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Charcoal Smoker for baking Foam Latex
Hello,
I'd like to learn foam latex, and was thinking of maybe hitting Home Depot for a vertical charcoal smoker once it's winter and they are on clearance. Would something like this work, with a hot plate at the bottom?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Costway-Vertical-Charcoal-Smoker-BBQ-Barbecue-Grill-with-Temperature-Gauge-Outdoor-Black-GHMHSKU00485/321979702?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOootNY5T4dLbrpf-9_Fv4nNXRDG3EEBIXB_p--w9G3dQb4ycLI1lBEA
My only concern after doing research is that this doesn't have a fan to promote even circulation. Will that be hugely detrimental? Or is it workable for a beginner who just wants to learn and make small props and prosthetics? I'm just doing stuff for my own low budget movies, so I don't need perfection, just function.
As a final note, I live in the midwest. Could I use this outside in the winter? If I had to, would it be ok to use indoors with open windows/fans/etc?
Thanks so much!
I'd like to learn foam latex, and was thinking of maybe hitting Home Depot for a vertical charcoal smoker once it's winter and they are on clearance. Would something like this work, with a hot plate at the bottom?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Costway-Vertical-Charcoal-Smoker-BBQ-Barbecue-Grill-with-Temperature-Gauge-Outdoor-Black-GHMHSKU00485/321979702?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOootNY5T4dLbrpf-9_Fv4nNXRDG3EEBIXB_p--w9G3dQb4ycLI1lBEA
My only concern after doing research is that this doesn't have a fan to promote even circulation. Will that be hugely detrimental? Or is it workable for a beginner who just wants to learn and make small props and prosthetics? I'm just doing stuff for my own low budget movies, so I don't need perfection, just function.
As a final note, I live in the midwest. Could I use this outside in the winter? If I had to, would it be ok to use indoors with open windows/fans/etc?
Thanks so much!
Re: Charcoal Smoker for baking Foam Latex
That might be a good starting point. The fan really is ideal, as it's important to keep an even temperature throughout the entire volume, without any hot or cold spots that can impact the foam.
/Chris
/Chris
Re: Silicone painting question
Update:
For anyone else who happens to encounter this particular problem, I found a relatively simple solution. I applied a thin coat of pros-aide to the unpainted smooth surface of the silicone and once it was tacky I painted on the alcohol based blood and voila, it spread well and didn’t bead up!
For anyone else who happens to encounter this particular problem, I found a relatively simple solution. I applied a thin coat of pros-aide to the unpainted smooth surface of the silicone and once it was tacky I painted on the alcohol based blood and voila, it spread well and didn’t bead up!
Re: What's On Your Workbench? (Summer 2025)
I am so happy I have no real deadlines on my hobby. I am currently prepping costume and props for Mel Gibson as The Patriot, Daniel Jackson from Stargate SG1, Aquaman, and Denethor from Lord of the Rings.
Re: Foam latex collapsing before baking
Hi @Georgia Foam - We reached out to our instructor (and master foam runner), Mark Viniello, and he has a few questions before he offers any advice. Please share your answers and I'll pass them along!
- Is the positive & negative same material?
- Are you using any release agent?
- Have you injected the mold then taken any left over foam from the same batch and filled another mold to compare results?
- Have you used the same chemicals, same run schedule and used it in a different mold with different results?
- Has the mold always yielded the same results?
- What is his run schedule and gel time?
- Can you send pics of the failed runs?
Re: Billy Ray Cyrus Impersonation Cosplay Costume
I followed the wrap/bandana/rag trail:
and decided on his use of the bandana as the rider's necktie. We all know what that particular use was back in the range days but here it is just decoration. I chose the blue like he is wearing in the arrowhead necklace picture.
And as the necklace section was now 3 and the bandana, I felt I could get away with a non pendant chain. I chose a chain that did mot match the first two but in the end I think a better mix will include at least one of the military dog tag chains. He very commonly wears that. It is what I refer to as lamp pull-cord.
and decided on his use of the bandana as the rider's necktie. We all know what that particular use was back in the range days but here it is just decoration. I chose the blue like he is wearing in the arrowhead necklace picture.
And as the necklace section was now 3 and the bandana, I felt I could get away with a non pendant chain. I chose a chain that did mot match the first two but in the end I think a better mix will include at least one of the military dog tag chains. He very commonly wears that. It is what I refer to as lamp pull-cord.
He does wear one loop earring in each ear but I opted for hair coverage on my test runs.
Because his poses will include the beard and mustache, and because I go in and out of full beard in like 3 week cycles, my test pics were done in a hurry. No full body shots yet and nothing with a background, just my photo room white sheet. My first pic was a few days earlier but I will post it first (prior to all the prop work done so far.)
I knew I wanted his newest guitar, the hand decorated owl and music man, folk guitar look. I scoured the internet for clear views of the guitar and found only some of the face.
I printed this, in mirror (he is a lefty).
Then flipped the test shots to become a lefty.
I measured my target so my initial prints would be closely scaled upon printing:
and taped it to my daughter's beginner's guitar.
The guitars were not the exact same shape and I was just doing test shots, so no photoshop done to reshape, yet. This left a gap that I covered with my hand. Will definitely need a full photoshop intervention to get better overlay prints.
continued in next post.....
I knew I wanted his newest guitar, the hand decorated owl and music man, folk guitar look. I scoured the internet for clear views of the guitar and found only some of the face.
I printed this, in mirror (he is a lefty).
Then flipped the test shots to become a lefty.
I measured my target so my initial prints would be closely scaled upon printing:
and taped it to my daughter's beginner's guitar.
The guitars were not the exact same shape and I was just doing test shots, so no photoshop done to reshape, yet. This left a gap that I covered with my hand. Will definitely need a full photoshop intervention to get better overlay prints.
continued in next post.....
Re: Silicone painting question
I used a ton of Tim Gores Bloodline/Lifeline paints in EVERYTHING id do..latex ...resin or silicone...the trick with silione is the proper balance of naptha to the mix
Re: What's On Your Workbench? (Summer 2025)
my most recent project, Rick baker as a werewolf! I've just finished it, and am exhibiting it tomorrow The bts is on my Instagram @leonclementsbeall_sfx
Re: What's On Your Workbench? (Summer 2025)
I just wore my Ferengi prosthetics at their first large event, STLV. Next steps for this outfit include creating a more screen-accurate vest, sculpting a custom set of teeth, and practicing makeup application more. I also have some thoughts about a version two for the prosthetics, but that will involve another round of sculpture. In the meantime, here are some shots of the prosthetics and molds from my portfolio, and one of me in costume in the casino:
Re: Silicone painting question
Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it! I’ll give the acrylics and permablood a try, see if I can get an acceptable color. Thanks!!