www.liquidlatexbodypaint.co.uk

Body Painting with Liquid Latex

Liquid Latex is derived from natural tree sap and is safe for use on most people's skin and even on most children (not for use by people with latex allergy).

Be sure painting is done on a surface and area that cannot be damaged by Liquid Latex. Liquid Latex will permanently absorb into carpet, drapes and/or furniture made of cloth or absorbent fabrics. It will not damage most non-absorbent surfaces such as tile, hardwood, vinyl or smooth plastics. We recommend using newspaper and old dust sheets to protect carpet and fabrics. Test latex on a small patch of skin to be sure you do not have an allergy to latex, sulphur or ammonia. If there is reddening or irritation, do not use Liquid Latex. A slight itching sensation may be normal when first applied as the skin begins to breath beneath the latex. The sensation should subside after a short time.

Before Applying Latex

1.) Open Liquid Latex container and allow it to vent for a few moments. This will help to dissipate the odour produced by the slight ammonia content.

2.) The best preparation for applying Liquid Latex is to remove hair from areas of the body to be painted. However, it is not always necessary, as Liquid Latex can be removed from moderate amounts of body hair with little effort (see removing Liquid Latex). Body hair may also be trimmed very short instead of shaving.

3.) You should coat skin with a liberal amount of skin moisturising lotion for easier removal. Any standard lotion will work. 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. A light vegetable oil can be used to coat areas with heavier hair growth.

4.) If coating the face, be sure Liquid Latex has properly vented. A light coating of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly on the eyebrows will allow easier removal. Keep Liquid Latex out of eyes, mouth, ears and nose.

Applying liquid latex

1.) For best results use one of the following foam applicators: Foam brushes, foam rollers or foam pads. 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 soap & water to keep the latex from drying on the brush.

2.) Latex will dry quickly on the applicator if it is not kept saturated in wet latex. Be sure to dip applicator frequently to prevent latex drying on it and pulling dried latex off of skin. Applicators may be rinsed or stored in water. Dry thoroughly before reusing. If latex has clumped on applicator, replace it for best results.

3.) Use a foam applicator to paint smaller areas and for detail work.

4.) Liquid Latex will be lighter in colour when wet, then dry to a darker colour (i.e. black will look grey when wet, red will look pink when wet).

5.) For a totally opaque coverage, we recommend painting 3 to 5 coats (depending on skin tone and colour) less if you prefer a more semitransparent look. 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. One 500ml bottle of Liquid Latex will cover approximately 1/2 body in 3 coats or both arms and legs in 3 coats. One litre of Liquid Latex will cover approximately an entire body in 3 coats, usually with some leftover.

7.) 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.

8.) Foam brushes and rollers should be disposed of if latex has dried on them, as they will not produce adequate results.

9.) After the final coat of latex has been applied and dried the latex will first be tacky. Don't allow two tacky surfaces to come into contact with each other or they may tear and separate from the skin. Gentle heat from a hair drier will speed up the drying process. Any tears can easily be patched up with more liquid latex. Liquid latex will 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. Small rips or tears can be patched by painting over the area with a fresh coat.

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 and can be 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 gets 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.  Liquid latex may be used for a variety of other applications, including creating custom rubber-coated clothing. Liquid Latex will coat non-stretch absorbent fabrics such as denim and elastic-stretch fabrics such a Lycra and Spandex. It does not coat fabrics such as t-shirt cotton, as it will not retain its elasticity and will easily stretch out. Painting can be done while the garment is on the body, but drying time will be greater than painting onto the skin. Use a hair dryer or heater to speed up drying after application. Plastic wrap can be used on the body to keep latex from soaking through and sticking to the skin. Be sure to keep fabric from folding while it dries or it will stick to itself and cause poor results. Be sure the final coating has dried completely or it will stick to it's self when folded. You will now have re-wearable latex clothing. Be sure not to use petroleum-based products on your latex, as it will ruin latex. Liquid Latex can also be used for a multitude of other useful purposes, such as coating the bottom of area rugs to avoid slippage, coating tool handles or bicycle lock chains, creating moulds and figures, temporary protection from sharp edges, creating various kinds of artwork and much, much more! Liquid latex s non-toxic and biodegradable. However, people with very sensitive skin or allergy to latex, sulphur or ammonia should avoid use. A test on skin should be performed before use. If rash appears, remove latex and wash with soap and water. Latex will react corrosively with certain metals such as silver, iron, copper, brass or bronze, so contact between latex and such metals should be avoided. Metals such as aluminium and stainless steel are generally not reactive with latex. Liquid latex is generally safe for external use on persons over the age of 10, but should only be applied to children under strict adult supervision.

Do not take internally and keep out of eyes, nose, mouth, ears and all body cavities. Use in well ventilated environment. Not suitable for use as a contraceptive or prophylactic. Use at your own risk.