How to Reuse Pasties
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About reusing pasties...
As promised from last week, this week we will be covering how to care for and reuse pasties. Whether the tack on them is gone or you just like keeping it clean, let's go into how and what to use.
Foam, fabric, silicone pasties can all be reused. Some brands might say “disposable,” while it really isn’t that hard to throw stuff away, it also isn’t difficult to clean and reuse them. Disposable paper pasties won’t last you past a day, but a great eco option when you’re on the go.
CLEANING
Part of pastie upkeep is keeping them clean. Can’t have them stick to your skin when there’s already a layer of old dead skin on it. We do not recommend putting any type of pastie into your washer, they can be damaged easily. It’s faster to hand was them anyway.
For silicone pasties, just wash like your hands. Your hand soap will do just fine. Lather and rinse well. Let them dry completely. You can pat it down with a clean towel or air dry or a combo of both.
For flat fabric pasties like these guys, you’re good to wash them like the silicone ones.
Foam pasties you just want to be a bit more gentle with washing.
For decorated conical or burlesque style ones that are a little nicer, focus on the sticky side. We don’t want any glue keeping tassels or jewels to lift off. Even if they do, you can just glue it back on. Gently wash the inside with soap, gently rinse out all soap and residue, and let dry completely. These pasties may be slightly thicker. To help ensure drying, gently press out moisture with a towel and then let air dry.
If you don’t have dry pasties, the adhesive won’t stick to them.
ADHESIVE
Tip: Wipe your dead skin and oils off with alcohol wipes to help with adhesion. Do not apply lotion or oils onto your pastie skin.
There are a few options for adhesive. We’ll go over the pros and cons of all of them. Regardless of what adhesive you use, application is the same. Focus on putting adhesive on the edges of your pasties. You might find it helpful to also put some on your skin, like putting on false lashes. This trick only works for liquids like spirit gum and latex. Let it get tacky and pop it on.
Spirit gum – Used for costuming and sfx industries, prosthetic noses, artificial hair, etc. Might not be enough for super sweaty and hot times if you’re on a stage performing and can’t just call “CUT” to fix your nipple coverings. A bit cheaper than liquid latex.
Liquid latex – Less commonly used. Potential allergen. A good option for photo shoots instead of live performances. Not the strongest but easy to clean up. Rolls off your skin like a shedding snake. Satisfying but a bit gross!
Toupee tape – Skin safe option. Again, not the strongest. Super easy application. Slap it on and rip it off. Not the strongest. Around $13 for a roll.
Carpet tape – Yes, from the hardware store. The strongest option. A PITA to take off. Reserved for intense performances. Professional troupes use it. If you find nothing else works, this may be your saving grace. Pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things.
STORAGE
Storing your pasties with care after cleaning will increase the longevity of them. If they’re flat pasties, store them flat. If you have cones, make sure to retain their shape by not crushing them.
And that’s it.
Happy pasting.
Peace and love.