What is your favourite brand of liquid latex?

I've tried Graftobian, but there are other brands. Have you noticed a difference in quality? I bought an 8 oz bottle of Graftobian at a local dance shop and it didn't take to the glitter very well. I had a small bottle of the same brand that worked great. I exchanged the larger bottle, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm wondering what experiences you all have had.

Here is a small sample of glitter on black latex on my hand. I just bought some white that I hope will make the colours really pop! I'm loving how it just peels off when the model is ready to clean up. Much easier to remove than the cosmetic glue.



Has anyone any experience with 'Maximum Impact' liquid latex?

Thanks,

I've used Graftobian and Mehron and can't say I've ever noticed a difference. To me, latex is latex.

HOWEVER, I am about to do a full body latex & glitter thing so will let you know what happens... I've got clear, black, white, red and blue.

ohhh...can't wait to see photos

Me too! I'm doing up Amy (my mom's aide and my sometimes assistant/model) for a Wearable Art Show on Oct 1st.

This is my supply list (I'm not telling WHAT it is )

Blue fun foam
White fun foam
Gold leaf
Blue duct tape
clear latex
white latex
blue latex
red latex
turquoise beads
lapis beads
glass beads
gold tape
tonnes of white holographic glitter
gold glitter
turquoise glitter
silver glitter
pipe cleaners
craft wire
...

You are such a tease!! I have a tonne of beads too...now you got me thinking...

What is 'fun foam' and how does it hold up?

??? Well now I'm curious!!! I've started playing with creating clay moulds and making simple prosthetics.....picked up a super small bottle of latex (graftoban) to play as I didn't want to invest too much on a whim. Is this the same latex you guys are talking about? Are all latex products equal??? Perhaps there is an alternative product I shouold investigate as far as something latex allergy friendly?

The issue with buying latex esp from places like costume shops is shelf life. Fresh product is always best. Basic latex is all the same - Graftobian, Kryolan, Mehron - I've never experienced a difference. Some not as well known can be iffy. Maximum Impact is a good brand as is Deviant - but again latex has a shelf life.

Thanks Loretta. I appreciate your experience.

Is FDA compliancy an issue with latex? A provider of 'Maximum Impact' told me that it wasn't. Maybe it's not because it's such a common allergy?

Liquid latex is rubber mixed with ammonia... that may be why it isn't FDA approved... ammonia...

I once "thinned out" super thick old latex with household ammonia... it was for building a mask so I wasn't applying it to skin!!!

Kim, yes it is the same. I haven't seen any differences between brands.

When working with prosthetics generally adhere to the skin with spirit gum, latex is then dabbed along the edges to seal and smooth out the seams so it blends into the skin.

Duo eyelash adhesive essentially is liquid latex so in a pinch it works.

Kim... I use a gelatin product for moulds... make scars, bullet holes and other small appliances. It comes in small blocks and you melt it in the microwave, pour into the moulds, peel them out when it cools, dust with a bit of powder to prevent sticking to each other then toss them all in a baggie. You can then attach to the skin with spirit gum, etc. When done you can wash off the make-up, and nuke it again to reuse... I love it. If you're interested I will did through my SFX box to see if I still have the label! I think it came from Alcone.

I also use a silicone putty that you can press into a mould, then peel it out gently and apply directly to the skin without adhesives... it works nicely as long as it isn't on a flexible part of the body as it will work loose. You can also use a little spirit gum to secure it and coat with latex to seal it down.

Cat... Fun foam.. the stuff the kids use to make things. Cheap craft stuff... comes in shape or sheets.

OK, here's a question:
I have a photo shoot coming up that features zombies. I know how to use latex for making gore, shedding skin, etc., basic novice stuff, but I notice when I use creme based Ben Nye makeup the latex grabs it really well but it doesn't present a seamless foundation from fx to skin. Anyone know what I mean and have a solution? I am trying water based makeup but then I have the reverse problem of the makeup not grabbing onto the latex enough, but is opaque over the skin. I have tried thicker consistency, stippling vs. swiping...what am I to do?

Either use rubber mask grease paint on the latex, or pax, or apply castor oil to the latex before putting on the creme foundation/colour...

Liquidlatexstore.com offers ammonia free liquid latex that comes in a large variety of colors and finishes.