Halloween Universe

Video Theme

Prop Finishing

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

23 videos

spray painting plastic- best primer
9:11
DIY PropsBeginner

spray painting plastic- best primer

Stiltbeast Studios tackles one of the most common frustrations in prop-making — getting paint to stick to plastic — by identifying a preferred primer through hands-on testing. The video walks through why plastic is a difficult surface to paint and what makes this particular primer perform better than alternatives. Real-world adhesion tests are shown to back up the recommendation rather than relying on speculation alone.

StiltbeastStudios· 155,466 views
How to Paint Realistic Metallic Finishes
8:02
DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Paint Realistic Metallic Finishes

This VanOaksProps tutorial breaks down the process of achieving professional-looking metallic and chrome finishes on props, with a focus on avoiding common pitfalls. The workflow centers on proper base coat preparation followed by specialized metallic paints applied via airbrush. Oil paints are also incorporated for subtle weathering and depth. Multiple chrome paint options at varying price points are presented so viewers can choose what suits their budget and skill level.

VanOaksProps· 22,459 views
3D Printed Jurassic Park Cryo Can (Fast Build) #3dprinting #jurassicpark #propmaking
0:26
DIY Props

3D Printed Jurassic Park Cryo Can (Fast Build) #3dprinting #jurassicpark #propmaking

This short-form video showcases the rapid transformation of raw 3D printed plastic into a screen-accurate Jurassic Park cryo can prop. The build is presented as a fast time-lapse, giving viewers a quick look at the finishing process without deep tutorial detail. The channel focuses on full movie-inspired prop builds for fans of the franchise.

Creative Geekery· 21,957 views
How to paint faux stone
3:45
DIY PropsBeginner

How to paint faux stone

Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios delivers a fast, beginner-friendly walkthrough on achieving a convincing stone texture with paint. The technique is versatile enough to work on individual props as well as larger set pieces. At just four minutes, it's a compact, actionable lesson designed to get creators building quickly.

StiltbeastStudios· 17,076 views
SUPER Easy 3D Print Smoothing & Prep for Paint - Use LESS Spot Putty!
5:50
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$60

SUPER Easy 3D Print Smoothing & Prep for Paint - Use LESS Spot Putty!

This short tutorial walks through an accessible, hardware-store-friendly workflow for smoothing and prepping 3D printed parts before paint. The creator demonstrates how to minimize spot putty use by combining strategic sanding across multiple grits with a sandable filler primer. The techniques are demonstrated on a Star Wars droid dome build, making the process tangible and visually clear. All materials are widely available and budget-friendly.

VanOaksProps· 15,454 views
airbrush basics 1- the airbrush and compressor
18:53
DIY PropsBeginner

airbrush basics 1- the airbrush and compressor

Part one of a five-part series from StiltbeastStudios introduces viewers to the fundamentals of airbrushing for haunted attraction and prop work. The video covers how an airbrush functions, the role of the compressor, and the key differences between various airbrush types. It serves as a foundational primer before diving into more advanced technique videos later in the series.

StiltbeastStudios· 12,598 views
How to GLOSS Your LATEX MASK and Prop Eyes Tutorial Using Devcon Epoxy | Monster Lab
3:30
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $15

How to GLOSS Your LATEX MASK and Prop Eyes Tutorial Using Devcon Epoxy | Monster Lab

In this Monster Lab episode, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited demonstrates a quick technique for adding a realistic gloss to latex mask and prop eyes using Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Clear. The method is drawn directly from Distortions' professional production workflow for masks, props, and animatronics. At just four minutes, it's a compact, focused tutorial that can immediately elevate the realism of any finished latex piece.

DistortionsUnlimited· 12,466 views
Wet look product
4:10
Product Reviews

Wet look product

Allen Hopps of StiltbeastStudios spotlights a product called WET by FrightProps, his go-to solution for achieving a convincing glossy, wet-look finish on Halloween props and masks. The short review explains why he made the switch to this product over alternatives for any application requiring a shiny, lifelike surface. It serves as a practical recommendation from an experienced haunted-attraction professional.

StiltbeastStudios· 11,985 views
airbrush assembly guide for the harbor freight deluxe airbrush.
3:32
DIY PropsBeginner

airbrush assembly guide for the harbor freight deluxe airbrush.

StiltbeastStudios walks through how to correctly assemble the Harbor Freight Deluxe Airbrush, offering a clean and straightforward visual reference for first-time users. The short runtime makes it an efficient primer for anyone unfamiliar with the tool's components and how they fit together. The creator positions this airbrush as a solid budget-friendly option for haunt prop and mask work.

StiltbeastStudios· 11,112 views
Ed Edmunds of Distortions praises his Paasche Airbrush
8:09
Product Reviews

Ed Edmunds of Distortions praises his Paasche Airbrush

Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited shares his enthusiasm for the Paasche Black Zephyr airbrush, explaining why it has become a favorite in his work. The short clip is a personal endorsement rather than a step-by-step tutorial, focused on his impressions of the tool. It offers a glimpse into the gear preferences of a well-known haunt and prop creator.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,214 views
Mask painting Brush only
6:26
Makeup TutorialsIntermediate

Mask painting Brush only

Stiltbeast Studios demonstrates how to achieve professional-looking results on a latex mask using brushes alone — no airbrush or spray equipment required. Several core painting techniques are covered, including drybrushing, glazing, antiquing, and masking. The video is a practical, accessible guide for anyone wanting to elevate their mask painting without investing in spray gear.

