Worbla is a brand of thermoplastic modelling materials, popular among cosplayers for creating costumes, armor and props.
Contents
Use
In order to be shaped, Worbla is warmed up, usually with a hot air gun, until it becomes formable at 90 °C (194 °F). It is then draped over formers or hand-moulded (wearing gloves) to shape. The inbuilt adhesive allows multiple layers to be laminated easily, for either strength or to add bas relief detail. A common technique for wearable props such as armour is to laminate it to thin EVA foam sheet, giving a light and slightly flexible carcase.
Worbla may also be moulded, when warmed, as a putty and used to sculpt solid pieces. Unusually, offcuts of sheet may be recycled in this way. The material can be cut with scissors, knives or by laser. When cold it can be cut, carved or sanded with woodworking hand tools. The surface is slightly rough, similar to some grades of leather, which allows textured paint effects. For a smooth surface it can be either sanded or filled with a primer paint.
Cosplayers and prop makers have widely adopted Worbla for its light weight, and easy working with minimal tools.
Varieties and properties
Worbla is made in several varieties:
Manufacturer
The name of the material is that of Worbla AG, a former synthetics manufacturer in Worblaufen, Switzerland, now part of the Gurit group. The material is marketed by the German company Cast4Art Vertriebsgesellschaft.