Anyone use a silicone prego belly?

Hey there,

I am interested in doing belly painting to practice and I found some paper templates but I want to know if anyone has used a silicone belly before to practice and was it useful?

These things are expensive but I did find one cheap for $53 bux. Silicone Belly

Thank you!

I've seen some people using cheap inflatable beach balls.

I know that there is a store in Holland that sells these practice-balls. They look like bach balls but are made of different material.

I was thinking of using a second hand display mannequin, but not sure if this works well. Its about 30EUR so not that expensive.

i think the main problem with the silicone based practice things is the staining.

i have a face shell (the "mask" that goes over the more expensive practice head) and Wolfe black is very difficult to get off.

i have to use 91% rubbing alcohol and a dish scouring sponge, and i still have a stain from my recent practice design.

reds and blues also stain, but are somewhat easier to get off. but everyone who has ever had a practice head complains about the staining.

i would go with the cheapest model thing you can find, like a beach ball or maybe even a large balloon, although if they are very smooth, it will be harder for the paint to stick.

Some clever person should patent a model belly/ model head that doesn't stain - surely there must be some material out there that would be ok. My model head is terribly stained and rubbing alcohol, magic sponges... nothing really cleans it well. I guess a beach ball may be the best after all.