Halloween Universe

The Screening Room

The Halloween Video Library

A curated, searchable archive of the dark craft — DIY props and animatronics, home-haunt walkthroughs, makeup, lighting, fog, and effects. Every film embedded from its creator, organized so you can actually find what you need.

77 videos

Corpsing a DEAD MERMAID Halloween/Haunt PROP
5:34
DIY PropsIntermediate

Corpsing a DEAD MERMAID Halloween/Haunt PROP

Haunt Former documents the corpsing process for a dead mermaid prop as part of the nautical-themed 'Port Chum' haunted attraction build at Fearville. The video walks through painting and detailing techniques used to give the mermaid a decomposed, horrifying appearance fitting for a seaside haunt environment. At just six minutes, it offers a focused, vlog-style look at one specific stage of a larger professional haunt build.

Haunt Former· 1,448 views
DIY Medieval Torch Prop
11:44
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$40

DIY Medieval Torch Prop

VanOaksProps walks through a one-day scratch build of a medieval-style torch prop using PVC pipe, craft foam, and an LED flame bulb. The build relies on accessible hardware and craft supplies, with a free downloadable template provided to guide shaping. Painting and weathering steps give the finished piece a convincing aged-iron look suitable for costumes, cosplay, or haunted displays. The project is sponsored in part by Surebonder, whose cosplay hot glue sticks are used throughout.

VanOaksProps· 68,498 views
PAINTING the “Port Chum” & “Bait ‘n Tackle” SIGNS
6:40
Home HauntsBeginner

PAINTING the “Port Chum” & “Bait ‘n Tackle” SIGNS

Haunt Former documents the painting process for themed signage in the Port Chum home haunt build, including a 'Bait n Tackle' sign and the Port Chum location sign. The vlog offers a look at how decorative sign painting contributes to establishing a cohesive seaside horror atmosphere. It is part of an ongoing Port Chum build series chronicling the haunt's creation leading up to the 2023 season.

Haunt Former· 1,105 views
Making the Goonies Copper Bones Prop Replica
6:35
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $20

Making the Goonies Copper Bones Prop Replica

VanOaksProps walks through the process of prepping and painting a 3D-printed replica of the iconic Copper Bones skeleton key from The Goonies. The build is framed as a relaxed afternoon project, focusing primarily on surface finishing and a layered acrylic painting technique to achieve an aged, metallic patina look. A free STL model is referenced for those who want to print their own base piece. Credit is given to another creator whose technique inspired the painting approach.

VanOaksProps· 10,733 views
How to paint your gun - Zombie Hunter paint job with spray cans.
9:45
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $10

How to paint your gun - Zombie Hunter paint job with spray cans.

This beginner-friendly tutorial from Monster Tutorials walks viewers through transforming any gun prop — or real firearm — into a rugged zombie-hunter piece using only inexpensive spray paint. The focus is on achieving a custom, battle-worn look without specialized equipment or costly materials. It's a quick, accessible project suited for costumes, haunt props, or display pieces.

Monster Tutorials· 3,360 views
Making a Star Wars Inspired Cooler for Charity
7:12
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Star Wars Inspired Cooler for Charity

VanOaksProps transforms a plain ice chest into a Star Wars-themed prop for a charity auction, giving it the look of Beskar-inspired hardware from the Star Wars universe. The build relies on airbrushing with Alumaluster chrome paint alongside a multi-color weathering approach to sell the worn, galactic aesthetic. Structural details are added using epoxy and craft materials before the final paint layers are applied. The finished cooler is destined for the Imperial Surface Bucket Bash charity event.

VanOaksProps· 7,219 views
Andor Holoprojector Replica Prop | #starwars
6:15
DIY PropsIntermediate

Andor Holoprojector Replica Prop | #starwars

This build video walks through recreating the Pre-Mor Holoprojector from Episode 3 of the Andor TV series as a handheld replica prop. The creator kitbashes a vintage Bandai handheld game as the prop's base, integrates functional LED lighting, and adds a 3D-printed bezel for screen accuracy. Layered spray paint and acrylic washes are used to achieve a weathered, lived-in Star Wars aesthetic.

VanOaksProps· 8,185 views
Making a Sign from Galaxy's Edge
6:16
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50

Making a Sign from Galaxy's Edge

VanOaksProps recreates a sign spotted at Galaxy's Edge/Black Spire Outpost in Disneyland, replicating its weathered, alien-world aesthetic using layered spray paints, acrylic detailing, and powder-based distressing techniques. The build leans heavily on aging effects — including Fuller's Earth, baby powder, and hairspray — to sell the worn, battle-worn look of Batuu signage. Star Wars-accurate fonts sourced from a free aurebesh font resource help nail the authenticity. The finished piece is a compact, screen-faithful prop replica achievable in an afternoon.

