Experiementing with different finishes

PVA glue

Painted foil and clear cast resin

Tin foil and glue, with clear resin on top

During our mid-way tutorials, it was suggested to me to experiment with a foil and resin finish, to reinforce the blue foam and help to protect it from ware and tear during the two-month run of the pantomime. The foil is successful in creating a more textured, metallic finish but shows through once painted with acrylics. I predicted that the silver sheen of the foil would add a metallic finish to the paint, but it actually appears to dull it.

A hard shell sitting on top of the foam is also more likely to shatter once knocked. Foam coated in latex will become indented more easily, but this is less noticeable compared to a shattered affect in the paintwork. By keeping the finish fairly thin and elastic, it is more easy to patch up if damage does occur. Another finish I have trialed is PVA glue, to seal the foam before the latex is applied. Again, this creates a harder shell to the model but retracts from the foam's ability to spring back into place once knocked.