Latex sheets are used for many art projects, specialist theatrical costumes and stage make-up. You can buy them at crafts shops and online, but the cost can be too steep for some hobbyists. An alternative is to make your own sheets of latex, using liquid latex and foam brushes. You can tint the latex a vivid colour or leave it with a natural look. The process is relatively fast, allowing you to create many latex sheets in a short time.

Clean a large counter top or workbench with multi-purpose cleaner to prepare it to make the latex sheet. Allow the counter to completely dry.

  • Latex sheets are used for many art projects, specialist theatrical costumes and stage make-up.
  • Clean a large counter top or workbench with multi-purpose cleaner to prepare it to make the latex sheet.

Add a latex tint to liquid latex, following the instructions on the bottle, if you want a coloured sheet. Untinted latex is a yellowish colour when it dries.

Pour a small amount of liquid latex on to the counter and use a foam brush to spread it out to the dimensions that you require. Add more latex if needed until you have covered the entire area.

  • Add a latex tint to liquid latex, following the instructions on the bottle, if you want a coloured sheet.
  • Pour a small amount of liquid latex on to the counter and use a foam brush to spread it out to the dimensions that you require.

Dry the latex with a hair dryer.

Apply at least three more layers of latex, using a new foam brush for each layer. You can add as many layers as you wish until you reach the desired thickness. Thicker sheets are stronger, but they do not stretch as well as thin sheets.

Apply baby powder to the surface of the dried sheet. This will prevent the latex from sticking it itself.

Peel the sheet off of the counter slowly, brushing powder underneath it as you go.

Trim the edges of the sheet with a sharp pair of scissors if needed.

TIP

The layers of latex must be thin. If they are too thick, a skin will form on top, preventing the latex underneath from drying.

Larger latex sheets can be made on the floor using the same technique.

WARNING

Keep liquid latex out of hair, clothing and carpet. It will bond and be very difficult to remove.