For every prop mentioned on the page of a screenplay there can be hidden items you might need to be prepared for a shot set up. If you are an all-in-one filmmaker, making a film by yourself or with friends who have little or no experience, you might not know some of the tricks of the trade. This ‘essentials only’ list of “support” props will help you temporarily age the prop/set or clean it up so the shot is crystal clear.

If you have an experienced prop master, chances are they already have these items and more in their kit, but just in case…

Fullers Earth

Fuller’s Earth can used safely on most materials to give a dirty and dusty appearance. This is best used to age cars, some fabrics, windows/glass, etc. Because this product is finely ground clay, use a mask when applying in large amounts. One jar goes a long way.  Test similar surface before application. You may also want to purchase a new “bug sprayer” and dedicate it for water only to give the dust a muddier appearance.

Streaks N’ Tips Temporary Hairspray

This is a great product if used correctly to age or dirty up signs, cars, windows, etc. It comes in many colors, but you only need the basics: Black, Brown, and Grey.  It washes off with a simple scrubbing.

Butyl Tape

I call this black rope stuff “black magic” because it’s the best material for quickly putting up a small sign or other artifact. It’s best used on bricks or other rough material where a nail or screw might destroy the surface. It can be iffy on dry wall.  I should note is that it doesn’t work on very hot days (this comes from experience even though the product is rated for high temperatures). It acts like gum but is removable from smooth solid surfaces. Never use this on fabrics unless you don’t care if it’s destroyed.  You can recycle it too! 

Museum Wax

Similar to butyl this is a waxy material is used by museums to tack down fragile items. It’s clear and it's great for set pieces along a wall that have doors slamming during a scene. You may want items to stay in place and this stuff is safe on most materials. It’s a wax so keep that in mind on high temperature locations. Reusable too!

Goo-Gone

This product will remove almost anything sticky like gum, price tag labels, stickers, and the like. If you have nothing else, you should have this product on set. Don’t be fooled by the tangy orange aroma, it is not for use on humans.  

WD-40

Also a must have on the set. WD-40 can fix squeaks, and perform all sorts of tasks on set.

Complete House Cleaning Kit

Anything you might need for cleaning a house is a definite requirement. Always leave a location better looking than when you arrived.  You don’t need huge amounts of these products, just enough for that day:  heavy duty shop towels, 409 spray, small broom, dust pan, wood polish, garbage bags; you get the idea.

Dinner for Two

I always keep a dinner-for-two set up in my prop van for emergencies. These items have come in handy when a location has fallen through and a last minute set up was required. You can be ultra prepared for a fancy and a casual dinner, but I usually just carry the fancy stuff. Silverware, clean white delicate looking place settings, candle sticks, candles, a beautiful but short flower arrangement, table cloth (a couple sizes is a good idea), cloth napkins, clean wine bottle with cork (white and red), and standard wine glasses are the items you’ll need for this set up. It all fits in one box you can keep in your vehicle. I might add, you should also keep an iron in your kit too…nothing says amateur like a wrinkled table cloth.

Ring-sizer and multiple rings in multiple sizes.

You can buy a ring-sizer online. It’s used by jewelers to accurately size a finger for rings. Keep a small box of costume jewelry with you at all times including pieces for men and women. Sometimes the script fails to mention a character is married and you should always have a supply of simple gold wedding bands in several sizes.  [handy print out ring sizer]

In conclusion, this by no means a complete list, but from my vantage point these items can give your production an extra edge above the others.  And just a reminder when using any of these chemicals/products; always test the surface before application.

Happy Propping!

Photograph provided by D. T. Porter, PhotosatYourPlace.com