Care Instructions

How to Care for Your Lone Star Cosplay Piece

Your prop, armor, or helmet was handcrafted to last — with a little care, it'll stay convention-ready for years. Here's how to keep it looking forged-fresh.

General Care

Handle with care. Most pieces are made from EVA foam, PLA, or resin with hand-painted finishes. They're sturdy but not indestructible.
Store flat or upright. Don't pile heavy objects on top of armor pieces — they can warp.
Avoid direct sunlight for long periods. UV can fade paint and weaken some materials over time.
Keep away from heat sources. EVA foam and PLA can soften or warp above ~60°C / 140°F. Don't leave pieces in hot cars.

Cleaning

EVA Foam Armor

Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap.
Never soak in water — foam absorbs and can warp.
For stubborn marks, use a soft toothbrush with diluted dish soap.
Air dry completely before storing.

PLA / 3D Printed Pieces

Damp microfiber cloth works for most dust and grime.
For paint touch-ups, use the same finish (matte/gloss) as the original.
Avoid solvents like acetone — they dissolve PLA.

Resin Pieces

Soft cloth with mild soap and water.
Resin can chip on hard impact — handle props carefully.
For minor chips, a touch of matching acrylic paint hides the damage.

Wearable Armor

Wipe down the inside of pieces after wearing — sweat can weaken straps and stain liners over time.
Air out for 24 hours after a convention before storing.
Check straps and elastic regularly for wear.

Convention & Travel Tips

Padded bag or hard case for transport. Bubble wrap large props.
Carry-on if possible. Checked luggage is rough on detailed paintwork.
Disassemble what you can. Many large weapons come in 2–3 pieces — take them apart for travel.
Bring a touch-up kit. Small bottle of matching paint, a fine brush, and super glue saves a lot of stress.
Hydrate. Wearable armor is heavier than it looks — drink water at cons.

Repairs

Damage happens. Common fixes:

Cracked foam: Hot glue or contact cement, then repaint.
Chipped paint: Match the color and dab on with a fine brush. Seal with matte or gloss varnish.
Broken strap: Replace with elastic of the same width. Most hardware stores carry it.
Snapped piece: Reach out to us — we can often repair or replace parts.

LED Care

If your piece has LEDs:

Remove batteries before long-term storage to prevent leaks.
Don't submerge — most LED setups aren't waterproof.
If a light dies, the battery compartment is usually accessible without disassembly. Check there first.