Effects Artists: How do you remove Prosaid adhesive?

Feb 17, 2013

Caitlin M.

I attended a special effects program and the only thing I was ever given to remove Prosaid was this stuff called "Detachol." It works pretty well but I was wondering if there are any effects artists here who might have a secret way of removing it without Detachol or any kind of Prosaid remover (which doesn't actually dissolve it from the skin. It just helps get the prosthetic off your face. You'll still have glue residue on the skin, from what I understand.) Has anyone come up with any "homemade" and cheaper ways of removing it?

(Also I don't have any on me. I was just wondering. I've been searching for something that works for a while)

Feb 17, 2013

Emily W.

I haven't worked with prosaid but when I use spirit gum or liquid latex I use vaseline to loosen the hold on the skin. I slather it on and leave it for ~30 minutes and it softens up the adhesive. May or may not work on prosaid though. :/

Feb 17, 2013

Caitlin M.

I haven't tried that but that's because I haven't thought of it haha. My boyfriend just had to take some off tonight and he discovered that baby powder really helps because it takes the tackiness down so it can be scrubbed off easier. I'm still going to experiment and see if anything else will work though. Prosaid is a great adhesive but its just sooo hard to get off. I don't know why they don't make an actual remover specifically for it. But I guess that's because its a medical product and I'm sure hospitals don't really care how you take it off after lol

Feb 23, 2013

Caitlin M.

Never thought of using baby oil. It seems a little too gentle. But I will try it out :)

Mar 3, 2013

Megen D.

I agree with an oil but I suggest olive oil. baby oil has mineral oil as the main ingredient and that actually clogs your pores and is really bad for your skin. olive oil is really good for your skin (makes it super soft and can actually clean it) and literally can get anything off. also if you go to a local fruit market you can get a gallon for about $15 which is wayy cheaper than any remover I can find. I use it for taking off my make up and it takes off even the most water proof stay on unless you tear off your skin eyeliner and mascara. lol just try to rub the oil into it as much as you can and ut should start to peel off!

Mar 3, 2013

Megen D.

*it sorry

Mar 4, 2013

Caitlin M.

I'll try that as well. Thanks! It just seems like whenever I need to remove some of it I never have anything on hand haha. I've been looking into different ways since I was introduced to it in school. I hate being sticky so the next time I'm going to try to have at least one or two of these on hand and see what works best :)

Apr 29, 2013

Paige M.

I'm not sure about Prosaid, however when using liquid latex, moulding wax and spirit gum I apply vaseline petrolium jelly to the area, leave for about 5-10 minutes, then wipe off with a facial wipe/makeup remover. Works for me every time.

Dec 15, 2013

Neftaly L.

Pros-Aide is a medical adhesive and it's meant for prosthetics that are suppose to last all day. It waterproofs the bond so yes, it's suppose to be tough to come off. However, they do make pros-aide removers "specifically for it" (that's the name of one, made by the company of pros-aide, "Pros-Aide Remover").
You can also use Isopropyl Myristate, which is what I use.
You can also use 99% Alcohol and some use Telesis Supersolv Plus.
As far as I know, and from working with prosthetics and pos-aide, these are the things that take it off and that is only because it's a medical adhesive. It's not meant to come off easily. Those products should not only help the prosthetic come off, but should take the glue off the skin at the same time.
If you don't plan on using a prosthetic for a long period, then maybe you shouldn't use pros-aide. Use spirit gum or liquid latex.