Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2006 09:52:03 EST
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Info about enamels


 
In a message dated 3/2/2006 12:23:50 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
creaturiste-AT-magma.ca writes:

Not  puppetry, but as many masks are used in puppet shows, I thought this 
could  still be an on-topic question.


I've read the MASKS book by W. T.  Benda, a great illustrator and amazing 
maskmaker from the 1930 and  40s.

He said he protected his paper masks by multiple coats of Valspar  or Shellac 
everywhere on and inside the mask. Then he protected the inside of  the mask 
with a coat of Mandarin-red enamel.
As in the rest if his book, he  remains very vague about the materials he 
uses. Is the Mandarin-red a special  type of enamel, or is it just the color?
I know some people use the red as  an interesting color contrast with the 
gold leaf.
When the enamel is  thouroughly dry, he would apply Japan lac, let dry to 
idal tacjyness, then  apply gold leaf.
I will skip the gold leaf, thank you very much. But he  used it as a durable 
finish, claiming it was devoid of anything that could be  harmful to the 
wearer.

So I'm wondering if the enamel, uncovered, once  the solvent is fully 
evaporated, could cause breathing or skin troubles  overtime?



Just remember back then there was no such thing as health concerns,  women 
were
still using lipstick containing lead
 Regards
 Mark
 
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