Liquid latex info

Liquid latex is often used for special effects make-up and body painting applications. Liquid latex contains about one-third latex, two-thirds water (plus less than one percent ammonia to keep the latex from spoiling and to control the pH of the solution). Liquid latex is sold in jars ranging from 2 oz. through gallon jugs and the consistency is similar to latex house paint. A four ounce jar can typically cover an average sized body. It is typically applied using a disposable sponge and takes about five to ten minutes to dry depending on how thick it is applied. As it dries it solidifies to a rubbery consistency and in the processes ends up shrinking about three percent.

As the latex dries it becomes very sticky and will stick to itself if accidentally folded over. Most manufacturers offer a slick spray for latex once it is dry to take away the stickiness allowing the movement of the model's limbs. Alternatively, shimmer powders can be dusted over dried liquid latex to create metallic effects. One advantage to the tackiness of liquid latex is that it can act as an adhesive to attach things to the paint, such as zippers.

Unlike most other body and face paints, liquid latex is removed by peeling it off since water does not reactivate it. Peeling the latex from the skin can be painful to some people and does tend to pull body hairs out similar to waxing. Even though latex is non-toxic, some people can have an allergic reaction. The most severe of these happen immediately and are categorised as an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Cosmetic liquid latex contains approximately 0.03% ammonia to increase shelf-life. Craft and mould making latex can contain more than double this amount and as a result has a much stronger odour. The fumes from the ammonia in liquid latex can irritate the eyes when used as special effect make up on the face. For this reason it is recommended that liquid latex be allowed to vent for several minutes before being applied in this way.

Latex is a natural ingredient that comes from rubber trees in the form of a milky liquid. Rubber tree latex is non-toxic in both its liquid and solid states, and because of this it can be found in many products such as surgical gloves, condoms and body paint. Liquid latex is naturally clear and then dries into a translucent natural color. Manufacturers add pigments to the product to provide opaque paint choices of multiple colors. The color of the paint in the jar may initially look chalky, but as it dries it develops into a rich color (gray becomes black for example). Additional acrylic paints can be mixed with the liquid latex solution for custom colors but may not be suitable for use a cosmetic application.

Application of this paint is carried out in beauty salons and body art outlets. They have professionals having considerable expertise in this field. This form of body paint offers a smooth and flexible finish once it has dried. You can also wear on your clothing after it has dried because it doesn't get smudged off from your body. However, for applying this kind of paint in your body you should know the tips and tricks of the process.

You need to shave your body hair from the area you are getting painted. Read the instructions written on the leaflet provided along with the paint before application. Make sure you work in a well ventilated zone as the paint might emit small volumes of ammonia vapors. Keep the materials, like brushes, paints, water on a plastic or paper. Dip the foam brushes in water before smudging on the latex paint. This will make the bristles smooth. You should start applying the dark shades for the base color. If the art is an intricate one, you can make the sketch on the body with a marker. Apply the next coat only when the first coat has dried completely. Each coat will take maximum 10-15 minutes to dry. The finer details or lighter hues are applied at last. Do not touch it after completion until it has dried completely. This step completes the process of liquid latex paint.