DIY Liquid Latex

Make a homemade liquid latex substitute with white glue.

Liquid latex is a useful tool in the arsenal of mold makers and monster makeup artists. This liquefied rubber molds to the skin, making it ideal for creating fake wounds and casts of body parts. For some, however, liquid latex causes an allergic reaction. If you have a latex allergy, are creating a piece for a person with a latex allergy or just want to save some money, make a liquid latex alternative out of glue.

Things You'll Need

• Tissue paper
• White glue
• Plastic cup
• Craft stick
• Blow dryer
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Makeup (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the skin to which you wish to apply liquid latex. Shave hairy body parts for best results.

2. Lay a piece of tissue paper on your skin and wet it with a spritz of water from a spray bottle. Carefully smooth out any wrinkles.

3. Pour white glue into a plastic cup. Add a few drops of water, just enough to make the glue pourable. If you want the latex to be colored, add a few drops of acrylic paint. Stir the mixture with a craft stick.

4. Allow the glue to dry for at least 15 minutes. A blow dryer on the cool setting can help speed the process.

5. Cover the glue with liquid makeup and a dusting of face powder if it is part of a peeling-skin costume. Peel away as much as you like to reveal the skin underneath.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your DIY liquid latex dry. Water will weaken white glue.

References

• Indy Mogul; Wesley's Weekly How To: Liquid Latex Alternative; Wesley Scoggins; June 2009
• YouTube: Alternatives to LL: Introduction

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Model Makers Resource; Mould Making with Latex; Andy Slater