[Curlgoddess]

Hello all! I need a crash course in liquid latex. It seems to be a popular thing, used by many on the forum, for various projects. I'm in the process of constructing a ground breaker and I'm trying to figure out the best way to weather proof him and give him character. It will be mostly construced out of rolled up newspaper.

So:

What brand works well and where can I purchase it?
What are the pros and cons of the stuff?
What effects can be acheived by using latex?

Also, any tips that you can give, would be awesome

Thanks ya'll!

 

[azdude]

Hi CG,

I used liquid latex called Mold Builder from Castin' Craft. I got it at Michaels but I think you could probably order it off the web. Probably the most important thing is that this stuff is sticky as all get-out so wear old clothes and gloves when you work with it. You can use a brush to put it on something but it will ruin the brush so we just used a paper towel or rag. The thicker you put it on the longer it will take to dry - as long as a day if it is really thick. I believe the trick is to use more than one layer. I would start with a heavy layer on to form a base. After that you can put a very thin layer on something like a granite counter top or cookie sheet while it drys and then kind of roll it off the sheet so it forms globs or worm-like things. You can also take the whole thin sheet and stretch it over whatever you are covering. There is no right or wrong so whatever you do take some pics and show us so the rest of can see how you did it!

 

[Toetag]

A lot of people buy the expired stuff but i tell ya for just a few bucks more you can buy from these guys. Thats where i buy and what i use. Screamline Studios

Now what cant you do with latex is the question. What are your plans just corpsing? make limbs etc...List goes on and on. latex sticks to itself so if you pulling something out of a mold before you do i brush on color set powder and go slow pulling it out and brush on outside while pulling also. Dont want to mess up a piece.

Few things make sure your not allergic,make sure you have ventilated area with moving air b/c the ammonia can bother ya. Sometimes it burns my nose and lungs. OH AND DO NOT GET IN ANY FABRIC AT ALL!

 

[Curlgoddess]

Hi CG,

I used liquid latex called Mold Builder from Castin' Craft. I got it at Michaels but I think you could probably order it off the web. Probably the most important thing is that this stuff is sticky as all get-out so wear old clothes and gloves when you work with it. You can use a brush to put it on something but it will ruin the brush so we just used a paper towel or rag. The thicker you put it on the longer it will take to dry - as long as a day if it is really thick. I believe the trick is to use more than one layer. I would start with a heavy layer on to form a base. After that you can put a very thin layer on something like a granite counter top or cookie sheet while it drys and then kind of roll it off the sheet so it forms globs or worm-like things. You can also take the whole thin sheet and stretch it over whatever you are covering. There is no right or wrong so whatever you do take some pics and show us so the rest of can see how you did it!

Thanks for the tips, Azdude. I never would have thought about pouring out sheets or latex or making worms out of it! Seems like the possibilities are endless =) Can paint be added to it to give it color, or is it better to paint it after the project is done?

 

[Curlgoddess]

Few things make sure your not allergic,make sure you have ventilated area with moving air b/c the ammonia can bother ya. Sometimes it burns my nose and lungs. OH AND DO NOT GET IN ANY FABRIC AT ALL!

Hey Toetag, thanks for the advice. I will certainly be using this stuff outside and while wearing old clothes Thanks for the allergy warning too.

 

[Toetag]

You can buy latex colorant for it. Little bit goes a long way.

 

[Big Nick]

I use Screamline's slush latex and it is the best. Drys quickly and is not very runny. I bought a gallon of it and have done 3 buckys and a dog with almost enough left for another bucky. I highly reccomend this stuff.

 

[UnOrthodOx]

Personally, I loath using gloves. Which leads to 'fun' with my hands and arms. I've found baby lotion removes it quite easily when you get it all over.