So with the recent release of Water for Elephants -a film I would have loved to work on- and the upcoming reopening of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, reworked by Phil McKinley -a director I loved working with- here's 'Paint for Elephants'. Or, 'How Metallic Paint is Awesome'.
While working on Creme de Coco I faced the oh-so-common problem of needing set dressing that would appear high-end and period, but working on a small budget. Metallic paint helped give a uniform appearance to the objects and mask imperfections.
Step one: Hunt for the object. Clean everything.
By the way - know how the objects are being used. I wouldn't advise spray painting silverware people will be eating from.
Step Two: Paint!
This may also require a layer of Gesso. I like the Bob Ross brand (available at Michael's).
Step Three: Age/Distress
The addition of a thinned black wash layer added character to many of the objects. Design Master's Glossy Wood Tone is also fabulous for a warm glow.
But don't paint the elephant's tusks!
An elephant also found its way onto the set. Originally this little fella was red. Phil also directed for Barnum and Bailey - and I was informed it's very bad luck to re-paint the tusks on an elephant. So the tusks were carefully taped off.
Fabric paint can also do wonders!
The sofa for this show was rescued from a DAV. The pattern on the couch was originally brown/green. Obviously, follow the instructions and consult the costume designer prior to painting.
Before
After
Next post - blood packs!
