What Is Liquid Latex
Liquid Latex is a rubber that is packaged in liquid form. When the substance is applied, the rubber air dries in minutes to form a sheet of latex. As soon as the initial coat is applied to your skin and dries, the latex body coating shrinks to feel like a second skin. After the surface is drie to the touch, it may be re-applied to any desired thickness.
Liquid Latex products are great for face and body painting, offering simple application, quick drying and easy removal. Liquid Latex allows your skin to breathe and does not clog pores. It can be used on the entire body because it does not absorb into the skin. (Not for use on people with latex allergies).
TEST A SMALL AMOUNT OF LATEX ON YOUR SKIN. DO NOT USE IF REDNESS OR ITCHING OCCURS.
Preparation
1. Open Liquid Latex and allow it to vent for a few minutes. This will help to dissipate the odor producted by the ammonia content.
2. The best preparation for applying liquid latex is to remove hair from areas of the body to be painted. However, it isn't always necessary, as liquid latex can be removed from moderate amounts of body hair with little effort. Body hair may also be trimmed very short instead of shaving.
3. Apply a liberal amount of skin moisturizing lotion for easier removal. Let lotion absorb completely into the skin. If liquid latex will be worn for a long period of time, lotion may not be necessary, as natural perspiration will usually help release the latex over time. Light vegetable oil can be used to coat areas with heavier hair growth.
4. If coating the face, be sure the liquid latex has properly vented. A light coating of vegetable or petroleum jelly on the eyebrows will allow easier removal. Keep out of eyes, mouth, ears and nose.
Application
1. For best results, use only foam brushes and rollers for application. Most bristle brushes will create unevenly painted surfaces. However, very soft
bristle art brushes may be used for detail work by first soaking the bristles in soapy water to keep the latex from drying on the brush.
2. Use a 3“ foam roller brush to apply Liquid Latex to greater areas. Latex will dry quickly on roller brush if brush is not kept saturated in wet latex. Be sure to dip brush frequently to prevent roller from drying and pulling dried latex off of skin. Roller may be rinsed or stored in water. Wring thoroughly before reusing. If latex has clumped on roller, replace roller for best results.
3. Use 1“ foam brush to paint smaller areas and for detail work. Keep brush submerged in wet latex to prevent rapid drying. Foam brushes will not apply even finishes if latex has dried on brush.
4. Liquid Latex will paint on lighter when wet, then dry to a darker color.
5. For a totally opaque coverage, we recommend painting 3 or more coats. The thicker the latex, the more durable it will be. Apply Liquid Latex smoothly and evenly, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the 2nd coat. Rushing top coats will make the undercoats dry slower.
6. Liquid latex can also be applied directly with the hands for fun and sensuality, but will not result in smooth, even finishes.
How Much Should I Use
Generally, it takes one full quart (32 ounces) to cover an entire body, head to toe. Most often, it takes the recommended 3 coats, with a little left over. One Pint will cover approximately 1/2 body in 3 coats or both arms and legs in 3 coats.
How Long Will It Stay On?
Liquid Latexwill shrink approximately 3-4% as it dries, creating a sensual, tight feeling. Depending on your activities and the thickness of the applications, liquid latex should last many hours before it begins to separate slightly from the skin. If Latex is painted entirely around body or body parts, it will continue to cling to the body and can still be worn for an unlimited time. Generally, it can be worn out for an entire day or night, can be worn in water, and will last many hours through photo shoots, performances, and many other activities.
Finish
1. Use a hair dryer and/or heater to speed up drying after the application. Don’t use heat to dry Liquid Latex while painting it on. This will cause latex to dry on the brush or roller and cause poor results.
2. Foam brushes and rollers should be disposed of if latex has dried on them, as they will not produce adequate results.
3. After the final coat of latex has been applied and dried, it will be necessary to use a finishing product. This is done because the latex will first
be tacky and a finishing product will prevent the latex from sticking to itself, causing it to tear and separate from the skin. We recommend Stardust to coat the latex surface.
Stardust is a finely ground metallic powder made from a natural element called mica. When applied to the dried surface of latex, it produces a spectacular metallic sheen that can be used to create dramatic effects. Use a make up brush or dry 1” foam brush to apply Stardust in thin coats. Applying Stardust too thickly will not give you the best results and will waste the product. It is suggested that you wear a dust mask when applying Stardust to avoid inhalation. Stardust goes a long way, and although a 1/2 ounce jar may seem small, it actually contains enough product to
cover several whole bodies. Stardust can be used to coat rubber, latex, leather, vinyl or can be used directly on the skin, as it is the same substance used in many brands of cosmetics. Blue, Green, Red and Purple Stardust will create pearlescent effects over the surface of latex while Gold and Silver will create very gold and silver metallic surfaces. Stardust can be removed from most surfaces using soap and water or a
mild cleanser with a soft cloth and it will not stain fabrics.
Removing Liquid Latex
Liquid Latex can be removed from smooth skin by simply peeling it off. If there is fine hair on the skin, it may tug slightly but will not pull out hair
and should not be too uncomfortable. For skin with moderate to abundant hair, it is recommended that the latex be removed in a hot shower or bath with soap. The latex will not dissolve, but may be rubbed off in pieces much easier as the moisture of the water help release it from the skin or hair. Be very careful to collect the latex to keep it from clogging the drain. If latex is stuck to areas with more hair or has gotten onto head hair, use a baby oil and a comb to break down the latex and remove it. Liquid latex cannot be removed from fabrics, clothing or carpeting.
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