Hi I have a small query about thumb tips.

I'm indian (dots not feathers) and have a darker skin tone than white guys. Unfortunately all the thumb tips I've seen are for lighter skinned folks.

Do you have a method to darker the colour on a thumb tip?

(Sorry if this sounds stupid but here in south africa we have very limited stockists of magical equipment. )

I would suggest going to a craft store and buy some acrilic paint and work to match your skin tones. The nail color, etc.

Of course in the old days the guys would say "You can use a chrome plated TT... cuz if you use it properly no one ever sees it."

I don't think this holds up today.

Vernet has many variations of skin tone available. I found a website once that carried all of them (there are literally hundreds of models, even though most on-line suppliers carry only a few of them), but forgot the address. If you do a web search using "vernet thumbtip" I'm sure you'll find the site.

Best,

Mike

THere are darker shades of TT. They just aren't easy to find, but they are there. To add to Pete's post, use a flat acrylic, or use a clear flat spray after the painting, Be sure to use a flat from the same line to avoid complications. For example, Testor's dullcote is a lacquer and will eat and bleed acrylics. Point is when it's dry and you're ready to use it, make sure it doesn't shine.

Do a search on the Café. I have posted a few answers to your question on other threads.

Hi
the only suggestion I can say is get some dye and dye it.

Ricardo the Magician

I might add,

Paint, etc, does NOT adhere to Vernet tips, however, the vinyl (?) ones found in the D'Lite series CAN take coloring...I would suggest, humbly, you try makeup...it comes in every shade of color, and you can match it to your skin color.

I was VERY lucky, as the D'Lite tip matches mine perfectly...I have many, many tips I've collected over the years, and that D'Lite one is the only one I use. I can point it at you right in your face, and you cannot tell!

Makeup...try that, but not on a Vernet, LOL!

Hopefully helpful,

Doug

Not to sound mean or anything.. and I do say this in all honesty. If you use certain methods of movement and skill in your presentation with the TT you really do not have to worry so much about the color of the tip.

When I teach kids magic at my SYM club, I even state this point by doing an entire TT routine with a completely WHITE painted TT. I even ask if anyone saw anything at all. No one ever does.

The point taken is that I could have this tip painted neon orange and no one would suspect anything. It is in my method of moves, misdirection and routining that allows for this to happen.

Kyle

In my research on the right model of Krylon paint for roughing spray, I noticed they now have a paint designed to adhere to plastics. If you can find a light/medium tan, perhaps you can use that.

www.krylon.com

I think the advantage of the new vinyl TTs is the improved invisibility under scrutiny. One of the most effective "moves" with the TT IMHO is the ability to point it dead on at an audience and have it remain invisible while “showing” the hand empty. While the TT was originally not quite so convincing the newer versions allow for more freedom of movement and shows. While I respect the notion of being able to paint a TT bright orange and still work effects with it, the idea of discounting the possibilities of a realistic TT is analogous to saying that typewriters and snail mail work fine why use computers to communicate? Your demonstration with the white TT is more about skill and finesse overcoming imperfect conditions, a valuable lesson! We all need to read and write before we can communicate effectively by the Internet. Just so with magic, the basics are important, but making the best use of your tools is important in reaching new levels.

I’m certain that a person who is aware of a TT will spot it in a heartbeat, orange or flesh tone. If at the beginning of a routine one announces I will be using a TT and the proceeds to perform with a brightly colored TT it’s use will be spotted. When we embrace the potential of innovations and unique uses of our tools, we expand our horizons.

Another consideration is our comfort with our tools, when one is more comfortable, one tends to be more confident and confidence can help sell the illusion. Discomfort can make us self-conscious, blink during the pass, fumble the coin and destroy the illusion.

Hey I'm indian too.
The color of the thumbtip MEANS NOTHING. It shouldnt be seen. Gary darwin says to practice with a red thumbtip. You could even perform with one if your good enough with your misdirection. my TT is a cheap little thin plastic one which becomes darker when I put it on.

I need to get on the stick and read some new material on the TT -- my recollections from long ago must be major outdated...

Anyway, to get back to the original question, many years ago when I was a kid I made a DT (another item that should never be seen) and was playing with ways to camouflage it. So I sprayed some tan paint on it and, while the paint was still tacky, dusted some of my Mom's face powder on it. It was incredible. The shade was a bit off, obviously, but the surface had just the right reflectiveness and texture that it could pass for skin. Although, after all the practice I put into it, I could have painted it day-glo orange, it sure felt good to know that I didn't have to worry about it.

Any suggestions for a good book on the TT?

I once was at a convention when Bob Little did a lecture act and the thumb tip he used was chromed--you never saw it--he had to tell you!

If it makes you feel more confident, go ahead and paint your tip a matching skin tone, at the end of the day that's all that matters, all as long as YOU are happy with your props!

Tom