Dirty down ageing spray is one of the best ways to age and weather your props, with the wide range of colours and shades you can make nearly any item look aged from time, stained with cigarette smoke, or mouldy from water damage.
When getting props, whether it’s lampshades or wardrobes, most times, it will come to the set in a nicer condition than you want. This is where dirty down spray comes in handy!
If hiring props, always check with the company before using Dirty Down, as it stains permanently—especially on fabrics.
When using Dirty Down spray, ensure you’re in a well-ventilated space and that the spray is compatible with your material. It may not absorb well on oily or synthetic fabrics, unlike natural ones like cotton.
How to use:
We have made a video on one of the many ways Dirty Down can be used to age items. We went with a lampshade as an example. Layering these sprays from light to dark works best. If there isn’t enough pigment; you can always add more. Have a range of colours ready to ensure depth and tonal variation in ageing.
If you think it doesn’t look the way you want right away, don’t be disheartened; once you start adding more dark accents, it will slowly come together. When adding the darker spray for depth, try and think of where the mould or dirt would accumulate on the item to make sure it looks realistic to the viewer.
YouTube videos, like the one below, offer techniques for using Dirty Down effectively. If unsure of the desired outcome, sketch it in software like Procreate to plan light and dark areas.
Why not check out our Art Department supplies on our website and see everything we have to offer or email us to enquire about prices and quantities that we have.
Drop us an email: mail@stockyardnorth.com or give us a quick call on 0161 872 9206.
Written by Alice Funston-Jones
