Arts&CraftsFilter: How do I make a solid look like a liquid?
June 16, 2010 7:02 PM Subscribe
Arts&CraftsFilter: How do I make a solid look like a liquid?
I have a little artsy kinda project I'm doing. I'm trying to put something into a glass container that looks like a (colored) liquid but is not actually liquid.
Basically, the finished piece should look like a colored liquid in a glass. How do I accomplish this?
I'm out of my element here, so any help would be welcome.
I have a little artsy kinda project I'm doing. I'm trying to put something into a glass container that looks like a (colored) liquid but is not actually liquid.
Basically, the finished piece should look like a colored liquid in a glass. How do I accomplish this?
I'm out of my element here, so any help would be welcome.
Make it shiny, paint it with gloss polyurethane.
posted by lee at 7:13 PM on June 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by lee at 7:13 PM on June 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
When I think of a liquid in a glass, I think of something with a somewhat reflective surface that's perfectly flat on top except for surface tension pulling it up slightly at the edges. I'm not sure if it's appropriate for the project but a "drop" or two spilled outside the glass may aid the illusion.
posted by kprincehouse at 7:18 PM on June 16, 2010
posted by kprincehouse at 7:18 PM on June 16, 2010
I think what you're looking for is acrylic water. I believe you'll find it in any craft store with silk flower arranging supplies.
posted by contrariwise at 7:28 PM on June 16, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by contrariwise at 7:28 PM on June 16, 2010 [2 favorites]
I have seen kits to make fake stained glass where you melt clear plastic beads and they look like stained glass when they cool again. You could presumably melt these in a container and may be cheaper than the acrylic water contrariwise linked.
Gel wax should also be available at some craft stores or specialty candle stores. I have seen some pretty convincing beer mug candles, for example. These may technically be a liquid, but are solid enough to hold upside down.
posted by Yorrick at 7:34 PM on June 16, 2010
Gel wax should also be available at some craft stores or specialty candle stores. I have seen some pretty convincing beer mug candles, for example. These may technically be a liquid, but are solid enough to hold upside down.
posted by Yorrick at 7:34 PM on June 16, 2010
Response by poster: Is it a liquid that dries to a solid, or is it a solid from the beginning?
It doesn't have to be a liquid that dries to a solid, but that would be preferable. The container I put it in may have a narrow neck.
Could you use Jell-o?
Seems like Jell-o might attract unwanted friends.
posted by aloysius on the mixing boards at 8:17 PM on June 16, 2010
It doesn't have to be a liquid that dries to a solid, but that would be preferable. The container I put it in may have a narrow neck.
Could you use Jell-o?
Seems like Jell-o might attract unwanted friends.
posted by aloysius on the mixing boards at 8:17 PM on June 16, 2010
I've had good luck with hot glue (like glue-gun glue)... I just made some doll-sized champagne glasses using this trick. To create a coloured liquid, I painted the bottoms of the glasses with yellow paint before I dumped the glue in.
posted by Cat Face at 8:26 PM on June 16, 2010
posted by Cat Face at 8:26 PM on June 16, 2010
You probably want to try acrylic resin, which you can find in any craft of hardware store. I think you can color it with dye or food coloring, also. Oh I just found this site from googling and it seems to be exactly what you want to do! Will you make me a Zelda potion bottle?
posted by Juicy Avenger at 8:37 PM on June 16, 2010
posted by Juicy Avenger at 8:37 PM on June 16, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 7:10 PM on June 16, 2010