Liquid Latex Costuming

The fact that liquid latex cures and sets at room temperature means it can be painted onto the human body to make custom clothing fairly easily. This air-drying factor is also what let's you use this paint-able latex to add surface patterns and designs to pre-made latex clothing.

Making custom clothing

Normally, getting liquid latex on clothing is a bad thing, as it tends to cause permanent damage in either texture or color. However, this feature can be played to one great advantage and that is it does allow for the creation of custom latex clothing. This is a good method for cat-suit style outfits or costumes especially.

Find a spandex/nylon stretch cat-suit that fits you snugly, and has a zipper down the torso that lets you in and out of the garment. You will need this feature to make the suit fit well. Put on the cat-suit and paint the entire thing with liquid latex. Let each layer dry well before applying the next one. Once the entire suit has several dry layers, it will be as thick as a fitted cat-suit patterned from sheet latex. Polish the entire surface when you are done painting, unzip and climb out. Store the suit away from sunlight and any contact with anything metallic or oily for longest life. Repair with more liquid latex as necessary.

Decorating Regular Latex Clothing

Liquid latex can also be used to temporarily dress up regular latex clothing. Sheet latex is vulcanized, and liquid latex air cures, which makes them stick together but only until you peel them apart. If you own plain-colored latex clothing, you can paint designs or patterns on them with the various liquid latex colors. Just polish and you’re set to go out. You can change the accents as often as you like.

Get some great tips and inspiration for body painting with Body Painting: Masterpieces by Joanne Gair or
Drawing a Crowd: World Body Painting Festival, a DVD of the annual world-famous body painting event.