Flash Belt

[thunderbolt]

I guess I should mention how I did it. I used thin metal and cut it out with some of those scissors that cut patterns. I found a set at Joann's that cut in the lightning bolt pattern.

[Bizarro Amy]

I've never tried this with something as large as a belt, but when I make replacement or custom emblems with electrical tape(such as my Mary Marvel), I cut off a section and stick it onto wax paper before cutting. It makes it a little sturdier, and then I can peel it off.

[The Bat]

Your custom Flash is nice and tight, here's to hoping the Mattel one looks that good.

Well thanks Joe.

[thunderbolt]

Call my yellow Electrical Tape cheap if you want...but I think it looks great. I also have the vinyl that's used for signs...but prefer the Tape.

Not saying it looks bad, Dane. I've seen customizers go the cheap route with fabric paint or other goop and it ends up looking like a big sloppy mess. Your custom Flash is nice and tight, here's to hoping the Mattel one looks that good.

[dr_cyclops]

I'm starting to like my painting idea a lot less. Although it could look cool if done correctly, the amount of time it would take and the chances of mistakes ruining the costume, make me wonder if it's worth the effort.
My earlier comment about cutting the belt out of plastic, was based on my making accessories out of scrap plastic. I've had some good luck with using coffee can plastic lids and such. The Flash belt having so many sharp angles it would probably tear or break too easy.

[The Bat]

Call my yellow Electrical Tape cheap if you want...but I think it looks great. I also have the vinyl that's used for signs...but prefer the Tape.

[pmwasson]

I cut a belt out of yellow vinyl using a computer controlled vinyl cutter.



I could send you one if your interested.

[aquatroy]

The problem is the cheapest way sometimes looks like exactly that.

That's a good point.

Another option is the 3M vinyl that's used for signage. You will have to cut it, so your skills with an exacto knife will determine how good the finished belt will look. The plus that the vinyl has is that once it's applied you take a hair dryer to it and the vinyl will mold itself to the fabric. You won't have the curled edges that you can get with tape. It also comes in metalics, so if you can go all Alex Ross with your Flash and use gold instead of yellow.

You can find sheets or rolls on ebay. Try calling some sign companies. They throw some really big remnants away.

[thunderbolt]

The problem is the cheapest way sometimes looks like exactly that.

[Cosmicman]

Go to Walmart. They sell a whole set of those nice colored electrician tapes. Green, yellow, blue, red and white...

Take the yellow and pretty much do what everyone has been saying.

It is the cheapest way to do it.

[dr_cyclops]

I like the idea of iron-ons...

I know! those totally kicked *** on my painting idea. I've heard that making your own "Iron-Ons" on your a PC printer is possible today.
MegoRonin, please tell us more about this process.

[PNGwynne]

I've tried cutting ones, but I never get nice, clean results.

Has anyone tried using a Cricut?

I like the idea of iron-ons...

[dr_cyclops]

There is the "old booksellers trick" for removing sticker glue, lighter fluid. (Zippo or another brand.) Works great for desolving sticker/tape glue. Any attempt to use rubbing alcohol instead will result in reactivating the glue, causing it to become gooy sticky. As the alcohol dries the glue will return to it's original state.
Should anyone want to try rubbing alcohol, just remember, enough lighter fluid will break down the glue and allow it to wipe off with tissue or a paper towel.

[ctc]

>electrical tape is that the adhesive seems to degrade over time

Yeah, but if you're not playing with it so much it shouldn't be a real problem. (You'll have to wash off the goo if you replace it though.) You could also cut a fabric belt and glue it onto the bodysuit with washable fabric glue.

Don C.

[dr_cyclops]

I used an iron-on for dark fabric design for mine. The concern I would have about electrical tape is that the adhesive seems to degrade over time. Perhaps I'm wrong.
Bat's figure look really good, with the tape.

I hear you. It's so much fun and informative when members get on and contribute like this. Oh, I mean you as well. Love those iron-ons!