MAKING GIANT DRIPS OF BLOOD

[samsound]

hi all,

 

just wanted some advice on the best way and the lightest way of making giant 3D and curved shapes of red blood with a glossy finish,

 

they will be stuck on to a show wall that flys in and out (hence the 'lightest way') They would go own for about 2M from the top.

 

any suggestions would be greatly aprecciated

 

cheers

Sam

[Andrew C]

Red balloons filled with foam might work. It might also rot the balloon, so a trial first would be in order.

[willdoweuk]

I would probably build a frame out of chicken wire, then apply some papier mache around the shape. Perhaps a balloon topped with a cardboard cone would also make the required shape. Depends what size you need. Then just paint them red and apply some form of spray varnish.

[J Pearce]

Lacquered fibreglass would be the best solution for a really smooth high gloss shiny finish.

 

Sculpted expanding foam would be a cheap solution, though it would require coating (latex?) to get a smooth finish.

 

Vacuum-formed Perspex would do the job really well, if you have access to the right kit.

[Jivemaster]

If you can make the form in foam and filler, then get your local vacuum forming firm to pull several forms of that, you should be able to get red gloss PVC sheet that will be red throughout and weigh in at a hundred grams or so per droplet.

 

Just consider the spacing in your fly system you don't want to smash things

[Brian]

Have you spoken to Peter Evans Studios to see if they've got anything ready vacuum formed?

[samsound]

well I tried tonight of using plaster cloth around screwed up newspaper but it wasnt smooth enough, was thinking of using modelling clay and smooth it over and paint it glosss red?

[J Pearce]

That might work but it won't be light!

 

The more I think about it vacuum forming is definitely the way to go. If you haven't got the kit ask around local schools, it's getting to be standard kit and the technician might be in the position to help out.

[mutley]

The technique used to build model railway scenery would probably work quite well:

 

Use an adapted soldering iron tip with a "scoop blade" inserted to sculpt expanded polystyrene block into the shape you want, then you can try various options to achieve the finish:

• brush-on latex (from a craft shop)
• high-build primer followed by red paint and lacquer (from a car accessory shop)
• red (water-based) paint mixed with PVA woodglue (from your local DIY shop) - this method works quite well and is cheap and easy to do.

You local cheapo hardware shop normally have £3 soldering irons that you can use without worrying about ruining it. Simply cut the bit with a hacksaw and insert a metal blade (preferably copper or aluminium as they conduct heat better), shaped like this:

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(Do any polystyrene sculpting outside or in a well-ventilated area! The fumes are not your friend! http://www.blue-room.org.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[Tivoli Phil]

Or for another way that has been touched on already, get yourself some fibreglass resin (search around online) and make 1 basic mould, clay would be fine, coat with cling film, coat with a layer of resin, allow to dry and then paint. you may have to move the mould about a bit while the resin drys to get an even thickness but it should be light and strong.