How to Create Latex Stop-Motion Models

Crinkle the aluminum foil to the texture you would like for the skin of your model.

Stop-motion animation is a great way to entertain your friends and family. Most standard clay models used in stop motion have a tendency of losing their shape as you move them incrementally for each frame that the camera shoots. Also, finger prints are clearly visible and change as the animation progresses. This cuts down on the realistic quality of your animation. Making a latex model is a way to avoid these problem and give your animation a more lifelike quality.

Things You'll Need

• Armature parts
• Foam insulation strips
• Adhesive
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Petroleum jelly
• Aluminum foil
• Latex rubber
• Paint

Instructions

1. Build a skeleton for your stop-motion model design out of your armature parts. This is what is going to give strength to your model and allow for movement of the limbs. Use hinges or ball joints for the knees, elbows and other areas you want to move. Be sure to balance the weight evenly so that your model will be able to stand on its own.

2. Cut your foam insulation strips into smaller pieces. Glue these pieces onto the armature. This is building the bulk of the model. Be careful not to put so much foam around the joints and hinges that you restrict movement. Shape the features of the head and any other characteristics that you desire. This is the last chance to shape and mold your model before the skin is applied.

3. Measure your model. Using these measurements, cut out a piece of aluminum foil that is big enough to fully cover the model. Crinkle the aluminum foil to the texture you would like for the skin of your model. Lay the aluminum foil on a flat surface and bend the edges up. This prevents the liquid latex rubber from spilling off the sides. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the top of the aluminum foil.

4. Pour the latex onto the aluminum foil. Spread the latex around the aluminum foil until it has a thin, even layer over all of the aluminum foil. Allow the latex rubber to dry. The drying period can be up to a couple days.

5. Pull the latex from the aluminum foil and cut to the dimensions of your model. Glue the latex to the foam covered model. Use a thin amount of the wet rubber latex to hide any seams that are cause by overlapping pieces.

6. Paint the model to your desired style and color. Use a combination of colors to give it a more natural look.

References

• Animation World Network: At Last, Foam Puppet Fabrication Explained!
• Building a Stop Motion Model Step Two: Foam Sculpture
• Building a Stop Motion Model; Step Three: Latex Skin