by Chad W.
(Denver, CO, USA)
Homemade F-117 Stealth Fighter Costume
After looking at this site, I decided that I could build a homemade Halloween costume. The F-117 seemed like an easy costume to build.
The Homemade F-117 Stealth Fighter Costume was constructed using cardboard and hot glue. Then two layers of paper mache were applied; this was a little tricky because the paper mache wants to shrink as it dries. However, the paper mache added a lot of strength. Finally the model was painted with flat black paint, applied lightly 3 times, and a high gloss clear coat to top it off.
GLUE:
I used 1/2 cup of Elmer's Glue mixed with a 1/2 cup of water for each application.
PAPER:
I used news paper for the first layer and 11x17 computer paper for the second layer.
USAGE:
I tore the paper in to two inch wide strips. Then I pulled the strips through the glue. I then wiped off most of the glue by squeezing the glue-soaked paper between two fingers and pulling the paper through.
Then I carefully applied the paper to the surface of the cardboard. I did my best to make sure there were no bubbles under the paper. That was a lot easier with the newspaper than with the white printer paper.
LESSONS LEARNED:
If you have a long flat surface, like a wing, apply the paper to both sides of the surface at the same time. If not when the paper mache dries it will cause the surface to bend or curl.