VanOaksProps· 6,201 views
Building a Halloween Crypt - Part 4: Adding a Projection Effect feat. AAXA HP3 Projector
6:37
Projection EffectsIntermediate

Building a Halloween Crypt - Part 4: Adding a Projection Effect feat. AAXA HP3 Projector

This fourth and final installment of VanOaksProps' Halloween crypt build series covers the finishing stages of the prop, including painting, brick mortar texturing, and weathering to achieve a realistic stone appearance. The episode's standout addition is the integration of the AAXA HP3 projector to cast a special projection effect onto or within the crypt structure. The video was produced in partnership with AAXA Technologies, who supplied the projector at no cost to the creator.

VanOaksProps· 14,363 views
DIY Pirate Rum Prop
6:00
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$25

DIY Pirate Rum Prop

This quick tutorial from VanOaks Props shows how to upcycle a plastic maple syrup bottle into a convincing pirate rum prop using EVA foam detailing and layered paint techniques. The build relies on common, inexpensive supplies and is completed in roughly six minutes of instruction. Weathering with multiple acrylic tones and a final clear coat gives the finished piece an aged, authentic look. It's a great low-cost accent piece for pirate-themed haunts, costumes, or Halloween displays.

VanOaksProps· 15,744 views
We gave this Halloween Witch Animatronic a Terrifying Makeover
16:51
DIY AnimatronicsBeginnerlow (primarily secondhand/dollar-store materials)

We gave this Halloween Witch Animatronic a Terrifying Makeover

Wicked Makers duo Jay and Jaimie transform a stock Home Depot rocking chair witch animatronic into a menacing forest hag through budget-friendly, beginner-accessible upgrades. The build walks through unboxing and assembly of the original prop, then covers painting, fabric weathering, body padding, and layering on thrifted clothing and accessories sourced from Goodwill. The finished witch retains her original LED eyes, motion sensor, and rocking animation while looking dramatically more sinister and custom.

Wicked Makers· 1,416,934 views
Make Halloween Store Skulls Look Way Better!
0:24
DIY PropsBeginner

Make Halloween Store Skulls Look Way Better!

Wicked Makers hosts Jaimie and Jay demonstrate how to transform ordinary store-bought Halloween skulls into convincing, high-quality props. The project focuses on elevating cheap, mass-produced decorations through hands-on techniques that dramatically improve their appearance. This is a budget-friendly upgrade rather than a full build from scratch.

Wicked Makers· 854,645 views
Fake Rust with Sawdust
7:38
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$30

Fake Rust with Sawdust

VanOaksProps explores a creative low-cost rust finish by applying sawdust as a texture medium over 3D-printed mine cart wheels made for a real haunted attraction. The technique layers a brush-on epoxy to bind the sawdust, followed by multiple acrylic paint colors to mimic oxidized metal convincingly. The result is a gritty, organic-looking rust effect achievable with readily available craft supplies. This crossover project between a home prop builder and a professional haunt offers practical, real-world validation of the method.

VanOaksProps· 10,198 views
PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates
8:19
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates

VanOaksProps builds a pair of Star Wars-themed cargo crates to complement a dedicated prop display case, inspired by a visit to Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. The crates are shaped using an Inventables X-Carve CNC router, then finished with layered spray paints, wax paint, and weathering techniques to achieve a battle-worn, screen-accurate look. Liquid latex and steel wool add tactile texture before the final paint stages, giving the props convincing depth and age.

VanOaksProps· 12,510 views
Star Wars Electro Binoculars & Case
9:36
DIY PropsIntermediate

Star Wars Electro Binoculars & Case

VanOaksProps takes on Luke Skywalker's electrobinoculars from The Empire Strikes Back, building a screen-accurate replica from a 3D-printed model with LED accents, detailed paintwork, and weathering. As a bonus, a custom fabric-lined flight case inspired by Disney's Galaxy's Edge is also constructed to house the finished prop. This entry in the creator's casual 'Let's Make' series focuses on personal passion builds rather than step-by-step instruction. The result is a polished Star Wars replica that bridges DIY prop-making and theme-park fandom.

VanOaksProps· 9,507 views
Hidden Projector Tombstone feat. the AAXA HP1
11:16
Projection EffectsIntermediate

Hidden Projector Tombstone feat. the AAXA HP1

VanOaksProps walks through building a realistic foam tombstone that doubles as a concealed housing for a compact projector, keeping the unit hidden from view and shielded from the elements. The build covers foam carving and shaping, router detailing, and a multi-step paint process to achieve a convincing aged-stone look. The finished prop integrates seamlessly into a graveyard display while secretly delivering Halloween projection effects. It's a clever solution for haunters who want polished projection visuals without exposing expensive equipment.

