How to NOT wash blood out of shirt?

[Necroticon]

Hello all,

Recently I covered a shirt in fake blood for a Shaun of the Dead cosplay - now I'm looking to wash the shirt, but don't want to ruin all the fake bloodening I did.

Anyone got any tips to ensure that I'll "lock in" the stain and not accidentally wash it all out?

Thanks!

 

[ahoudini]

I doubt anyone can answer this without knowing what you used for "fake blood…"

 

[laellee]

I think I read you can Scotchguard over everything to better lock it in, but I've never tried it.

 

[Necroticon]

I think I read you can Scotchguard over everything to better lock it in, but I've never tried it.

Ah, yeah, might have to give that a go and see how it goes.

I doubt anyone can answer this without knowing what you used for "fake blood…"

Fair point - wish I could tell you. It was just some dollar store fake blood tubes from around halloween - didn't really think to note what it was as I assumed fake blood is probably the same stuff all over the world.

 

[Skor]

From experience, fake blood (corn syrup, homemade, store bought, even expensive FX blood) tends to either wash out or fade of clothing. Especially on a white shirt, I'd imagine you'll be left with a pinkish mark rather than blood red.

In the past, for permenant (hand) washable blood stained clothing, I've used a mixture of Red and Brown indelible inks to get the shade i'm looking for, then applied it by drawing the splatter carefully, as it can 'bleed' into the clothing very easily. Then apply water proofing spray (the kind for boots and shoes) to the areas of blood, both back and front.

Then, when I wash it, I try to avoid scrubbing those areas entirely. Seems to work rather well.

Alternatively, by complete accident I got Kryolan Bright red tooth stain on a shirt this year. That most certainly does not wash out!

 

[ahoudini]

Excellent advice! Dark red acrylic paint mixed with fabric medium is a good permanent choice, as well.