Question about using cheap foam for hero props

I always thought high density foam was a must for any prop that gets screen time. Last month, I built a fake ancient book for a short film using a $15 block of craft foam from the art store. I was sure it would look fake under the lights, but after sealing it with three coats of mod podge and painting it with acrylics, it looked totally real on camera. The director even asked where I got the 'real leather' for the cover. It made me rethink spending a lot on materials right away. Have you ever been surprised by how well a budget material worked for a close up prop?

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susanh465mo ago

My friend made a whole set of sci-fi wall panels for a student film using old egg cartons and spray paint (the kind you get for a dollar at the hardware store). From three feet away, it looked like textured metal plating. The magic is always in the finish work, you know? It's wild what you can pull off with a bit of creativity and a good sealing layer.

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cole_bailey855mo ago

No kidding. That finish is everything. Seen guys use crumpled up aluminum foil and black spray paint for aged iron. Or cut up pool noodles, hit them with stone texture spray, instant alien tech. All in the layers, like you said. A clear coat over the top makes even the cheapest stuff look pro.

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the_vera4mo ago

Is a Clear coat really gonna fix bad prep work though?

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