Film and Digital Media @ Messiah

One of the assignments we do in 16mm Film Production is an Ink Animation where students draw, paint or write directly on the surface of the 16 mm film. One of the most interesting effects comes from painting on the film with watercolors (or the use of water-soluble markers to imitate watercolors). However, it’s not an easy task to keep the watercolors from simply rubbing off after even a simple handling or screening.

Here are two ideas I’ve tried in working with watercolours on film:

Golden Digital Ground for Non-Porous Surfaces

This ground is optimized for increased adhesion and performance on non-porous surfaces such as aluminum, copper, metal foil, marble, and plastics such as Mylar, Lexan, Plexiglas, and acetate. Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and free of oils before applying. You can paint watercolors over this ground.

Golden Paints website
purchase at Dick Blick’s

Crayola Classic Washable Markers

These markers can give the effect of watercolors, but are more lasting on film surfaces (however they will rub off after repeated handling). Of course they’re not as long lasting as the above solution of using a ground for the paint or marker. One advantage to them is that they’re widely available.

purchase at Dick Blick’s

Combining these two solutions would allow some flexibility, but using real watercolours looks better than the markers.