Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Paint for latex?

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Paint for latex?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4171
Printed Date: 5/15/25 at 2:13pm
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Topic: Paint for latex?

Posted By: Kurtin
Subject: Paint for latex?
Date Posted: 8/11/09 at 3:50am

Hi guys. I've made a skeleton prop by brushing latex over tissue paper laid over a childrens' plastic educational skeleton.

It looks flakey enough, the latex looks like dessicated skin, but I want to colour it a bit blackish/green to make it look more realistic. I have an airbrush kit, but I don't know of any paint that will stick to latex.

The prop won't be moved, except to position it for the shot, (this is for a film, btw), so it doesn't have to be super durable. But I would like it to at least stay put and not crack for the weeks of shooting.

Can you guys suggest anything appropriate, and not too expensive?

Thanks,

Kurt

Replies:

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 8/11/09 at 8:20pm

I would imagine any 'plastic' [latex] paint, would do the job.

-------------
Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

Posted By: Kurtin
Date Posted: 8/11/09 at 8:50pm

Yeah, Gaafa, it would stick alright, but I'm not sure if it would stay on and nor crack after a bit of handling. I need something that will not look like crazed paint after a few weeks.

Posted By: kries13
Date Posted: 8/12/09 at 3:36pm

My suggestion would be to do a tinting or glazing of the latex you have already applied. You can do this by watering down a couple of other colors and dabbing on in the skeleton as it exists now. You could use a sponge to control the amount of glaze going onto the surface - and be sure to go more heavily into crevice areas as this will lend itself to the aged look I think you are desiring.

You could also use tea to stain the latex.

If you used a flat based latex the glaze will work very well. If it was a gloss surface then you will want to be more careful when wiping off the glaze as it will come off more easily.

Good luck - sounds like a fun project!

-------------
kries
I art therefore I am.
www.artisrelative.com

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 8/12/09 at 7:03pm

Just add some Aquadhere [white wood glue] to the paint, which will withstand any amout of handling. Much the same as I do, when I'm painting the stage deck. The glue dries clear & the same colour as the plastic paint, thus bonding the surface resisting wear or scuffs.

-------------
Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

Posted By: Kurtin
Date Posted: 8/12/09 at 7:45pm

That's an idea, kries. The latex has dried quite a dark yellowish-brown. I would need to mix a darker colour to lay over it.

It's also a tad glossy, like smooth rubber in places, so a matte finish paint would be good to tone that down.

I'll test that, and see how I go.

The skeleton is looking pretty gruesome as it is, but I want it to look more horrible. Trouble is, my little granddaughter watches me working on it and it doesn't scare her a bit!

Posted By: Kurtin
Date Posted: 8/12/09 at 7:47pm

Never thought of Aquadhere, Gaafa. I wonder if it would make the paint stick better, or just make it more easy to peel off in one piece?

Trouble with aquadhere is it tends to dry a bit glossy. But then, it all depends on relative quantities, I suppose.

I'll do some tests.

Thanks.