CrystalGel

CrystalGel is a non-toxic, water-based material which provides a clear, plastic-like coating on virtually any surface used in modern stagecraft. It air dries quickly - usually within hours - to a flexible, translucent surface. When dry, it can be painted with any Rosco Scenic Paint, or carved, or safely rolled without cracking, peeling, or sticking. Such products as sand, sawdust or powdered clay can be added to it to create unique textures. Paint, dye, glitter, mica powders may also be added to CrystalGel and then applied to a substrate.

CrystalGel is a styrene resin, providing the greatest adhesion power of any non-oil based product. Among the soft surfaces to which CrystalGel will adhere are styrofoam, ethafoam and, of course, muslin and fabrics. Among the more rigid surfaces to which CrystalGel will adhere are metals, glass, plastics, wood, Luan and fiberboard. It is particularly effective in adhering to plexiglass without cracking or falling off.

You can apply CrystalGel to a 2 x 4 with a tool as simple as a plastic spoon. The material will hold an edge without melting.

CrystalGel will adhere to a number of materials used in stagecraft. Some examples, shown here, are upholstery foam, polystyrene, pine, aluminum, ethafoam road and steel.

Many scenic artists will use a cake decorating tool for applying CrystalGel. It's shown here being applied to aluminum.

You can use a pastry tube to apply CrystalGel, especially when using it as an adhesive for attaching beading. You can add dye to CrystalGel to create decorative details. That is also most easily accomplished with a pastry tube.

We used a chip brush to apply CrystalGel to plexiglass. We added leather dye to the CrystalGel to help create a stained glass or textured glass effect.