making a set look old and dusty then clean and in the present

Hey y'all.
I am working on a production of Way To Heaven. The director wants to have the set, which will have a few pieces, like a desk, bench, etc. on stage at opening and covered in a thin layer of dust so it looks old untouched, but then later we need it to be not dusty and the sence is in the present so everything is rather new. We thought of having one of the actors walk through and wipe the dust off with a wet paint brush, so it looks like he's painting it new.. i have never tried to gather dust on purpose and not sure if there is bottled form of dust or anything similar that anyone has tried that will give a dusty effect that can be removed..

I am open to any suggestions or ideas. Someone mentioned a kind of fabric that is really thin and would cause the effect, but I have never seen snything that thin and not fabric looking.

Thanks.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Phillips on September 25, 2011 at 3:13pm

Hi Katherine - I know you posted this a bit ago, so it may be too late, but I would recommend a haze machine and an amber colored wash. It will antique the set nicely and give the vintage texture in the air. Later, brighten up the wash to a more white light and lose the haze. That will probably be your least messiest/easiest transition.

If you want, you could add a prop or two with dust (i recommend a light sprinkle of baby powder) that the actor can blow off or work with some how. I would caution you with dusting everything. powder gets everywhere and if wet, you essentially are making a mud-substance and isn't necessarily a fun choice. Sometimes, it may discolor costumes too. Just a warning. Best of luck.

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