Latex special effects and prosthetic pieces are an easy way to create fun character looks. They are also frequently used for stage and screen and can look very realistic.
Never use on someone with a latex allergy as this can be severe, resulting in anaphylaxis and death. Make sure sure products are suitable for make-up use. And buy glues and latex adhesives from reputable professional party or make-up shops and always follow manufacturers instructions.
Step 1: Clean the Skin:
- It is best to fix small prosthetic pieces on to clean skin as sebum, perspiration or creamy make-up can all hinder the glue. The exception to this is for some character stage make-up where something like a nose or wart may be applied after the other make-up is completed.
- Clean skin with a good cleanser but use nothing which might leave an oily deposit such as a balm or cream. A mild toner can be wiped over the skin to leave a clean surface. It is inadvisable to use a moisturizer directly before applying a prosthetic piece but if skin is uncomfortable without one, then a little oil free lotion can be used to hydrate the skin half an hour before.
- Blot the skin with a tissue to remove any excess product or perspiration.
- It is advisable to use a skin barrier from a professional make-up supplier as this minimizes risks of sensitivity.
Step 2: Glue:
- Spirit gum is usually the best glue for attaching latex prosthetics. This is a strong product and should be treated with caution. Being hard to remove, it also needs to be used sparingly hence the importance of preparing the skin beforehand; locking a prosthetic piece securely to the skin with the minimum amount of glue is the ideal.
- Paint spirit gum around the inside edge of the prosthetic piece. Do not apply glue directly to the skin and do not apply it to the whole area of prosthetic which will be in contact with the skin. Around the edge is enough for security as most pieces are fairly light. Any more and the glue will be very hard to remove and extremely uncomfortable.
- As soon as the glue is on, press it firmly to the skin. Spirit gum dries extremely quickly and this should be secure within a minute or two.
General tips:
- Be as neat as possible as spirit gum looks shiny when dry and will ruin the effect of the prosthetic. It is possible to buy matte t.v. spirit gum although this is usually more expensive.
- Never use spirit gum around the eyes, on sensitive or broken skin or around mucous membranes.
- Blend the edges of the prosthetic piece in to the skin with a little cream make up.
- Isoproply Alcohol can also be used to thin the edges of the prosthetic but do not get it on the skin and only buy this from a reputable professional make-up shop.
Removal:
- Clean make-up off the skin using a good quality oil or balm cleanser. This will break make-up down, slip under the prosthetic and glue and start to remove it without damaging skin.
- Use spirit gum remover to dissolve the glue. This is even harsher than spirit gum on the skin so apply very gently to the glued areas with a cotton bud. Slowly melt away the glue and never rub or pour this product on the skin. Stubborn glue can be removed gently with the balm cleanser but the removal process takes time.
- Never pull or rip the prosthetic from the skin in frustration as it will leave red or broken skin behind.
- For reusable pieces, clean off the remaining glue, powder well to stop the latex sticking together, and then store in a clean, dry place.
- Return skin to normal with a soothing moisturizer.
The copyright of the article Applying Latex Prosthetics in Film/TV Industry is owned by Shefali Choudhury. Permission to republish Applying Latex Prosthetics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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