Painting the Scenery

Scenery is normally painted on stage. At the beginning of the painting period, set up a painting station in the corridor so that all the required paints and equipment are ready for use.

Setting up

The painting tables are stored in the shed across the road.

1. Bring the tables over from the shed.

2. Set them up in the corridor by the fire escape.

3. Make sure the tables do not block the fire escape or restrict access.

4. Bring the painting supplies from the plant room and arrange them on and under the tables.

Paint and equipment

Paints, trays and other painting materials are kept in the plant room.

Take the following to the painting station:

• Large metal paint trays

• Paints required for the scenery

• Brushes and other painting equipment

• Any other materials needed for painting

The painting station acts as the central point for supplies. People can take what they need to the stage and return it when they have finished.

Preparing the paint

Some paints need to be diluted with water before use. The usual dilution is believed to be approximately 1:1 paint to water, but this should be confirmed before being treated as a standard.

If you are unsure, check with someone who has painted the scenery previously.

Washing up

The sink in the plant room should be used for washing painting equipment.

Clean brushes, trays and other reusable equipment after use.

Finishing up

At the end of the painting period:

• Return paints and painting supplies to the table or underneath the table in the corridor.

• Wash brushes, trays and other equipment that needs cleaning.

• Make sure the fire escape and corridor remain clear.

• Check that painted scenery is sufficiently dry before it is stored.

• Return dry scenery to its normal storage location.

• If scenery is still wet, arrange for someone to return it to storage once it has dried.

The paint should normally be fairly dry after approximately one hour, although drying time will depend on the paint, coverage and conditions.