How can I preserve grease paint on a set of wooden drumsticks?

Question

I just got back from a performance of the Blue Man Group, from which I got a set of wooden drumsticks that the Blue Men "signed" by kissing them, leaving lip prints of their blue grease paint on each of the wooden drumsticks.

I'm wondering what the best way to dry the paint and preserve it is.

I've thought about trying hairspray and I've heard to try powder, but both of those were referring to paint on skin, not wood.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

The best thing to do is after it dries, spray it with some Clear Spray Varnish. Clear so it doesn't change the color, and varnish will put a hard coating over the sticks.

Good Luck,  ;-)

Answer 2

umm... dont

Answer 3

At http://www.getty.edu/education/teacherar... someone had a similar question.  I think her solution was a good one, the grease paint probably cant be preserved without risking ruining it, but you can mount the sticks in a shadow box behind glass.

Answer 4

To preserve them as a display you really don't need anything.  Just leave them out of contact with anything and OUT OF THE SUN for about two days and they should be good enough.  Or you can lightly tap it with a tissue to get the wettest parts dry faster. Your call!

To preserve them and use them: I recommend using room air and a paper towel.  Wrap it slightly in the towel and let it air itself.  DO NOT PUT IT IN THE SUN!!!  This will make it chip and flake off.  After about a day, take a tissue and dab it a bit.  If you see a small bit of blue, rap it again and try tom morrow.  FYI If you are going to play them, your hands are going to get a little moist and "unlock" the paint.