Break and tips

Taking a quick break from working on costumes to bring you all some tips for grunging up your zombie costumes!

- It may sound gross, but take your shirt/pants/whatever to the rims and hubcaps on your tires. Its got a lot of black/brown gunk accumulated provided you haven't washed your car recently. It doesn't smell, so don't worry about that.
- Sandpaper, of varying grits. Work the cuffs and edges of your clothes, think of the pair of jeans you've had for years. Where would the natural wear and tear occur over time? 
- Run over your clothes a few times
- Sandpaper!
- Thin out "dirt" colored acrylic paints with water and paint the cuffs/edges/random areas of your costume. Deep, dark browns, maybe a hint of dark green. Get creative! Mix colors and test them on spare fabric until you get something you like
- The same above goes for the blood. I personally just use Barn Red or Brick Red colors. Theatrical blood is typically too bright and pinkish to look convincing. Woochie Blood Gel smeared in  places can look convincing if done right, too.
- A good way to get the "dripping" bood look is to saturate your paintbrush. Hold the shirt nearly vertical, and press the paintbrush into it until the paint/water mix comes dripping off and down the shirt. Behold! Gravity is useful for something!
- Don't be afraid to get messy with the blood and dirt, zombies aren't neat creatures.
- Did I mention the sandpaper? Steel wool will work, too! Try using both!

Thats all I have for now, if I can remember anything I've left off while I'm working, I'll post some more. :]