How to Build a Sarcophagus

Do you need a mummy in your next movie? Well dont forget the sarcophagus. This week I am going to show you how to build a sarcophagus complete with frescos.

What you need.

1. Foam 4x8 sheet, the thicker the better - Home center
2. Knife with a long blade
3. Latex Paint - Craft store
4. Spray glue - Test to make sure it doesnt dissolve the foam - craft store
5. Wooden dowel - Craft store or home center
6. Plaster - Home center

Step 1: Cut N Glue

First cut 2 feet off the end of the foam. That will leave you with a 2x4 piece and a 4x6 piece. Now cut the 4x6 sheet in half, leaving you with 2 2x6 pieces. Then cut your 2x4 piece in half. You should have 2 2x2 pieces and 2 2x6 pieces. Now do this over again to another 4x8 sheet.


Now glue 2 2x2 pieces together with spray glue then repeat. Then glue 2 2x6 pieces together and repeat.

Step 2: Reinforce the Corners

Now you need to add some support for the corners. Cut your dowel into 3 inch lengths. Then on the 2x2 pieces pick what sides you what to be the edges and drill 3 holes in them. Then put glue on your dowel and stick it in half way. Repeat for both sides on both pieces.

Then grab your 2x2 pieces and line it up against the edge of the 2x6 piece. Now push the dowels slightly into the 2x6 to mark where you need to drill.

Drill out these marks, add glue then join the 2x2 with the 2x6. Repeat for all 4 corners.

Step 3: Plaster

I then put a little bit of plaster on the corners and where I joined 2 pieces together. You want to do this to get rid of the seam.

After you put the plaster on sand it down a bit so it is even with the foam.

Step 4: Paint

When you paint make sure you use latex paint. Regular spray paint will dissolve the foam. I added a base layer of brown, only misting it on. I then used a light skin tone as an over coat, once again only misting it on.

I then made a stencil of an Egyptian guy and an Egyptian God. I'm not going to show you how to make a stencil because there are already some great tutorials out there. Here is one I liked: How to make a stencil

I stenciled on a bunch of the guys and one of the God with the color brown. For the clothes, hair and jewelry I just free hand painted them on.

Step 5: Done

So that's about it. Now go make a mummy movie, or make a mummy themed Halloween display.

For more props and special effects go to http://www.zogcast.com