VanOaksProps· 91,619 views
Making A TOXIC ZOMBIE Halloween Prop - Part 1 (Painting, Adding Blood)
12:41
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making A TOXIC ZOMBIE Halloween Prop - Part 1 (Painting, Adding Blood)

Part one of a three-part series focused on building a custom toxic zombie Halloween prop from scratch. This installment covers the painting process and blood effects to achieve a gory, contaminated look. The finished prop is designed to work alongside fog effects for added atmosphere.

GMHaunts· 213 views
Techniques for distressing and ageing costumes
17:23
Costume TutorialsIntermediate

Techniques for distressing and ageing costumes

Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios walks through multiple hands-on techniques for distressing and aging fabric costumes, using a Tombs of the Blind Dead-inspired piece as the working example. The video covers a range of weathering methods to achieve a convincingly decayed, aged look on costume fabric. Both heat tools and color sprays appear to be among the techniques demonstrated. This is a practical, project-based tutorial ideal for costume builders looking to push their finish work to the next level.

StiltbeastStudios· 16,562 views
Simple Cracked & Chipped Paint Effect using a Wood Block
7:00
Set DesignBeginner

Simple Cracked & Chipped Paint Effect using a Wood Block

VanOaksProps demonstrates a quick and forgiving faux-finishing technique that makes haunt wall panels look aged and deteriorated. Using a wood block and layered spray paint, the method replicates the look of decades-old cracked and chipped paint without specialized skills or expensive materials. The result is convincing weathered surfaces well-suited for haunted house exteriors or interior set dressing.

VanOaksProps· 153,447 views
Mask Painting!
2:03:31
Makeup TutorialsIntermediate

Mask Painting!

Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios walks viewers through the process of painting a Halloween mask, sharing professional techniques developed through his haunted attraction work. The session covers how paint application can dramatically transform a mask's realism and overall scare factor. At over two hours, this is an in-depth, hands-on demonstration suited for serious prop and costume builders.

StiltbeastStudios· 1,008 views
Dollar Store Tombstone Makeover - Cheap Easy DIY Graveyard Tutorial
19:55
DIY PropsBeginner$1–$10

Dollar Store Tombstone Makeover - Cheap Easy DIY Graveyard Tutorial

This tutorial from Monster Tutorials shows how to transform inexpensive dollar store foam tombstones into convincingly spooky graveyard props using a handful of additional materials and craft techniques. The focus is on budget-friendly methods that deliver a dramatic visual upgrade without requiring specialized skills or tools. It's a great approach for haunters looking to build out a graveyard scene on a tight budget.

Monster Tutorials· 192,987 views
Easy Rotten Pumpkins Tutorial
20:12
DIY PropsBeginner

Easy Rotten Pumpkins Tutorial

This beginner-friendly tutorial from Monster Tutorials walks viewers through transforming ordinary foam pumpkins into convincingly creepy, rotten-looking Halloween props. Using a heat gun for distressing and mold-colored paint for a decayed finish, the results are an easy upgrade to standard jack o lantern decorations. The project is designed to be accessible and affordable, making it a great option for haunters looking to add atmospheric detail without advanced skills.

Monster Tutorials· 894,324 views
DIY Tombstone Painting & Distressing Tutorial How-To Halloween Prop #halloween #homehaunt #yardhaunt
4:26
DIY PropsBeginner

DIY Tombstone Painting & Distressing Tutorial How-To Halloween Prop #halloween #homehaunt #yardhaunt

This short tutorial walks through the process of painting and distressing Halloween tombstone props to give them a realistic, aged appearance. The technique centers on using Dry-Lok as a key product in the finishing process. At under five minutes, it's a quick, accessible guide suited for haunters looking to elevate their cemetery displays. The result is a weathered, convincing grave marker that fits seamlessly into yard or home haunt setups.

Hauntcast· 1,445 views
Easy Jason Mask Tutorial - Friday 13th Voorhees Horror Mask
17:21
Costume TutorialsBeginnerlow (budget-friendly toy mask as base)

Easy Jason Mask Tutorial - Friday 13th Voorhees Horror Mask

This tutorial walks viewers through transforming an inexpensive toy hockey mask into a screen-accurate-looking Jason Voorhees mask inspired by the Friday the 13th franchise. The project is designed to be accessible, relying on easy-to-source materials. The finished result aims for a realistic horror-movie aesthetic suitable for Halloween costumes or haunted-house use.

Monster Tutorials· 86,532 views