How to build a super cool, futuristic, sci-fi, cryo containment chamber.

What you need:

1. Styrofoam - Pre-cut shapes from the local craft store
2. Plaster of Paris - Home improvement store
3. Paint - Spray paint from the craft store
4. Aquarium line tubing - The green stuff from the pet store
5. Cylinder - A giant vase from the craft store

Step 1: Cut and Glue

I bought four different types of Styrofoam, a package of small spheres, a large diameter sphere, a disk and two cylinder shapes.

Start by cutting the large sphere and small spheres in half. You can use a hot wire cutter or a serrated kitchen knife (That's what I used).

Then glue the two cylinders together, with a low temperature hot glue gun (IMPORTANT - a high temperature hot glue gun will melt the Styrofoam). You can also use school glue or wood glue. Be sure to test the glue first to make sure it won't melt the Styrofoam.

Now glue 1/2 of the large sphere to the center of the disk.

Step 2: Plaster

Now it's time for some plaster. When I mix my plaster I like to make it a little thick, that way it is easer to spread, kind of like butter. To fill in the large gaps I used a trowel but to fill in all the small holes in the Styrofoam I like to use my hands. So grab a pair of gloves and start spreading it all over the Styrofoam.

After each coat of plaster you want to do some sanding. It is best to sand when the plaster is hard but not entirely dry, that way you aren't breathing toxic plaster dust.

The best thing about this process is that if you make a mistake just put some more plaster on and sand it down.

For my prop I used about three coats of plaster.

After you are done let it dry.

Step 3: Paint

Since I covered my entire prop with plaster I am able to paint with regular spray paint, but if any of the Styrofoam is showing through you need to use water based latex spray paint, or regular latex house paint. After you do a base coat of latex paint you can use regular spray after.

I painted the base and top black, and the small spheres metallic silver.

Do a lot of light coats. You can always put more on but if you put on too much it is very difficult to take off. Just go slow and put on a lot of thin, light coats.

Step 4: Drill and Tube

This part takes a little imagination.

Pick a drill bit that is the same size as the aquarium line tubing. Then drill holes everywhere you want to connect your aquarium line tubing. You don't need to drill them that deep, just deep enough to stick your tubing in.

When you drill your holes you will chip off a little paint but that's ok. Just pick up a paint brush and touch up the holes with some of your latex paint.