Video Theme

Prop Fabrication

Videos built around the prop fabrication theme — pulled together so you can study how others bring this atmosphere to life.

81 videos

How to Make a Halloween Mask "Molding" | Monster Lab

DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Make a Halloween Mask "Molding" | Monster Lab

In this installment of the Monster Lab series, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through making a plaster mold from a sculpted Halloween mask. The tutorial covers the mold-making step in the broader process of building monster masks the Distortions way. It's part of an ongoing series that also touches on sculpting, painting, and casting.

DistortionsUnlimited· 435,869 views

foam filling masks with home depot foam to make a prop head.

DIY PropsBeginnerlow (single off-the-shelf foam product)

foam filling masks with home depot foam to make a prop head.

StiltbeastStudios walks through an experimental process of foam-filling latex masks using an affordable expanding foam product sourced from Home Depot, with the goal of creating solid, display-ready prop heads. The creator treats this as a live experiment, sharing his thought process as much as the technique itself. A post-shoot update confirms the foam cured very firm and rigid, suggesting the method is viable and could be a significant time-saver for haunt builders.

StiltbeastStudios· 365,965 views

The BEST Way to Smooth 3d Prints

DIY PropsIntermediate$10–$30

The BEST Way to Smooth 3d Prints

VanOaksProps presents their signature method for smoothing PLA 3D prints before painting, combining spot putty with acetone to minimize sanding time. The technique draws on basic chemistry to fill print layer lines more efficiently than conventional sanding alone. The workflow is designed to get props paint-ready faster, freeing up time for more creative work. This is presented as the creator's original take on a widely discussed topic.

VanOaksProps· 169,856 views

BEST Clay for Making Monsters! WED Clay Sculpting Demo | Monster Lab

DIY PropsIntermediate

BEST Clay for Making Monsters! WED Clay Sculpting Demo | Monster Lab

In this episode of Monster Lab, Distortions Unlimited founder Ed Edmunds makes the case for WED clay as his preferred medium for sculpting monster masks and large Halloween props. Originally developed for Disney animatronics, WED clay is a water-based, air-dry material prized for its smooth, pliable working properties and slower drying time — qualities Ed demonstrates hands-on with a monster mask sculpt. He also honestly addresses when oil-based clays may be the better choice, such as for SFX appliances or small figurines. The episode is part of a long-running tutorial series aimed at bringing professional prop-house knowledge to DIY builders.

DistortionsUnlimited· 82,849 views

Sculpting Teeth in Clay | Monster Lab

DIY PropsIntermediate

Sculpting Teeth in Clay | Monster Lab

In this Monster Lab installment, Mikey Rotella demonstrates how to sculpt realistic teeth in water-based clay while working on a character at Distortions Unlimited. The walkthrough focuses on technique that carries over to masks, props, puppets, and SFX builds. It's a studio-based look at the foundational sculpting skills behind professional creature work.

DistortionsUnlimited· 81,790 views

How-to: Turn a Photo into a 3D Model

DIY PropsBeginner

How-to: Turn a Photo into a 3D Model

VanOaks Props walks beginners through the fundamentals of 3D modeling, specifically how to use a photograph as a reference or source to create a 3D model. The tutorial is oriented as a conceptual overview, helping newcomers understand how 3D models are constructed before diving into more complex techniques. While Halloween prop-making is the broader context of the channel, the skills taught here are applicable to any prop or costume project.

VanOaksProps· 62,088 views

carvewright demo.wmv

carvewright demo.wmv

Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios demonstrates the CarveWright automated CNC carving machine he has added to his prop-building shop. The video highlights the machine's capabilities for wood carving and sign making in a Halloween prop-fabrication context. It serves as an enthusiastic introduction to the equipment rather than a step-by-step tutorial.

StiltbeastStudios· 59,317 views

Home depot foam in a silicone mold

DIY PropsIntermediate

Home depot foam in a silicone mold

Allen Hopps of StiltbeastStudios tests Sika expanding foam — available at Home Depot — by casting it directly into a silicone life-cast mold. The foam performs well in the mold, reproducing detail reliably, and earns a recommendation for this type of prop-making application. This short, focused video is essentially a real-world material test with a clear verdict.

