Lesson 1Budget-conscious sourcing and substitutions: where to cut cost without sacrificing camera-readinessThis section teaches smart ways to source materials on a budget without compromising camera quality. You will learn where to spend more, where to save, how to swap materials safely, and how buying in bulk and planning ahead cut down waste and sudden expenses.
Prioritizing spend on hero vs background piecesSafe substitutions for high-cost materialsBulk purchasing and decanting strategiesReusing molds, cores, and support shellsTracking costs per look for future bidsLesson 2Makeup paints and colorants: alcohol-activated palettes, silicone paints, PAX mixtures, pigment mixing and dilutionThis section covers main makeup colour systems for prosthetics and gore, comparing alcohol-activated palettes, silicone paints, and PAX. You will learn how to mix pigments, dilute them, ensure they last, and match skin tones and camera needs.
Alcohol-activated palettes: opacity and reactivationSilicone paints for encapsulated and direct applicationsPAX mixtures: ratios, adhesion, and flexibilityPigment mixing for skin tones and bruisingSafe solvents and dilutions for on-set adjustmentsLesson 3Blood products: viscosities, colors, drying behavior, edible vs washable vs stage blood, coagulation controlThis section looks at blood products for camera work, covering thickness, colour, and drying. You will compare edible, washable, and stage blood, and learn to control flow, staining, and clotting for smooth continuity and safety.
Matching blood color to lighting and cameraThin vs thick blood: flow and splatter controlEdible blood for mouth and near-eye useWashable vs permanent stain considerationsCoagulated clots and scab texture creationLesson 4Latex and gelatin: formulations, setting, longevity, backup usesHere you will learn how to mix, pour, and keep latex and gelatin pieces in shape. We cover how they set, shrink, last, and how to use them as backups when silicone or foam latex won't work.
Latex formulations for slush and brush castingGelatin recipes for reusable prostheticsControlling setting time and shrinkageStorage, rewarming, and lifespan managementBackup uses when silicone is unavailableLesson 5Casting materials: silicone pourables, polyurethane resins, plaster, foam latex, support shellsThis section details casting materials for making prosthetics and props. You will compare silicone pourables, polyurethane resins, plaster, foam latex, and support shells, learning when each works best and how to dodge common problems.
Silicone pourables for soft skin piecesPolyurethane resins for rigid propsPlaster casting for cores and testsFoam latex casting into multi-part moldsSupport shells for flexible cast stabilityLesson 6Foam latex and prosthetic gelatine: structure, heat behavior, and when to chooseHere we compare foam latex and prosthetic gelatine, looking at structure, movement, and heat response. You will learn when to pick each, how to test softness and bounce-back, and how to avoid issues under hot lights or long days.
Foam latex structure, cell size, and reboundGelatine density, translucency, and weightHeat behavior under lights and body warmthChoosing material by region and performanceTesting comfort and durability with actorsLesson 7Hygiene and disposables: gloves, barrier films, sterile wipes, disposable applicators, actor comfort itemsThis section focuses on hygiene, disposables, and actor comfort. You will learn how gloves, barrier films, sterile wipes, and disposable tools keep things clean while comfort items make sure performers stay safe and happy.
Glove types and change protocolsBarrier films for chairs and surfacesSterile wipes and skin prep routinesDisposable applicators for shared productsComfort items: towels, fans, and blanketsLesson 8Adhesives and removers: pros AFX Pros-Aide, Medical adhesive, Pros-Aide Liquid, silicone adhesive, isopropyl/medical adhesive removersHere you will explore adhesives and removers for prosthetics. We compare Pros-Aide, medical adhesives, silicone adhesives, and removers, focusing on stickiness, flexibility, skin safety, and quick, gentle cleanup.
Pros-Aide types and typical use casesMedical adhesive vs Pros-Aide performanceSilicone adhesive for silicone appliancesIsopropyl and medical adhesive removersAdhesion testing on different skin typesLesson 9Storage and transport: packaging, temperature control, on-set repair kits and spare partsThis section covers how to store, label, and move SFX materials and finished pieces. You will learn about packaging, temperature control, shock protection, and putting together on-set repair kits and spares for emergencies.
Labeling and dating materials and mixesTemperature and light control in transitProtective packaging for finished prostheticsDesigning on-set repair and patch kitsSpare parts strategy for critical hero piecesLesson 10Tools and rigging: sculpting tools, brushes, stipple sponges, transfer sheets, dental tools, clamps, armaturesHere we look at essential tools and rigging gear for SFX work. You will learn how sculpting tools, brushes, sponges, dental tools, clamps, and armatures help with clean sculpts, solid rigs, and quick on-set changes.
Core sculpting tools and loop selectionBrushes and stipple sponges for textureDental tools for fine detail and cleanupClamps, magnets, and quick rigging aidsArmatures for stable lifecast-based sculptsLesson 11Skin-safe primers and barriers: barrier creams, liquid latex vs medical-grade sealantsHere we cover skin-safe primers and barrier products to protect performers. You will compare barrier creams, medical-grade sealants, and liquid latex, learning when each fits and how they affect sticking and removal.
Barrier creams for sensitive or damaged skinMedical-grade sealants under adhesivesLiquid latex as barrier and texture layerTesting for allergies and patch reactionsImpact on adhesion strength and removalLesson 12Mold-making materials: alginate for lifecasts, silicone mold rubbers, plaster bandages, mothermolds, release agentsHere you will learn main mold-making materials for lifecasts and prosthetics. We cover alginate, silicone mold rubbers, plaster bandages, rigid mothermolds, and release agents, with tips for safety and good results every time.
Alginate selection and mix for lifecastingSilicone mold rubbers for repeat castingPlaster bandages for fast support shellsRigid mothermolds: fiberglass and alternativesChoosing and applying safe release agentsLesson 133D workflows and transfers (overview): 3D scanning, printing prosthetic lifecasts, 3D-printed sculpt base, thin 3D transfers as backupThis section introduces 3D-assisted workflows for prosthetics and transfers. You will learn how scanning, printing lifecasts, and 3D-printed sculpt bases support thin 3D transfers and backup pieces that work with traditional methods.
3D scanning actors for accurate lifecasts3D printing lifecast positives and negativesPrinted sculpt bases for repeatable designsDesigning thin 3D transfers as backupsIntegrating 3D parts with hand-sculpted workLesson 14Textures and fillers: cotton, spun latex, gelatin fibers, silicone gel, tissue techniquesHere we focus on building and blending texture with cheap fillers. You will learn how cotton, tissue, spun latex, gelatin fibres, and silicone gel make scars, wounds, and blends that stand up to close camera checks.
Cotton and latex buildup for raised woundsTissue layering for quick aging and tearingSpun latex webs for stringy gore effectsGelatin fibers for tendons and exposed tissueSilicone gel for seamless edge fillingLesson 15Silicones: platinum vs tin, shore hardness, pros/cons, suppliersThis section clears up prosthetic silicones, comparing platinum and tin systems. You will understand shore hardness, cure issues, working times, and how to choose suppliers and products that fit performance, budget, and safety.
Platinum vs tin silicone: chemistry and usesChoosing shore hardness for facial vs body piecesCure inhibition risks and contamination sourcesPigmenting and deadening silicone safelyEvaluating silicone suppliers and product lines
