Liquid Latex and Body Hair

Body hair can be dealt with in several ways when doing body painting with liquid latex. Hairy areas can be shaved bare or trimmed short. Alternately, apply a liberal amount of body lotion (any lotion will work), rub in well and let absorb completely before painting. If the latex is going to be worn for a long period of time, lotion may not be necessary as the skin will perspire and loosen the latex over time.

Be especially careful not to let two painted parts of the body touch each other, as they will bind instantly and tear the latex. Once all the latex has been painted on, the surface needs to be sealed or finished, which stops the sticking and tearing. Use a water/silicone-based polish, like on your car, or a product from Deviant Liquid Latex called STARDUST, which is a metallic powder.

Liquid Latex Removal

To get out of a liquid latex outfit you essentially destroy it. It can be cut safely with paramedics shears or torn just by pulling it off by hand. The longer the latex has been worn, the more perspiration will have built up in a layer all over the body, and the more easily it should be sliding across the skin. If any areas are still stuck to any body hair, apply a little lotion or vegetable oil, wait for a minute or two and then try removing the liquid latex again. Once you've gotten all of the latex off your skin, then take a shower to wash off all the sweat and any oil used in the removal process.

Absolutely do not wash liquid latex off in the shower! It gets broken down and frothed up in the water and reacts with the detergents to form large clogging plugs in the drain pipes.

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.