Latex "problems"

[sulaco1967]

Fantastic..thinking my latex and tint is S##T....on fifth layer and still getting showthrough...is very rubbery Through and seams are dissapearing..

looking forward to your progress..

Sean

 

[Lonewolf260]

I have another problem, so the latex is fine, bit the paint isn't, I used both acrylics and spray paints and its chipping should I have used a primer first or cpuld a clear coat help it? The skin is the only thing left for my suit, please help!

 

[wonko]

The typical order of painting is pros-aide (basically a primer used when painting latex), acrylic inks (craft paint or run of the mill acrylic paint won't work), then top coat with something like permawet.  Your other option is rubber stamping inks or rubber cement thinned down with naptha and tinted with oil base paint, but that stuff is super toxic.  You have to be sure you're using paint that stays flexible after it dries, and regular acrylic or spray paint doesn't.  That's why it's chipping off.  Unless you have a good primer/base coat, nothing you put on top is going to stick.  Your best bet now is to strip off all the old paint and start over with the proper primer, paint, and clear coat.

Brian 

 

[Lonewolf260]

so did i just waste over 100 dollars...

 

[wonko]

so did i just waste over 100 dollars...

I guess that depends on whether or not the latex is still in good shape.  Straight up acrylic paint won't damage the latex, but some of the stuff in the spray cans has solvents in it that can.  What type/brand of paint did you use?

Brian

 

[Lonewolf260]

I think it was just an ace hardware brand, not sure

 

[ptgreek]

wash the acrylics off with water and orange based cleaner ( it will actually be good for the latex) the enamel based spray paint ..sorry not much you can do there ..add another  coat of latex ..then go in with a prosaide wash ..then add paint ( stay away from those spray paints ..however Liquidex and Golden make acrylic cans ..they make for great base coats) OR ..mix you pax paint and start with that ..there are great paint tutorials on painting latex out there ..you should always read up before approaching something new

 

[Lonewolf260]

i am still a little confused. so what do i need to buy? and what are the steps of doing this?

 

[Lonewolf260]

im almost at the point where i wouldn't mind buying a suit from someone or paying someone to do it for me:/

 

[ptgreek]

purchase Simple Orange cleaner from any hardware store. Order Prosaid medical adhesive from Nigels Beauty Emporium ( at least 8oz or more)

wash off the acryllic paint that you put on your latex without any bonding agent with water and Simple orange ..the spray paint may or may not come off ..to be on the safe side ..give the whole suit a new layer of latex. Now ..to paint on latex research a bit more ..the basic outline will be to start with a base that will adhere paint to a flexible surface ( like latex) and will bend with it rather then peel off. to accomplish this you will be using a medical adhesive called prosaid. You can either paint the whole suit with just prosaid ..wait for it to get tacky ..then start a base coat ( you at this pint can even use acrylic spray paint that is now sold in Michael's stores. ) Or mix PAX paint ..which is a mix of prosaid, water and acrylic paint.  If you want to get into airbrushing inks ..thats a whole other monster ..not difficult, but im not sure what your airbrush experience level is ..so i will leave it at that

 

[Lonewolf260]

than you so much! this really helps!

 

[ptgreek]

cool ..keep us posted of the progress ..and dont be afraid to ask before you attempt a step if you are still unsure about something

 

[Lonewolf260]

ok, again, thank you so much! i think i might be starting on it tomorrow

 

[wonko]

Since you have the latex, I strongly recommend coating an old t shirt with a few layers and do a little experimenting/practicing before jumping right in on the suit.  George won't steer you wrong, and it certainly can't hurt to practice a little bit first to avoid mistakes like this in the future.  As he said, it NEVER hurts to do your research and know exactly what you're doing and to make sure you have all (and plenty of) the materials on hand before starting.  

Brian

 

[ptgreek]

Very Good point Brian. In professional FX we always do a test when trying something new ..new product..new technique, etc. it will save you a HUGE hassle in the long run.

 

[Lonewolf260]

ok, thanks again guys for the help! ill make sure i research before starting!

 

[Lonewolf260]

ok, I have been gone a long time since this and am planning on getting back to my suit soon. I've began looking for pros-aide and have found some on monstermakers.com, is the stuff they have ok to use?

 

[wonko]

I've used it and had no problems. You can check fx warehouse too.

Brian

 

[Lonewolf260]

Ok, i will be buying 16oz. pros-aid from monstermakers.com, is this just something you use to mix with like water or something and brush/roll on? ive been inactive with my suit for a while, ive been really busy. Also the spray acrylics i will be buying, is that used for a base coat then use other paints for the rest

 

[wonko]

There's not really an easy answer to all that without writing a short book, so your best bet is to do a search for "painting latex" here and on the web.  Lots of good info out there 

Brian