Jason Lives Styrofoam Tombstone

[sirbrad ●]

I always wanted to make one of these, and after seeing some tips in a book about how to make styrofoam tombstones I got the idea to try and make the Jason Lives one. I bought some 4x8 insulation foam and cut it to size, and I bought all kinds of materials, paints, sealers, pvc pipe, wood burning tool, etc so that I could get it as detailed as possible. This is my first one and I was just going to use it as a test, and thought maybe it would get ruined practicing, but so far it is turning out great. I practiced some of the techniques on another piece of styrofoam first as well. The only I hate is that it is REALLY messy and sticks to everything, especially your hands and clothes. I just added the first basecoat to the back and sides. It is about 24x20x4. The movie one is a little thicker yet but I wanted to see how this one turned out before going too thick, and this is thick enough. I also added two pvc pipes in the bottom so that you could insert some wooden dowels or steel rods into the ground to hold up against the wind. Will post more pics when it is complete.

[stainboy ●]

Please update us...I'm intrigued at this project...I would bang my head against a wall, trying to work with Styrofoam...

[sirbrad ●]

Yeah will do, and yes it is brutal! It was really hard using a woodburner for the fine borders around the name, as if you hold it even for a second too long it will burn a huge hole, and you have to insert it just the right amount, and move it just the right speed or too it is too big or does not burn deep enough. Very tricky and nerve-wracking and I am glad I did not mess it up. I tried it once on another piece of foam. Knives work well but are very messy. I still used one for the bulk of it. I burn outside as the fumes are very bad.

Another basecoat, next up stone texture paint and more detailing and weathering. Will take outdoor pics when it is complete. This would look great in front of my life-sized Jason Lives.

[monteburns ●]

That is a cool project & nice work. :thumbsup:
It would look great sitting next to a custom wood sign of Crystal Lake.

If you are creative most people can make really cool props without breaking their wallet.

[sirbrad ●]

Thanks, yeah I learned to get creative long ago duer to a very limited budget. Luckily that creativity provided me more spending money to at least save time. But I still love to make what I can. I still got to add stone textured paint and fine details, and maybe some moss. Although it looks cool as is and I could stop there. But I still need to make it more accurate and add a lighter shade of gray for the name and border. Will post finished pics outdoors when done.

[Darth Veach ●]

Looks cool! What did you use to coat / seal it? I use the blue and pink construction foam from time to time and am always looking for new or better ways to coat it. I use Modge Podge most of the time.

[sirbrad ●]

Thanks guys. It is not done yet so I did not seal it, but used acrylics first so that the spray paint won't eat through as much. I will be sealing it all with a matte clear spray sealer.

Just finished the stone coat paint all around and will be getting it ready for the fine details and weathering. I love it as it is but I want to make it as accurate as possible. Some people outside thought it was a real stone. It looks very real, and I used the wood burning tool to make the sides looked carved out instead of just flat. Here are some update pics. Paint is still wet here some.

[Darth Veach ●]

Very nice! Love the stony texture!

[sirbrad ●]

Just painted the letters in with stone paint again and now working on aging and weathering techniques.

[MPN212 ●]

Dude, this looks like you've been doing this for years. Turned out great!