Liquid Latex

John Iozia one of our customers was kind enough to pass along these helpful tips for using liquid latex to paint plastic figures.

Items needed:

1. A pot to boil water
2. A small styrofoam bowl
3. A bowl large enough to hold enough water to allow the styrofoam bowl to float in it
4. Liquid latex
5. Two foam paint brushes
6. A pair of thin latex gloves

Put on the gloves then pour some latex into the small styrofoam bowl. Don't use too much as you want the bowl to be light enough to float in water.

Boil some water, then pour the water into the large bowl. Place the styrofoam bowl containing the latex in the hot water. Cover the bowl containing the latex with a paper plate or other light disposable lid such as a sheet of aluminum foil. Wait about four or five minutes in order to allow the latex to warm up. Apply the latex to the plastic figure using one of those small foam paint brushes you can get at any hardware store. Use the second foam brush to wipe away any excess latex to minimize detail loss as you work. Work as fast as is practical as the latex tends to dry quickly.

Latex tends to spread much easier using this method and a thinner, neater coat can be applied. 24 hours should generally be allowed before priming the figure. Be sure to use a spray primer as a brush-on primer may cause the latex to tear or pull.


		Working With Liquid Latex Tips from John Iozia and his son Tyler
	John Iozia one of our customers was kind enough to pass along these helpful tips for using liquid latex to paint plastic figures. Items needed: 1. A pot to boil water 2. A small styrofoam bowl 3. A bowl large enough to hold enough water to allow the styrofoam bowl to float in it 4. Liquid latex 5. Two foam paint brushes 6. A pair of thin latex gloves Put on the gloves then pour some latex into the small styrofoam bowl. Don't use too much as you want the bowl to be light enough to float in water. Boil some water, then pour the water into the large bowl. Place the styrofoam bowl containing the latex in the hot water. Cover the bowl containing the latex with a paper plate or other light disposable lid such as a sheet of aluminum foil. Wait about four or five minutes in order to allow the latex to warm up. Apply the latex to the plastic figure using one of those small foam paint brushes you can get at any hardware store. Use the second foam brush to wipe away any excess latex to minimize detail loss as you work. Work as fast as is practical as the latex tends to dry quickly. Latex tends to spread much easier using this method and a thinner, neater coat can be applied. 24 hours should generally be allowed before priming the figure. Be sure to use a spray primer as a brush-on primer may cause the latex to tear or pull.