StiltbeastStudios· 7,887 views
Making Latex Mask Paint!
9:25
Makeup TutorialsIntermediate

Making Latex Mask Paint!

Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios walks through the process of creating custom paint specifically formulated for latex masks. The tutorial covers how to mix and prepare the paint so it adheres properly to latex surfaces without cracking or peeling. This is a practical technique for haunted attraction performers and prop makers looking to customize or refresh their latex masks.

StiltbeastStudios· 7,596 views
Distortions Unlimited Animatronic Painting | Behind the Scenes with Music
19:42
DIY Animatronics

Distortions Unlimited Animatronic Painting | Behind the Scenes with Music

This behind-the-scenes feature takes viewers into the Distortions Unlimited paint room, showing three sped-up sequences of animatronics and props being painted from start to finish, all set to music. Featured pieces include Colossus, Scare Wolf, Mutant, Alien Parasite, and Zombie Podium among others. Rather than a step-by-step tutorial, it's a stylized montage highlighting the finishing process at a professional Halloween prop company.

DistortionsUnlimited· 6,524 views
Prepping 3D printed part for paint with steel wool #fallout
1:00
DIY PropsBeginner

Prepping 3D printed part for paint with steel wool #fallout

This short tip video from VanOaksProps demonstrates how to prep a 3D printed part for painting using steel wool. The technique focuses on smoothing the surface of a print to achieve a better paint finish. Though tagged with Fallout theming, the method applies broadly to any prop or costume build involving 3D printed components.

VanOaksProps· 6,448 views
Distortions Unlimited LIVE Making Monsters in the Paint Room
1:03:43
DIY Props

Distortions Unlimited LIVE Making Monsters in the Paint Room

Distortions Unlimited hosts a live behind-the-scenes session from their paint rooms, where staff members Ed and Tom each work on finishing monster props and animatronics. For the first time, both paint rooms run simultaneously, and the stream checks in on each artist's progress throughout. It offers a candid look at the studio's professional prop-making workflow rather than a step-by-step tutorial.

DistortionsUnlimited· 5,650 views
mask painting
48:46
Makeup TutorialsIntermediate

mask painting

StiltbeastStudios delivers a nearly 50-minute deep dive into painting masks, guided by industry veteran Allen Hopps. The session likely covers color layering, shading, and detailing techniques to achieve professional-quality, scare-ready results. Given the channel's haunted-attraction focus, the approach is geared toward durability and visual impact under haunt conditions.

StiltbeastStudios· 3,656 views
Paintapalooza!
4:11:55
DIY Props

Paintapalooza!

Paintapalooza is an extended painting-focused session from StiltbeastStudios, the creative home of veteran haunt designer Allen Hopps. Running over four hours, the video dives deep into the art of painting Halloween props and masks for haunted attraction use. It appears to be a comprehensive, marathon-style instructional or live-format event centered on paint application and finishing techniques.

StiltbeastStudios· 2,120 views
Painting And Finnishing!
2:31:12
DIY PropsIntermediate

Painting And Finnishing!

This lengthy studio session with StiltbeastStudios covers the painting and finishing stages of a Halloween prop or mask build. Allen Hopps walks viewers through the detailing process used to bring a haunted attraction-quality piece to completion. At over two and a half hours, the video offers an in-depth, real-time look at professional finishing techniques applicable to props and masks alike.

StiltbeastStudios· 1,832 views
base coating a latex mask
13:11
Makeup TutorialsBeginner

base coating a latex mask

StiltbeastStudios walks through the foundational step of base coating a latex mask, a critical first stage before adding detail paint and weathering. The video focuses on proper technique for achieving an even, adhesion-ready surface on latex. As a channel known for professional haunt-quality work, the instruction is practical and geared toward real-world haunted attraction use.

StiltbeastStudios· 1,713 views
The Best Fake Blood for Props and Costumes!
0:23
Product Reviews

The Best Fake Blood for Props and Costumes!

This FrightProps video reviews fake blood products from RIP City FX, spotlighting their Haunt Sauce and Toxic Sauce lines. The video evaluates these products in the context of both prop use and costume application, positioning them as top-tier choices for Halloween effects. Viewers are directed to the FrightProps website to purchase the featured products.

FrightProps· 1,517 views
I Wanna Paint Stuff!
2:58:34
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Wanna Paint Stuff!

Allen Hopps of StiltbeastStudios leads an extended, hands-on session dedicated to painting Halloween props and masks. The long-form format suggests a deep dive into techniques rather than a quick overview, giving viewers ample time to follow along in real time. Topics likely span color theory, layering, and detailing approaches suited to haunted-attraction-quality results.

StiltbeastStudios· 1,180 views
Painting And Hairing Extravaganza!
2:53:29
DIY PropsIntermediate

Painting And Hairing Extravaganza!

StiltbeastStudios host Allen Hopps leads an extended session focused on painting and hair-application techniques for haunted attraction props. The video covers the finishing stages of creature or character props, walking viewers through color work and hair punching in real time over nearly three hours. It is aimed at haunt builders looking to elevate the realism and professional quality of their creations.

StiltbeastStudios· 948 views
demimooregan paint
49:31
DIY Props

demimooregan paint

This Stiltbeast Studios video from Allen Hopps focuses on painting a character or prop referred to as 'Demimooregan,' likely a haunted attraction figure or costume piece. The session runs nearly an hour, suggesting an in-depth, step-by-step walkthrough of the paint process. Stiltbeast Studios is well known in the haunt industry for professional-quality prop and character work.

StiltbeastStudios· 941 views