Special Effects Question

Aug 13, 2013

Emily W.

Hello my beautiful freaky friends,

I have a gig coming up on Saturday where I need to create a large burn scar for a woman. Typically this would be done with gel-10 silicone, but in order to cut costs we are using liquid latex.

I have lots of experience using liquid latex to create wounds, but not so much with creating large surface scars. I have a vague idea of how to accomplish the look, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips?

Also, if anyone had any methods of removing latex at the end of the day, that would be great! Currently I used Vaseline, Palmolive, and a scouring sponge, but that can be a little abrasive for someone that hasn't done this before.

Any tips would be much appreciated!

Aug 13, 2013

Jessica L.

I don't know how sorry! maybe try look at some youtube videos? and anything soaked in warm water is easy to get out :)

Aug 13, 2013

Cassidy S.

You can buy remover for it doll

Aug 13, 2013

Caitlin M.

I would try using a stippling sponge to build up the texture. You can also "sculpt" with pieces of cotton or tissue dipped in the latex. Have you ever worked with gelatin though? If you get plain gelatin powder you can mix it and heat it and use it to create burns. We made our own in school but the food based kind should work. Just obviously make sure it isn't too hot because you don't want to actually burn someone. We would just use popsicle sticks to "butter" it on and create the texture we wanted. I personally think that would be a bit easier than latex because its more viscous so you have more control over where it goes. As far as taking it off I've always just had to pull it off. It's a shock and it sucks every time but that has always been the easiest, quickest way to get it off. But Vaseline will probably help. I would also maybe try baby oil or witch hazel. Maybe a gentle sugar scrub too for any remnants.

Aug 13, 2013

Caitlin M.

Also, for future reference, because its not really going to help you now unless you can get it rush ordered lol, have you ever used Prosaide adhesive and cabosil to make something called a cabo/bondo appliance? You use it mainly to sort of spackle down and blend out edges on appliances but you can also use it like gelatin or latex to create effects or small appliances.

Aug 14, 2013

Caitlin M.

Thanks Jacqueline :) I went to school for FX so I try to help where I can. I hope my explanations make sense to anyone reading them, this stuff can be confusing so I hope my wording is clear. But I would not know any of what I know without going to school so the credit goes to my teachers there lol.

Aug 14, 2013

Emily W.

Thanks for the replies!

@Caitlin: I haven't gone to school for spfx (yet) so I haven't had any experience beyond liquid latex, Elmer's glue, and cosmetics. I haven't ever tried gelatin-- though I would like to-- and I worry about trying it for the first time on a stranger. I also haven't had any experience with Prosaide, though I know what it is. Thanks for the tips though, definitely filing those away for later!

@Jacqueline: I've never heard of Derma Shield, is that a specific brand name or a type of product? I see several available on Amazon for ~$40, is that typical? What exactly does it do?

Basically I just want to minimize the irritation that removing latex can bring on, particularly because my model/client has never worn a latex prosthetic. She wants the burn scar to cover part of her face and neck, which can be delicate (I still hate pulling latex off of my neck, and I've done it several times). Hopefully, showing her how to use vaseline and Palmolive to break down the adhesive's grip will be sufficient.

This is my first time doing makeup on a complete stranger, so I'm quite nervous (as you can probably tell)!

Aug 14, 2013

Caitlin M.

It can be intimidating applying this kind of stuff on people, even after the first time. It's not usually a comfortable experience for most people so I think knowing that makes it harder for an artist to feel confident applying it because they know they're probably making their client uncomfortable lol. I understand what you mean about the gelatin though. You definitely should practice with it ahead of time because it does take some getting used to. I'd also recommend checking out some videos from a user on YouTube called BITYmoldsupply. They sell mold making and effects materials on their site: brickintheyard and post videos on how to mold certain things as well as applying and casting appliances. Some of their tutorials may be a little confusing (I've gone to school and they still confuse me...but everyone molds differently so its just a matter of who teaches you what) but generally they have some good information and they can help you become more familiar with other materials you can use. Another thing I'd recommend if you have the money to subscribe to it is makeup artist magazine. In the back they usually have one or two step by step tutorials on how to do something like gelatin burns, making a monster suit, making monster hands, cabo appliances, etc. They're usually the quick way too which is nice to have. And obviously they have big articles with other stuff but that's my favorite part of the magazine personally.

And for the latex irritation, just make sure to warn your client that at some point it's probably going to be uncomfortable. That's just how special effects are unfortunately. For some it isn't a big deal and they enjoy it a lot no matter how sticky and goopy they have to be, for others its miserable lol. As long as you do all that you can to minimize the discomfort and help them remove the makeup I think things will work out. At my school they left us hanging when it came to taking the makeup off. We were first semester students and didn't know anything and we had to go home and learn how to take appliances off the hard way...it sucked haha. In my eyes a good effects artist will stay after the shoot to help the actor remove the makeup properly. But you would be surprised how many don't...Anyway, I think you'll do just fine and your client will be happy :) good luck and definitely post some pics for us afterwards!

Aug 16, 2013

Emily W.

Thanks ladies! I appreciate the advice! I'm going to try and find Derma Shield in a store around here since there's no possible way to ship it here in time.

Unfortunately I won't be there when she removes it (it is for a performance at her university; I am doing this as a favor and I have to work that evening at my normal job). :( I plan on making something small on myself to show her how to remove it herself, so hopefully it won't be an issue. If I could I would definitely follow her around all day so I could see how people react to it! ;)

I will be sure to post a photo when I am done. :D

Aug 16, 2013

Caitlin M.

Sometimes you can't be there and that's okay. As long as you show her and don't leave her hanging I'm sure she'll be fine :)

On another note I've never heard of derma shield but I'm interested in trying it and will keep it in mind the next time I'm doing some effects!