17. Painting

Before purchasing, check the stock of paint in the theatre and workshop.

Only water-based/acrylic paint may be used (no oil-based paint, spray paint etc). Generally you will use paint with a low sheen finish.

If you use gloss paint on a pre-existing set piece, you will be required to sand and repaint the item with low sheen or flat paint after use.

Only paint items that are obtained specially for the show, or already painted. For example, do not paint a piece of furniture made from unpainted wood.

Before painting, make sure you read and follow the Safe Working Procedure for painting.

For clean-up after painting:

1. Tip any unused paint back into the paint tin, and seal it firmly. If you have mixed paint, the leftovers need to be brushed or rolled onto paper or cardboard to dry, before being disposed of.
2. All brushes, rollers and paint trays must be thoroughly washed out only in the paint sink near the Wasteland or in the workshop (this will take at least half an hour). Do not “leave things to soak”; everyone knows that means it won’t get washed out and it serves no purpose in clean-up. Do not wash out paint in any other sink or showers, and do not put any paint rags or paint in the toilet (yes, it has happened). 
3. Any painting equipment not properly cared for will need to be replaced from your show’s budget.
4. All painting should be done in the workshop, or on the stage only with extreme care and sufficient drop cloths, well away from anyone else’s items. If an item can’t be taken to the workshop, you may paint in the tunnels, only if the item doesn’t block access.