Replicating sweat on a statue

[GregorS]

I know that for live models photographers like to use a mixture of water and glycerin, I was wondering how you'd get that sweat effect on a painted statue, both temporary and permanent, but preferably temporary.

I have some C.S. Moore statues I'd like to incorporate into a photoshoot, but I'm definitely afraid of stripping the paint if I use anything other than water to try to replicate that "sweat" effect temporarily. I'm definitely afraid to use anything oil based.

Any paint experts can chime in on this?

[johnclone]

I'm no expert, but I think even water would start to mess up the paint, even if it is just applied briefly, pretty sure it could do damage.

[Colossal]

Isnt it possible to add the sweat effect post shoot in Photoshop?

[Voshizle@gmail.]

I honestly have no clue how to temporarily add a sweat effect, and now I'm fairly curious as to why? Why not just make it permanent?

[GregorS]

After doing some research I learned that applying any kind of liquid, be it water or oil-based, could potentially damage your statue in the long run and is not recommended. A permanent sweat effect can be added by painting a layer of clear acrylic paint over the statue although that may not work for all statues. The Hot Toys Bruce Lee statue is an example of this. And photoshop does have a "saran wrap" type filter that gives a gloss like effect which can be tweaked.

[zero77]

I dont understand how water could damage the paint??? Is the paint on those statue so delicate?

[streetjudge79]

Clear resin

[modelkitfreak]

Streetjudge79 is correct, future floor wax will work also(yes, the bottle/name has changed but it says "with future technology" or some crap)
You will want to get a toothpick and a paintbrush. Use the toothpick to "dot" the sweat in much smaller amounts closer to the hairline. Use the rounded handle of the paintbrush to tap slightly larger amounts. You want to tap or dot the material on to the figure so that it beads rather than runs or lays flat. Do a little at a time and give plenty of time for it to dry, then go back and add more until you get the desired effect.
Hope that helps.