How to Make a Fake Ribcage

You can make a realistic fake rib cage from a plastic trash can.

Halloween is the time of year to embrace your ghoulish side and to get creepy. Decorating your home with the spookiest stuff you can find is part of the fun. Skeletons are a popular Halloween costume and decoration. Making a fake rib cage is a fun Halloween project that will yield spooky results sure to scare the neighborhood trick-or-treaters.

Things You'll Need

• 18-inch-tall white plastic oval trash can
• Pencil
• Scissors
• 2 part polyurethane foam
• Sponge brush
• Paintbrush
• Reddish brown latex paint
• Black latex paint
• Lacquer
• Spray bottle
• Water

Instructions

1. Sketch a rib cage onto the front of the trash can that continues around the back of the can complete with a sternum, spine and an upside down W shape at the bottom of the rib cage.

2. Cut out the negative space between the ribs at both the top and the bottom of the can.

3. Mix the two-part polyurethane foam in small batches and apply completely to the front, sides and back of the rib cage with the sponge paintbrush. Allow the foam to dry completely.

4. Paint the rib cage with the reddish-brown latex paint.

5. Add a layer of black latex paint while the reddish-brown paint is still slightly wet.

6. Add a coat of lacquer with a paintbrush while the black paint is still slightly wet. Fill the spray bottle with water and spray the rib cage. Allow it to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint and lacquer in a well ventilated area.

References

• HalloweenForum.com: How to make a skeletal rib cage cheaply...