Best tape for lavs on sweaty bodies. Suggestions please.

[derbrocks09]

Anyone know of a great tape for lav mics on sweaty talent? I just can't seem to find a great solution. I appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[David W. Jones]

Are your actors nude?

 

[derbrocks09]

nope LOL

But sometimes they sweat when there is a lot of action or it's hot and I hate having to re-tape mics. Just wish I knew of a better tape for those situations.

 

[David W. Jones]

Unless the situation calls for a different bit, I useually tape to the subjects clothing and not their skin.

 

[derbrocks09]

I often do that as well but if there is a lot of action and the actor has a fair amount of cleavage then I prefer to place the mic on the skin.

 

[David W. Jones]

Then in that situation before you tape the area, apply a little clear gel underarm antiperspirant to the area and allow to dry, wipe away any overage. That should help control the sweat glands in that area and give you longer lasting adhesion.

 

[Gary Huff]

This wouldn't happen to be an exercise video, would it? Because if it is, I wouldn't use a lav.

 

[Rick R]

I normally use an alcohol wipe dry and let the skin dry prior to applying Transpore, Stickies, Topstick or whatever.

 

[derbrocks09]

Not an exercise video no.

Thanks Rick for the suggestions.

I'll look into Transpore and Topstick.

 

[Allan Black]

Then in that situation before you tape the area, apply a little clear gel underarm antiperspirant to the area and allow to dry, wipe away any overage. That should help control the sweat glands in that area and give you longer lasting adhesion.

But be careful, a gal in a soapie here broke out in hives, shot the shoot to bits.

Then there's these .. http://www.rycote.com/products/personal_mic_solutions/undercovers/

Cheers.

 

[dwiener]

This is pretty much what we do in the theater where I work.

http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_lavalier_mics_placement/

The lavs are on elastic bands that go over the actors heads and hidden on the forehead right at the hairline with cables taped down the back of their necks with surgical tape running to the transmitter.

 

[paulears]

In the UK, we use some of the same brands. Each noiseboy has their own preference, but if it comes on a reel, and we can get it locally, we're happy. These ones seem ok on the skin reaction and stickyness fronts - but will sweat off if the person is a leaker - some you just can't get anything to stick!

 

[John Willett]

Anyone know of a great tape for lav mics on sweaty talent? I just can't seem to find a great solution. I appreciate any suggestions.

Rycote Stickies :thumbsup:

 

[kennedymax]

Try a clear Band-Aid on clean, dry skin.

 

[Zephyrnoid]

I use the thin translucent tape they often use in hospitals for bandages. you can also use suture strips.
https://www.mountainside-medical.com/product_images/uploaded_images/Dynarex-Clear-Surgical-Tape.jpg
https://www.bunzlpd.com/images/T/337711011.jpg

 

[Zephyrnoid]

Try a clear Band-Aid on clean, dry skin.

The ugly truth is most band aids aren't sticky enough ( that way you replace them often The clear ones are the best though.

 

[derbrocks09]

Great tip Zephyrnoid! Thanks for the link.