This week's Revamped DIY came about after an interesting request from a client. This talented chap is a successful street busker and he has his sights set on competing at the World Statue Festival in the Netherlands. My client dresses up as Abel Tasman. He has a costume already, and he decided it was time for a make-over. "I want to take it to the next level." I was super excited by this request as I've always wanted to play around with latex and create something like this! ![]() What you'll need: - Latex - Matt spray paint - Metallic spray paint - Drop sheet - Paint brush - Brush cleaning liquid - Disposable rubber gloves - Face mask ![]() Step 1 - Base Coat It was very convenient that the costume had already been painted grey, as this was an excellent base for me to work with. It's important for each component of the costume to be the same shade of grey, so before I started with the latex, I sprayed the pants with the matt grey spray paint to help gain continuity between the shading. *When working with spray paint I always wear a face mask (to prevent me breathing in nasty particles and fumes), and I double up with the disposable rubber gloves. Safety first! Step 2 - Latex WARNING!!! This is a very sticky job! Load your brush up and hope for the best! You need to be patient. Be prepared for the fabric to stick onto itself. Try to keep your strokes long, smooth and even. You will gain a smoother finish if you have time to paint each garment one section (or side) at a time. Let it dry, then turn it over and paint another part. Let the garments dry over night before spray painting.
So there you have it! If you ever wanted to know how to make a living statue costume, here are some simple instructions on how to go about it.
And if you happen to see an Abel Tasman living statue in your city, give him a wink and throw some gold coins his way (and compliment him on his excellent costume)! How can you use this technique for Revamping your wardrobe? I'd love to hear your ideas!
26 Comments
Laura
10/9/2013 10:17:03 am
Thank you! My nine year old wants to be a statue for Halloween this year. We will use your instructions and make a fab costume for our big annual Halloween bash!
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Angie
28/9/2013 10:13:25 pm
Oh fantastic! I'm so glad this has been useful. Have fun :)
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24/9/2013 05:31:17 pm
Thank you for such a fantastic blog. Where else could anyone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
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Angie
28/9/2013 10:14:09 pm
Thank you for the lovely feedback. I'm very glad to help :)
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janice
29/9/2013 05:17:20 am
Where can i get the latex you use to put on the costumes?
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Angie
29/9/2013 07:42:22 am
I bought my latex from an art supply store :)
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VINCENT A> PAGLIANO
19/8/2018 11:19:36 am
I buy Gesso in any art supply store. It is used by artists as a first coat on their canvas to seal it. I may have not spelled it correctly.
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Stephen
29/10/2013 11:20:44 am
What about matching face paint? What would you use??
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Angie
3/11/2013 11:51:17 am
I don't know much about make-up or face paint but I would look at a professional make-up or special effects supplier.
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Vincent A. Pagliano
19/8/2018 11:16:47 am
I have been in make-up since 1976! For the living statue or an other face painting I recommend... WOLF BROS. face paints. Very easy to wash off. Covers quickly and easily. white even covers black! We once did a job in NYC where it as required to use the customers make-up. IT WOULD NO COME OFF. We had to take a taxi and a train still fully COLORED. The Wolf Bros. is the face paints used in most amusement parks. This paint washes off without even using a wash cloth. Bu it holds for hours on end while performing.
Karl
30/10/2013 11:28:24 am
hi im lookin to do a charity event for a kids hospital and i would be graetfull if i could contact you for advice as this id like to be realy good to raise as much as posibal for the kids
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Angie
3/11/2013 11:53:57 am
Hi Karl, this sounds like a wonderful idea. Please send me an email and if I have any information that will help you I'd be happy to pass it on.
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bart
1/11/2013 12:09:25 am
Hi , your post is very helpfull , have just one guestion,...
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Angie
3/11/2013 11:58:48 am
Hi Bart, I bought a paint on, liquid latex. It's in the picture above. This was my first experience with latex so I'm not quite an expert. When purchasing this latex I spoke to a few people (in the art store, hardware store, pool shop) and they were happy to share their knowledge with me. Maybe you can order some online from an art supplier. :)
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jonathan
6/3/2014 01:02:39 am
Hi, first of all id like to say that this is so helpful! So a big thanks for writing this! I just have one question: the spray paint u use, is this especially for clothes or are these normal sprays to colour hair? Grts!
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VINCENT A. PAGLIANO
19/8/2018 11:35:11 am
Hair spray coloring will not work at all. Use any brand professional spray paint. Metallic colors work the best to achieve the metallic sculptured look. I even spray paint the wig and any and all accessories, gloves, jewelry, hat, shoes, etc., to achieve an "overall color" in the statures look.
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Josh
11/9/2014 04:43:04 am
Why do you need latex? why not just spray paint the clothing?
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si
20/4/2015 09:09:44 pm
Latex is a way to Seal the fabric (making it look more like a hard surface) and create a surface for the paint. It will also stiffen the fabric so as not to move in the wind etc. How many layers is down to preference. You can also add texture to the costume by sticking material to the latex in between coats.
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mark
21/2/2018 09:54:22 am
answer to your question paint dont stick to cloth,try first latex or cola blanca with water or Another way to make paint stick to cloth to make living statue is compactuna.
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VINCENT A. PAGLIANO
19/8/2018 11:31:01 am
I have spray painted my costumes direct with out using a base coat. It looked okay but... NOT as good as the latex coated costumes.Simply spraying direct gives a look of... spray painted cloth. Not the look of a molded statue.
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Janet
19/8/2015 06:31:46 pm
Thanks for this! Just wondering - how many cans of spray paint did you use? Trying to figure out how much to buy :)
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Noisette
29/1/2016 02:08:41 am
Hello
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AuthorI am a freelance designer and stylist who creates avant-garde fashion and costume. I specialize in custom making costumes for musicians, physical theatre, and dance companies. I love what I do and I love to share my passion and teach others :D Archives
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