Questions about liquid latex

[DarkSpyda04]

Alright so in the previous thread, "Questions about lifecasting" I decided that using Plaster of Paris on a human body was a dangerous way to make a mold. All I wanted was to make a dummy/mannequin and so I went with the duct tape dummy method (picture below).

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac172/DarkSpydaIV/598680_390150701057964_1597775814_n_zpse4263ded.jpg


The reason that I wanted a dummy was so that I could build a super awesome extra spectacular Halloween costume around my own bodies shape and the costume of which as I've posted more than a few times is this lovely fellow:

http://projectumbrella.net/files/imagecache/preview/images/bandersnatch%


Before I go any further, allow me to explain the process that I intend to follow:

Purchased a spandex full body suit that was then placed over the dummy. The intention here was that the spandex bodysuit would count for the feet, legs, and waist so basicly I only need it for the lower body. The upper body will consist of a mass with enough unfilled space for me to tuck my left arm under my right in support and the right arm will be an aluminum foil hose gone over with... something to make it look good. As for the mask, I was planning on using a skull mask as a base and modifying over it; possibly connecting the final mask to the torso to make it look more realistic. So that is the kind-of-well-planned process.

My planning for the costume mostly involves a gallon of liquid latex which I simply assume can be coated over almost any surface and stick/dry like a magic coat of paint. Of which I'd start with the lower body by covering directly over the spandex bodysuit. Now just there I don't know what happens when I cover spandex with liquid latex. Just the spandex alone allows me to jump right into a pair of pants so I'd be lucky if the latex doesn't just slide right off. Second, I do not know if the liquid latex will absorb into the spandex and cause all manners of complications or wether it will rip and tear when I try wearing it or wether it will shrink the spandex and make it impossible to take the suit off to begin with. So that's complications on step 1.

And yes, I do plan on using that one gallon of liquid latex to cover in up to four layers, each and every part of the costume that I build. To me it's almost a finishing touch and well that is my logic. This is why I decided to post this thread because I'm sure it's a dumb idea just like when I was about to cover myself in plaster.

 

[Scuba Bob]

Dude never call an idea dumb. It would only be dumb if you didnt heed the advice of experts and went ahead anyways. Thats a neat looking project. It's pretty big so I dont think a gallon will be enough for a decent coat of the whole suit. i'd go with a 5 gallon bucket to start with and move on from there (depending on how thick you want the skin to be you might need more. To save on how much latex you need, try to build a framework for the bigger parts possibly out of foam or something and then coat that in latex. The latex will absorb into the fabric and it does shrink a bit when it dries and loses water.

This is a really original idea and i know you'll have tons of people here to help you along the way.

 

[Looch]

Adding to this, when you are applying the latex, keep in mind that it dries in a heartbeat! I would suggest using a paint roller, an absorbent sponge kind, and keep it well-saturated. If you just roll the roller into the paint tray to get a top coating(like you would normally if this were paint), the latex will dry while you are trying to roll it. also, when you have finished applying the latex, powder it with translucent powder or it will stick to itself and destroy all your hard work.
And needless to say, wear protection-mask, goggles, gloves, and in a well-ventilated area.