Lesson 1Adhesives and removers: pros-aide, medical adhesive, spirit gum, silicone adhesives, isopropyl alcohol, adhesive removers and their compatibility with different prosthetic basesLearn about adhesive systems and removers for various prosthetic bases. Understand how they match, working times, removal methods, and ways to reduce skin harm while ensuring strong, camera-safe hold.
Pros-aide types and correct usageMedical adhesive and sensitive skinSpirit gum and modern alternativesSilicone adhesives and bond strengthIsopropyl alcohol and safe handlingAdhesive removers and skin protectionLesson 2Skin safety and hygiene protocols: patch testing, cross-contamination prevention, sterilization vs. cleaning, single-use items, PPE for artist and actorStudy professional hygiene standards for prosthetic makeup. You will tell apart cleaning from sterilization, stop cross-contamination, handle single-use items, and use personal protective equipment properly to safeguard the artist and performer.
Handwashing and glove change routinesCleaning versus sterilization methodsPreventing cross-contamination on setManaging single-use versus reusable itemsPPE selection for artist and performerDisinfecting workstations and equipmentLesson 3Blood, scab and fluid products: types (coagulated, syrup blood, gel blood), viscosity choices for fresh vs. old wounds, stain behavior and removersExamine blood, scab, and fluid products for true-to-life effects. Compare thicknesses, staining patterns, and removal techniques, and plan for consistency so wounds, sweat, and fluids stay the same over shooting days.
Types of blood: syrup, gel, and coagulatedChoosing viscosity for wound ageStain behavior on skin and fabricsSafe use near eyes, mouth, and noseRemoval strategies and stain controlContinuity planning for fluid effectsLesson 4Allergy and sensitivity management: how to perform a skin patch test, recognizing contact dermatitis, emergency steps for reactions, documentation and actor consent formsBuild a clear plan for handling allergies and sensitivities. Learn to do patch tests, spot early reaction signs, handle emergencies, and keep records with proper consent and incident forms.
Pre-job medical and allergy screeningHow to perform a skin patch testRecognizing contact dermatitis symptomsImmediate steps for adverse reactionsDocumentation, consent, and incident logsLesson 5Essential tools and consumables: brushes, stipple sponges, sculpting tools, alcohol wipes, barrier films, release agents, mixing cups, pigments, powdersDiscover key tools and supplies for safe and quick prosthetic work. Learn to pick, set up, label, and care for them to prevent contamination, waste, and damage in studio or on-location settings.
Brush types and dedicated usesStipple sponges and texture toolsSculpting tools and detailing aidsBarrier films, wipes, and release agentsMixing cups, palettes, and labelingPigments, powders, and storage careLesson 6Overview of common prosthetic media: foam latex, slab-silicone, skin-safe silicone (platinum and tin), gelatin, pros-aide transfers, and 3D printed transfersReview popular prosthetic materials and how they work. Compare foam latex, gelatin, silicones, transfers, and 3D prints for comfort, strength, application steps, and removal ease.
Foam latex: strengths and limitationsGelatin appliances and reusabilityPlatinum versus tin-cure siliconesPros-aide and 3D printed transfersChoosing media for role and scheduleLesson 7Properties comparison: breathability, flexibility, longevity under hot lights, detail capture, and cost per unitCompare main features of key prosthetic materials. See how air flow, bendiness, heat resistance, detail quality, and price affect choices for films, theatre, and long-wear uses.
Breathability and skin occlusion risksFlexibility, movement, and comfortLongevity under hot lights and sweatFine detail capture and edge qualityCost per unit and budgeting choicesLesson 8Paints and colorants: alcohol-activated palettes, silicone paints, PAX mixtures, cream makeup, pigments and mixers for realistic skin tonesLook at paints and colorants for prosthetics. Learn when to use alcohol-activated, silicone, PAX, or cream types, how to blend true skin colors, and ways to layer, seal, and keep them lasting on set.
Alcohol-activated palettes and usageSilicone paints and bond to appliancesPAX mixtures and adhesion behaviorCream makeup for blending and detailMixing pigments for varied skin tonesSealing, fixing, and on-set touch-upsLesson 9Environmental considerations: heat management under lights, sweat mitigation, ventilation when using solvents, and safe disposal of chemical wasteDeal with environmental and health issues in prosthetic work. Learn to handle heat, sweat, and air flow, use solvents safely, and throw away chemical waste following studio and local rules.
Heat buildup under lights and coolingSweat mitigation under appliancesVentilation for solvents and aerosolsSafe storage of flammable productsChemical waste segregation and disposal
