I don't remember ever seeing answers for these so here goes....
1) How long will a gallon of latex last AFTER it has it been opened(will it dry up)?

2)How do you clean up the brushes that have latex on them?

3)Can it be spray painted or will paint eat the latex like it does the foamboard?

4)Will latex props last at least a month outside in all weather?

Sorry if any of these have been answered before but I am about to take the plunge and try working with it after seeing some of the great things some of you have made!

I am not sure about spray paint but I am pretty sure it can be air brushed.

Michael Ball

Check out my photo album!
http://halloweengallery.com/index.php?cat=10014

I think as long as you screw the lid on tight, and store it in a cool location, out of direct sun light it should be OK, It's not like it's vacuum sealed to begin with. I recently opened a gallon for the first time, and there was a skim at the top that had hardened, much like when milk has gone bad (the discoloration of the top layer was visible from the outside) pealed that off and everything below was fine. I don't think opening it for the first has as much of an effect as the overall shelf life of the product...and I'm afraid I'm no help with that one.

As for cleaning brushes, I haven't tried, I use the cheep chip brushes and toss them, but you might try water at first, which is how you clean up latex based paints (I may have just exposed my ignorance here) if that doesn't work try something like mineral spirits.

As for spray painting, I'd say try a test patch on the side and see how it works to be safe, cured latex is pretty tough, but I'm not sure what affect the aerosol would have on it. I'd say Crazy is right, air brushing should be safe if you have the equipment. I just finished my first attempt with corpseifying a Bucky and I brushed the paint to play it safe.

I've left store bought latex props out the whole month of October, with no noted problems, but I live in a mild climate that time of year, I think drastic temps, in either direction may affect the latex. Also, depending on the finish, even in mild temps, the sun could bleach the color, but that would be the case for any prop.

No rest for living,
No peace for the dead.

Deadna, I have a ground breaker latex head and hands that I leave out all month in Florida and it's been fine. I guess I've had that for about 4 or 5 years now. I store all my latex in the attic though probably not the best place. I have a head that is getting brittle, it's about 12 years old.

Robert
http://halloweengallery.com/index.php?cat=10023

If you say, completly coated it with polyurathane would it last longer. Anyone hwo has some liquid latex want to make a strip and give it an indurance test? I dont have any and currently have no use for it.

Michael Ball

Check out my photo album!
http://halloweengallery.com/index.php?cat=10014

Hi Deadna.I don't bother cleaning the brushes.I just wipe off any excess and leave the brush in a cup of water.If the air can't hit it ,it won't dry out.Just take it out next time and wipe off the water.Coating it with polyurethane won't do any good because it's the light which breaks down the latex over time.It's already waterproof.As for storage,I reseal the container and then put it in a plastic bag with the air squeezed out.No exposure to air,no drying.

Ask not for whom the bell tolls......

Oh. But couldnt you say, every few years put a new coat of latex on the mask and repaint it?

Michael Ball

Check out my photo album!
http://halloweengallery.com/index.php?cat=10014

I have very very limited knowledge about this but so far i have found out....
I have a stiff brush that i clean my latex brush up with. Kinda like the theory of running a comb through a brush to get the hairs out. I first run it inder water wich seems to rinse out or cure the latex in the brush, then brush it with my stiff brush. Takes me two minutes. Then i don't need to buy a new one - now thats cheap.
The painting method that i have used so far is
1) Spray with flat black paint.
2) After that dries (not cures) wipe with a brown stain vigorusly, the black will start to come off were i can see the white latex on the high spots.
3) Slightly dampen a paper towel with mineral spirits and wipe, this causes the latex to be even whiter on the highlights.
I have found that if i bend the fingers into a different position the paint will crack in the bend.
An old painters trick - when closing your jar, place a piece of saran wrap over the top before putting the top back on. This will help slow the curing giving you longer storage time.
Thats my 2 cents

Life is full of choices - if you don't like your life - make better choices

Here is my take on using Latex(Hey Putrid & Bodybagging....no INSIDE JOKES!!).Anyhow 1)A gallon of latex(like said b4)will not dry up as long as you do screw the cap on and get it out of sunlight and a hot humid area. 2)Pretty much a paintbrush is Gone With The Wind as far as beening in decent shape,again keep the brush in water and a detergent(like Dawn,Joy.etc).3)You can airbrush but spray bottles will clog up big time. 4)I always coat my props with a SPRAY coating of polyurethane(spelling?),a prop will last fairly well(I've kept mine out for about a month and a half with no signs of adverse wear).This is my 1 and a half cents advice!

rod spain

Deadna, When I bought my first gallon the company I bought from mentioned that they do not ship during the winter because the latex may freeze. Apparently that is not a good thing so I keep my leftovers on my enclosed back porch along with any leftover paint. I don't throw my brush away until I've used it a few times. I keep it in a cup with water and Dawn liquid. BTW, I've found that natural bristle brushes seem to clean up better than those with nylon bristles.
I've used both spray paint and brushed craft paint on the latex with good results. I also give it a coat of polyurethane just to protect the paint.


I don't suffer from insanity but enjoy every minute of it - Edgar Allan Poe