StiltbeastStudios· 52,173 views

DIY Pressure Pot for Resin Casting from Harbor Freight Pressure Paint Bucket

DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

DIY Pressure Pot for Resin Casting from Harbor Freight Pressure Paint Bucket

This tutorial from Monster Tutorials walks through converting an affordable Harbor Freight pressure paint bucket into a functional resin casting pressure pot using a handful of brass plumbing fittings and quick-connect air components. The build is designed to eliminate bubbles in clear resin pours — a common challenge for prop and jewelry makers. The video demonstrates how to assemble and adapt the lid fittings so the bucket can be pressurized with a standard air compressor. Alumilite Clear Slow Resin is shown as the casting material of choice for the finished setup.

Monster Tutorials· 40,583 views

How to Paint and Gloss Halloween Prop EYES | Monster Lab

DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Paint and Gloss Halloween Prop EYES | Monster Lab

In this episode of the Monster Lab instructional series, Distortions Unlimited's Ed Edmunds walks through his professional technique for painting and glossing eyes on Halloween props and masks. The tutorial reflects the industry-level craftsmanship that Distortions Unlimited is known for from their work in animatronics, props, and masks. It is part of an ongoing how-to series aimed at bringing professional haunt fabrication methods to a wider audience.

DistortionsUnlimited· 33,999 views

Silicone Sheet Mold

DIY PropsIntermediate

Silicone Sheet Mold

Stiltbeast Studios walks through the process of creating a simple silicone sheet mold, a versatile and approachable technique for producing multiples of small resin-cast items. Both the silicone and resin used are sourced from BITY Mold Supply. The tutorial demonstrates how this straightforward mold format is well-suited for small prop components and detail pieces. At just over 20 minutes, it offers a focused, practical look at an essential prop-making skill.

StiltbeastStudios· 33,536 views

Silicone caulk and Naptha thinning tests

DIY PropsIntermediate

Silicone caulk and Naptha thinning tests

StiltbeastStudios walks through hands-on tests of silicone caulk thinned with naphtha, exploring how this versatile mixture can be tinted with oil paints to create glossy, skin-like finishes. The material proves useful for a wide range of prop effects including blood, vomit, and general grime. The driving motivation behind the tests was developing a flexible silicone paint to serve as a realistic skin layer for a Kraken creature build. The video offers practical insight into how the ratio and tinting process affect the final look and behavior of the material.

StiltbeastStudios· 29,259 views

Make a prop head from a mask

DIY PropsBeginner$10–$20

Make a prop head from a mask

Stiltbeast Studios demonstrates a straightforward technique for transforming a flexible Halloween mask into a solid, displayable prop head using expanding foam sealant. The creator fills the mask cavity with the foam, allowing it to cure into a rigid form that holds the mask's shape permanently. The same method is noted to work equally well for filling gloves to create prop hands. This is one of the simplest and most accessible prop-making techniques available to home haunters and attraction builders.

StiltbeastStudios· 28,284 views

plaster head form bust

DIY PropsBeginnerlow-cost

plaster head form bust

Allen Hopps of StiltbeastStudios walks through a straightforward method for casting a generic plaster head form bust from scratch. The resulting form is a versatile shop tool useful for fitting and finishing latex masks, shaping hats, and serving as a surface for Halloween projection mapping. The process is presented as accessible and affordable, making it ideal for FX artists at any level. Having a quality head form on hand is framed as one of the most practical assets an FX workspace can have.

StiltbeastStudios· 28,060 views

Silicone Mold Making & Resin Casting Tutorial | Easy DIY Step-by-Step Guide!

DIY PropsBeginner$30–$80

Silicone Mold Making & Resin Casting Tutorial | Easy DIY Step-by-Step Guide!

VanOaksProps walks through the complete process of making silicone molds and casting resin duplicates in this beginner-friendly tutorial. The workflow covers mixing and pouring silicone, applying mold release, and achieving clean resin casts suitable for small prop components. The channel's own Star Wars-inspired resin rocker switches serve as a real-world example of what the technique can produce. At under ten minutes, the guide is concise and practical for anyone looking to start replicating small prop parts at home.

VanOaksProps· 25,305 views

All about mold making plaster

DIY PropsIntermediate

All about mold making plaster

This tutorial from Stiltbeast Studios breaks down the three most common plaster types used in latex mask and mold making: Ultracal 30, Hydrocal, and US #1 pottery plaster. The host draws on personal experience to explain the key differences between each material and how choosing the wrong one can derail a project. The video is part of an ongoing materials series aimed at helping mask makers build a solid foundational knowledge of their supplies.

