Thread: questions on supplies

Tweet

Just wondered if anyone used spray on texture for any of their props, especially if anyone used it on foam? Seems to me the foam would soak it right up but I was just curious if anyone else used it?

Also, how does hardware cloth compare to chicken wire?

P.s. one last thing....where in the heck do you find liquid starch?

Thanks

1. Not exactly sure what you're meaning by "spray on texture." If you're talking about things like this RustOleum.com then yes, it can work very well. If you're talking about something like this: Homax Products - Texture - Spray Texture I have no experience with this type of product as far as props... but it could work in theory. Considering the mess factor and not having it fill in things like epitaphs or cool cracks that you've spent some time carving (that would be quite a bit of work down the drain) I wouldn't think this stuff would be as good as mixing up a little sand or my fave, mortar mix to get a toothy texture without screwing up your surface.



2. That stuff is the same as used in small animal cages from the looks of it. I would think it would be more difficult to work with since it's a finer mesh, (more difficult to shape, bend) but because it's got a finer mesh it could be easier to paper maché and make finer details... but I have no personal experience with this stuff.


3. Liquid starch. Should be in the laundry aisle in any grocery or market - not the spray starch. "Faultless" is one of the name brands.

Or you could make your own:

You can make it yourself from the common dry cornstarch found in the baking sections. In a large bowl or pot, stir 1/2 cup of corn starch into 1 cup of cold water. Stir in boiling water (2 quarts for a heavy solution; 4 quarts for medium and 6 quarts for a light solution). Dip the clothing into the starch solution and let dry. To iron, sprinkle the garments lightly with warm water, roll up and place in a plastic bag until evenly moistened, then iron as usual.

It was the Homax products that I was referring to as far as the texture spray.

As far as the liquid starch I noticed one of the paper mache recipes called for it.

Thanks!

Hardware cloth is typically a thicker gauge material, and yes it is harder to bend and shape. It can be handy for certain parts of a paper mache' project that you need ot be strong, but you will likely want the cheaper and much thinner chicken wire.

Wear gloves. And be sure to bend in and well-cover any sharp endings.