Using Smoothie Blender Wet?

I have seen many tutorials where they use a white starblend for the eyes using a smoothie blender (usuallly for spidey or a tiger). I am still on the fence about buying a starblend, but really like how easily the smoothie blender seems to fill in the eye area.

Can a smoothie blender be used wet like with regular non-starblend DFX paints?

Will it lay down the color easily and evenly?

I haven't used Starblends before, but I've seen a lot of posts on them and the consensus is that it's usually best to keep them dry. Once you wet them, you can't ever use them dry again unless you scrape up the damaged layer.

I believe they're mostly used completely dry and go on smoothly that way. So keep both the smoothie blender and Starblends dry!

Thanks for the reply. I thinki I wasn't too clear on my question though.

I was wondering if I can use a smoothie blender on regular paints (not starblends).

I wasnt sure if they they are exclusively to be used with dry starblends or if they would do a good job with wet paints.

flying laughter wrote:Thanks for the reply. I thinki I wasn't too clear on my question though.

I was wondering if I can use a smoothie blender on regular paints (not starblends).

I wasnt sure if they they are exclusively to be used with dry starblends or if they would do a good job with wet paints.

Ohhhh okay! I would assume that yes, you can use them with whatever you like. Maybe someone else would have a bit more insight though.

Here's a thread that might shed some light as well:
http://www.facepaintforum.com/t8672-smoothie-blenders

I would think so. I think they are just a differently shaped sponge with a handle. Though I too am curious as to the responses that come after me, as I think this would be a great way to apply my BN Lumiere powders - wet (for more pop) and dry. I haven't had much of a chance to play with them yet. I'll have to give that a try when next I'm in town to buy the smoothie-style blender.

Yes you COULD use them like any other sponge BUT they are so much harder to clean, more expensive, and more fragile the real question is: Why would you use them instead of just using a regular sponge on regular face paints? Maybe it's just me but I would tend to reserve them for powders.

If you want a smaller, rounded sponge... just cut some.

I was going to say the same...my smoothie blender already feels "broken" inside. It's not cracked off completely, but some plastic part is loose in there. They are too expensive for regular face painting.

I'm using the lollipops and they are still holding up and I got them last March at a convention. They are easy to clean and HOPEFULLY Metina will be ordering some soon. (hint,hint) They would be good for controlled sponging but I just use a little quarter sponge and it does a good job too.

Are you not liking sponging?

D.

You can use them with wet paint, and it's slightly easier to create a drier touch which is good for use with stencils. I find it's easier to have your normal sponge too damp for stencils. That said, the SillyFarm prices for smoothie blenders are really high. Someone recently posted a link with a price to a bulk supplier for the blenders.

I just tried my smoothie blenders today on my new Fantasy Shimmer Palette (from SF)... works like a dream.... Fantasy Shimmer Palette is loose power with an extremely high amount of shimmer....LUV EM!

Denise,

I dont mind sponging on bigger areas, but most of the time the eye shock area (where it meets the nose...near the bridge) seems to get painted even when I try to avoid it or I manage to keep the area clean but it takes alot more time to do so or I end up needing to wipe with a baby wipe.

When I see the tutorials with starblends and a smoothie brush, it looks like the smooth really fits in the area nicely and I love the idea of a handle. The smaller the sponge the less area there is to hold a paint-free side so when the sponge is too small, I usually get paint on my fingers, so I would really like a handle.

If that is your biggest problem could I suggest dauber sponges to you. Have a handle, cheap, readily available at in craft dept., easy to clean, multiple sizes.

I second daubers, Tulip makes some really nice ones on a plastic stick. I've seen them at EVERY craft store and even at Walmart. The foam is a little more dense and therefore a little more tough than the Plaid brand.

Yes, I am not a smothie fan either, they are nice for the first use, then cleaning is hard and they break and tear on me. Way too much money for that. The daubers come in all sizes and the lollie pops are much more durable, and at 60 cents each, I don't mind if they fall apart, but they dont. Have to admit though, the smoothies feel a little nicer, but not enough to justify the price.

Martha

Thank you so much everyone!

I liked the pouncer idea but LOVE the lollipop swab one even better!

Where's the best (cheapest) place to find those?

I don't find the smoothies hard to clean... I am super gentle while cleaning them... but I am going on a hunt this week for lollipop sticks because my beloved smoothie blenders do cost a lot...

I found a site on Amazon and sent the link to Metina. You had to buy a whole lot so I thought it would be better if she could buy them and sell them instead trying to buy 100 myself. I know I would buy 10 and add them to an order.

D.

1happynut, If you haven't already, try using a regular sponge with your Lumieres instead of wetting them. A regular sponge picks up more color and they go on SUPER opaque and bright. No need to wet them. Pink, (actually azalea), lumiere powder is my favorite base for pink kitties. I use the back (round) part of the sponge. Goes on SO smooth and fast. Blending is a breeze. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Kat's FacesForFun wrote:1happynut, If you haven't already, try using a regular sponge with your Lumieres instead of wetting them. A regular sponge picks up more color and they go on SUPER opaque and bright. No need to wet them. Pink, (actually azalea), lumiere powder is my favorite base for pink kitties. I use the back (round) part of the sponge. Goes on SO smooth and fast. Blending is a breeze. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

KAT!!! Thank you!!!!
That sounds like a great solution (that azalea is one of my favorite colours too, although they are all juicy). I didn't even think of using a regular sponge dry! I am going to play with them and your suggetion as soon as I can. I am so excited! I knew there must be SOME way to get a fast opaque application but thought for sure it must have to be wet.

Let me know what you think! Blue is fantastic for optimus prime. Again... just SO even and bright.