StiltbeastStudios· 23,215 views

HOW TO SCULPT a Baby Mutant Halloween Prop | Monster Lab

DIY PropsAdvanced

HOW TO SCULPT a Baby Mutant Halloween Prop | Monster Lab

In this extended director's cut of Monster Lab, Ed Edmunds and Tom Cassidy of Distortions Unlimited walk through sculpting a baby mutant creature called Mutinee, inspired by their Mutant animatronic. The tutorial covers the full clay process, from bulking out the form to blocking large anatomy, refining details, and finishing the piece. It's a hands-on look at professional creature-sculpting workflow using WED clay and a range of sculpting tools.

DistortionsUnlimited· 20,758 views

Monday Monster Stuff!

Monday Monster Stuff!

Monday Monster Stuff is a lengthy session from StiltbeastStudios hosted by Allen Hopps, covering Halloween prop and monster-related content for haunted house enthusiasts. Given the extended runtime, it likely features in-depth discussion, demonstration, or live Q&A around DIY prop building and Halloween mask work. StiltbeastStudios is a well-known resource in the haunted attraction community, and this format suggests a casual but informative deep-dive format. Specific techniques and materials covered are not confirmed from the available metadata.

StiltbeastStudios· 20,684 views

Cheap & Easy Brush On Silicone Mold

DIY PropsIntermediate

Cheap & Easy Brush On Silicone Mold

VanOaksProps demonstrates a budget-friendly approach to mold making using the brush-on silicone method paired with a supportive plaster mother shell — an ideal alternative to expensive block molds for larger objects. The tutorial walks through applying multiple silicone layers with a brush, building a rigid plaster shell over the finished mold, and ultimately casting copies in resin. The technique is well-suited for prop makers who want professional-quality duplicates without the high material cost of full block molds. A lion head sculpt serves as the hero piece throughout the demonstration.

VanOaksProps· 20,639 views

Two part plaster mask mold

DIY PropsIntermediate

Two part plaster mask mold

This long-form tutorial from Stiltbeast Studios walks through the complete process of building a two-part plaster mask mold from start to finish. Running nearly four hours, it is structured as a comprehensive, question-answering session covering every stage of the molding workflow. The format suggests a live or recorded hangout, making it especially accessible for learners who want real-time explanations alongside the demonstration.

StiltbeastStudios· 19,970 views

molding a brain part 5 painting

DIY PropsIntermediate

molding a brain part 5 painting

This is part five of StiltbeastStudios' ongoing brain molding series, focusing specifically on the painting stage of the build. The episode walks viewers through finishing a latex brain prop with realistic paintwork. As part of a multi-episode series, it builds on previously established molding and casting steps to bring the prop to a screen-ready finish.

StiltbeastStudios· 19,374 views

Fake Hardware From Hot Glue

DIY PropsBeginnerlow-budget

Fake Hardware From Hot Glue

VanOaksProps demonstrates a budget-friendly method for casting convincing fake hardware pieces using a silicone mold and high-temp Cosplay Stik hot glue sticks from Surebonder. The technique allows haunters and cosplayers to replicate multiple hardware styles quickly without spending heavily on store-bought decorative pieces. Colored glue sticks — including black and silver — make it easy to produce finished-looking results straight out of the mold with minimal post-processing.

VanOaksProps· 16,136 views

A Day Making Monsters for Halloween 2025

Professional Haunted Attractions

A Day Making Monsters for Halloween 2025

This behind-the-scenes look at Distortions Unlimited captures a day on the production floor as the team fabricates a range of Halloween props for 2025. Viewers watch crew members foam and detail Goblin Legend figures, paint Dragon Legends, Haunted Trees, and Super Skulls, and begin assembling Zombie Podiums. The short clip offers a rare, candid glimpse into the scale and craftsmanship of a professional Halloween prop manufacturer. It's a quick but compelling window into how commercial-grade monsters are brought to life.

DistortionsUnlimited· 14,895 views

Silicone Caulk Mold- Full Process

DIY PropsBeginnerunder $20

Silicone Caulk Mold- Full Process

Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios presents a full updated walkthrough of his flat mold-making technique using readily available silicone caulk. The process uses common hardware-store materials — silicone caulk and dish soap — to create affordable, flexible molds suitable for Halloween prop and mask fabrication. This is a refined version of an earlier tutorial, offering a cleaner and more complete explanation of each step.

StiltbeastStudios· 13,201 views