#propmakingtutorial

Step 1 Prep Work - Hiding the PVC joints

There are a few different ways to cover/hide the joints where the multiple PVC pipes connect. I will cover two of my preferred types here - Painters Tape & Primer/Wood Filler

Option 1 - Painter’s Tape

Cover each of the joints with either masking tape or painters tape. This acts as two fold: the first part is to help give the staff some added sturdiness, the second part helps smooth out the roughness of each joint. This means that after it is painted it looks like one whole piece rather than a disjointed staff.

I would do at least 2 layers of tape, more if you see it as necessary. Definitely do a healthy amount around the joint at the bottom of the crook. This will also help to reinforce the glue and rubber bands holding it on.

Make sure you also do this at the bottom of the staff as well on the foot joint.

Personally I use painter's tape because I have more of it, but as long as it is thick enough it really doesn't matter what kind of tape you use.

Option 2 - Primer/Wood Filler/Modeling Clay

There a few different mediums you can use here, though wood filler and modeling clay are two of my favorites. The idea is to use a material that can be added in around the joints to fill in the void where it connects and smooth them out to make a seamless connection. 

**Unfortunately I do not have a photo to share of this aspect as we did the painter’s tape for the original tutorial**

Step 2

After adding the tape around the joint you want to prime the staff for painting. Because of the smoothness of the staff and the type of plastic, normal paint doesn't stick to it as nicely, thus the primer. You can do this one of two ways and it is whichever you prefer. You can use a spray paint and do 1-2 coats on each side. If you choose the spray paint I would suggest doing white or a light brown. Your other option and the one I used was Gesso. This stuff works great. I did about 2-3 coats of Gesso on each side. Make sure you lay newspaper or something else down before painting.

NOTE: I forgot to put the tape on before taking this image (which meant I had to do it afterwards - please don't make my mistake) 

HINT: Do small layers of Gesso at a time to prevent globing or uneven drying. It takes longer but it worth it.

Step 3

After you Gesso (or spray paint) and it is fully dry, then you can do your initial painting.

I would suggest starting with a medium brown, and then do coats of darker and lighter trying to get it to look like wood. Keep your paint strokes going in the same direction (Up & Down) to help get this particular look.

This photo isn't a very good example so I apologize.

You can always look up wood references to get an idea of how you want it to look. This is entirely personal. Don't worry too much if you can't get it right. The blues, whites, and silvers will help cover up any mistakes you have.

This is the point where the two options split.

Step 4 - Option 2

Take your your first shade of tan (or brown) hemp cording and wrap it loosely like so. I would suggest getting a friend to help hold the staff while you wrap the hemp cording. (You can see my friend in the bottom corner - though the staff is hers, it was more so me helping her make it)

Continue adding hemp cording around the staff. Alternate the thread colors with the different shades of brown and tan. After you have a decent amount you can change over to the blues. Again keep alternating the colors as you go to give the staff dimension with the colors.

After you feel you have enough, switch to the white or silvers to give it the highlights. The goal is to make it look frosted. Where your hand sits should be the most frosted part gradually changing back to brown around it.

This does take awhile but it looks unique and awesome when its done.