You will also need silicone for screen printing the texture and paints for the 3D web and spider details. It is recommended to use hand-painting for the 3D elements to achieve a precise and detailed finish.

Colour Matching:

Finding the right colours is essential. Search for the closest matches to the iconic red and blue colours of the Spider-Man suit, keeping in mind that the colours on screen have been altered in post-production. It is suggested to use Tulips Navy Blue Slick, Red Slick, and Metallic Black for the webbing and chest spider by mixing and matching paint options to get the desired shade.

Webbing and Spider Details:

The 3D spider design is a complex element of the suit. Utilise 3D printing or milling techniques to create the spider design, and remember to resize the spider files to match the colour pattern file. You can also use fabric chalk or soap to outline the webbing before drawing it permanently with a fabric marker to ensure accuracy and prevent mistakes.

Painting Techniques:

When painting the 3D spider, use steady hands and a small, detailed paintbrush to achieve clean lines and precise details. Consider using multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat to avoid paint dripping or an uneven finish. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Final Touches:

Once the painting is complete, review your work and make any necessary touch-ups to ensure consistency and accuracy. Remember to consider the overall suit design, including the emblems, mask, and other accessories, to ensure they complement the painted 3D spider.

By following these steps and paying close attention to detail, you can effectively paint the 3D spider on your TASM 2 suit, bringing it to life with accuracy and precision.

Sourcing the right materials

To source the right materials, you will need to consider the following:

Fabric

The fabric of the TASM 2 suit is 4-way stretch spandex, which is shiny and smooth. This type of fabric allows for flexibility and movement, ensuring comfort during wear. It is available in blue and pink, ensuring that when the fabric is stretched, it does not turn white. Millskin spandex is another option, offering a shiny and dull side.

Printing and Painting

To achieve the iconic Spider-Man look, you will need to consider screen printing or dye sublimation. Screen printing involves applying an image to the fabric using heat or pressure, resulting in a permanent design. Alternatively, dye sublimation is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto the fabric, creating a long-lasting print. For a 3D effect, you can use puff paint, which adds texture and dimension to the suit.

Webbing

The webbing on the TASM 2 suit can be created using urethane rubber or silicone. Urethane rubber is a common choice, but silicone offers a lower-cost alternative. If you opt for silicone, you will also need a silicone pigment. Additionally, consider using a paint thinner to achieve the desired consistency for your project.

Adhesives and Primers

When working with silicone or urethane rubber, you will need the appropriate adhesives. For silicone, a Sil-poxy adhesive is recommended, while a different type of adhesive is required for urethane rubber. To ensure a smooth finish and to fill in any imperfections, use a primer. Sanding and spraying the surface with matte spray paint will help to smooth out any layer lines and create a seamless finish.

Emblems

The emblems on the suit are rubber cast, adding a dimensional detail to the costume.

Mask

The mask is an optional addition to the suit. It features a 3D-printed face shell, which can be attached or made detachable according to your preference.

Remember to take accurate measurements to ensure a well-fitting suit. The sourcing of materials is a crucial step in creating an accurate and impressive TASM 2 suit.

Assembly

To assemble a TASM 2 suit, you can start by purchasing a pre-sewn zentai suit with a hidden U-zipper and a zipper on the back of the hood. This will serve as the base for your Spider-Man costume.

Next, you will need to decide on the colours. The colours seen on-screen have been enhanced through post-production, so finding an exact match can be challenging. However, you can search for the closest shades of red and blue fabrics to achieve a similar look.

For the webbing, you have a few options. One method is to outline the webbing on the suit by drawing it. This can be time-consuming, so using fabric chalk or soap to draw the outline first can help prevent mistakes. Another option is to create a negative mould, smooth it out, and then produce the urethane webbing.

If you want to add a 3D spider emblem to the chest, you can use 3D printing or milling techniques. You can find free 3D print files online that can be resized and edited to your liking. These files can be used to print and cast or mill and cast the spider emblem.

Finally, you can add additional details such as rubber-cast emblems on the front and back, and a detachable or attached mask with reflective and magnetic detachable lenses.

Frequently asked questions