Thread: Dry Lock questions

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Hello!

I have some questions about the Dry Lock stuff that I've seen people mention time and time again on these forums. My wife and I have some extensive paper mache props in the works and need a way to seal them against the weather so we were thinking about using this stuff, but I have some concerns.

I have already applied the finish paint to our props, which was probably a mistake I fear. They have a good coat of latex paint over the raw paper mache, and then I airbrushed the final colors with the standard acrylic paint you find anywhere.

Some concerns I have are:

If I put this Dry Lock stuff over top of the finished paint, is it going to modify the color? Meaning... does it dry clear? Does it yellow, or get cloudy?

Is it a heavy liquid that needs to be brushed on? The acrylic paint is rather delicate and if the stuff is a thick glue like material I fear that it may smear.

Does it dry in a thick coat?

If it looks like it may be damaging to the already painted surface, is there a good alternative that won't mess up the airbrushing, and can hopefully be sprayed on?

I know of Spar Varnish, but drys with such a friggin' glossy coat, and can really turn yellow (though that may be from extensive sun exposure, which these props won't really have). I've ordered some of the Krylon Dulling Spray in hopes to knock down any unwanted gloss, so gloss may not be a problem.


I appreciate your help. We have a lot of time into our props and I really don't want to see them hammered by an unexpected rain. I probably should have done this before final paint, but rookies have to learn somehow I guess.

Drylock will dry white grey or tan, depending on the color you buy. I have never seen one that dries clear. You need more of a urethane for that. It also goes on very thick and adds a sandy texture when dried. You can also get spray cans of matte finish or satin finish urethane. I think several coats of that would be your best bet.

I agree with weaz.

Yes I also agree. The drylock will cover all of your hard work cause it is not transparent and just like weaz said will dry like almost like a cement texture.
This might be a safe one to use.....
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CC4Q8wIwAQ#

Well, I'm glad I asked. Thanks for the input.

How about a simple Krylon clear coat?

Originally Posted by GhostTown

How about a simple Krylon clear coat?

That's what I would do. Just use several light coats so it doesnt ruin your paintjob underneath.

FYI - If you spray a clear coat, do a couple of lite / dusting coat passes over it 1st & let it "flash" / dry, then build a few coats after. This will allow the clear to soak into paint & lock in, too wet & heavy 1st application can ruin your nice paint job. The thinners they use in spray cans if applied to thick at once are harsh, brush-on clears don't really have that problem.

GhostTown

if you want to see how Drylock looks when used you can take a look at my Grave yard column. I covered styrofoam first with drywall mud then Drylock. I had them color the Drylock "sand". It is pretty thick stuff and goes on like Elmers Glue. It will cover everything, this is why I did not use it to cover the exposed brick portions on my build. Once it dries it is like stucco.

Post some pics of your build!

Jon

I use this for sealing stuff for outdoors.......

Minwax 13205 Spar Urethane,Ext Satin Spar Urethane

Helmsman Spar Urethane is a specially formulated protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood that is exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes. It contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects. Helmsman Spar Urethane forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture and its special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change. - Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects - Dry time: 24 hours - Specially formulated to protect against rain and moisture - Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.

Originally Posted by jonnyci

GhostTown
Post some pics of your build!

Jon

Here's a link to the build thread: LINK

Thanks all, for your replies!