Michael's had foam mannequins 50% off for approx. $5. Why not?
Turns out foam is a b**** to paint. JoAnn's had some handy tips, as did ThriftyFun. I decided to try ThriftyFun's advice.
Step 1: I applied two coats of ModPodge to seal the foam and lessen the amount of acrylic paint it would absorb. I dabbed on thin layers of ModPodge using a sponge brush to get in all the cracks and smoothed out the surface with long strokes.
Step 2: In an attempt to create a smoother surface with tooth for the acrylic paint to adhere to, I applied two layers of white acrylic gesso (inert primer).
Step 3: There were the odd protruding foam granules that looked a tad unsightly. I tried cutting them off with an Exacto knife, but the foam began to rip and pull away in large chunks. I used a fine grit sand paper to wear the bumps down. Once you sand through the gesso and ModPodge, the sand paper doesn't have anything to grip to. I could not get the bumps completely flat, but it was enough.
Step 4: I used cheap beige acrylic paint from the dollar store. It took three coats to achieve an opaque skin tone.
Step 5: Using a fine brush, I free-handed painting the eyelids, eyebrows and lips on.
Step 6: I sealed everything with two coats of acrylic spray sealer. This is an important step, to prevent the paint and gesso from separating from the ModPodge layer.
Pro tip: When you hold the foam head between coats of ModPodge/gesso/acrylic paint, ensure that your hands are completely dry. If your fingers are wet or tacky, the gesso/acrylic paint will stick to your hands and peel off the mannequin head like fake gummy latex skin. That's the only way I can describe it.
Pro tip: Remember that the foam heads are tilted, so center your lips with the middle of the nose. My lips are crooked, because I aligned them as if the head was vertical.
I am in the process of doing two heads for my hats.
ReplyDeleteI put 3 coatsof Mod Podge sanded and then added
Emulsion paint, once dry I sanded them down and
added another layer of Emulsion. I have the same
problem and that is the small lumps
which I had sanded but still there. I am now
going to add Acrylic paint and hope for the best.
I have heard that you can put a layer of balsa
filler that they use for foam and wood models.
It is supposed to make it smooth so will try that
on another one.
They are really difficult to smooth out. I sand first. I use a light spackling to fill in, then gesso, then two layers of acrylic.
ReplyDeleteMaybe zisser shellac sealer. Thats what I use to paint laminant tables and furniture
ReplyDeleteI am putting a layer of newspaper and glue on it before I process. Then I sand it carefully and continue with Gesso, Acrylics etc. Its work, but for me the best result. Very smooth surface.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the news paper do?
DeleteI made two planters they turned out alright for the first time
ReplyDelete