Aging props/sets/wardrobe techniques?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Since DVXUser has no 'general filmmaking' or 'production design' section...

Does anyone have any good techniques for aging props/sets or wardrobe? I've heard of spraying lightly with black spraypaint, but haven't tried it yet.

For wardrobe I've heard the pros will wash the clothes with rocks, coffee grounds, etc. But I dont want to destroy my washing machine!

Anyone gotten anywhere with this?

 

[Mattykins]

Shawn,

I know for one of our shoots we rubbed dirt into the cloth, poured tea and coffee on it. Distressed it by rubbing rocks and sandpaper on it.

All done outside. No washers involved. Apparently there is this SCHMERE stuff, dirt and aging crayons. I've seen them - but I have no idea how you use it, or what you do with it.

 

[Nic Aragon]

laundrymat

>>

<<

 

[Postmaster]

Apparently there is this SCHMERE stuff,

It´s always fun when german words pop up in english text.
You guys use a lot of german language (most of it you probably don´t even know) but I never saw Schmere.

Back on topic:

Depends on what you want to age.

Leather jacket? Tie it to the car and drag it :beer:

Steel and brass brushes and emery paper do a good job.
For metal there are chemicals that make instant rust or oxidation (Arts & Crafts shop)
If you want to reuse the prop use a airbrush and black/brown watercolor

Felt can be aged by flaming it with a gas torch (carefull) and brush it off with emery paper.

Whatever you try to age - think how it would wear down.
Where would dirt settle?
Where would it be dull or shiny?
Where would be scratches?
Where would the color fade?

For" Schmutz" (an other german word) Aging Cryons, check this out:
http://catalog.cineshoppe.com/browseGroup.cfm?item_group_id=45137

Also look at "Fuller's Earth" to make new things appear old and dirty
http://catalog.cineshoppe.com/browseGroup.cfm?item_group_id=9344

Hope that helps a bit.

Frank

 

[Sad Max]

For aging fabrics: packet dye a la Rit from your local drugstore or fabric place. Use weak-to-start and progressively stronger solutions with consistent timing on test swatches. Do some overnight tests, too. Coffee and strong tea are good for 'old documents' or anything papery or leathery given the right substrate. Stiff plastic and horsehair and wire brushes and sandpaper are good for various patterns and intensities of wear.

For aging sets: invest in (or borrow or rent) a Hudson sprayer. Tank up with thinned oil paints in browns/ochers/blacks - you will have to experiment and always think in terms of your lighting - and go to town. Streaks-n-Tips, a hair coloring aerosol product, comes in many colors and is good on a variety of surfaces.

Fuller's Earth - yes.