Lesson 1Adhesives and removers: pros-aide, medical adhesive, spirit gum, silicone adhesives, isopropyl alcohol, adhesive removers and their compatibility with different prosthetic basesUnderstand adhesive systems and removers for different prosthetic bases. Learn compatibility, working times, removal strategies, and how to minimise skin trauma while maintaining secure, camera-ready adhesion.
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, sterilisation vs. cleaning, single-use items, PPE for artist and actorLearn professional hygiene standards for prosthetic makeup. You will distinguish cleaning from sterilisation, prevent cross-contamination, manage single-use items, and apply PPE correctly to protect both artist and performer.
Handwashing and glove change routinesCleaning versus sterilisation 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 behaviour and removersStudy blood, scab, and fluid products for realistic effects. Compare viscosities, staining behaviour, and removal methods, and plan continuity so wounds, sweat, and fluids remain consistent across shooting days.
Types of blood: syrup, gel, and coagulatedChoosing viscosity for wound ageStain behaviour 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, recognising contact dermatitis, emergency steps for reactions, documentation and actor consent formsDevelop a structured approach to allergies and sensitivities. Learn to conduct patch tests, recognise early reaction signs, respond to emergencies, and document findings with clear consent and incident records.
Pre-job medical and allergy screeningHow to perform a skin patch testRecognising 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, powdersExplore essential tools and consumables for safe, efficient prosthetic work. Learn correct selection, setup, labelling, and maintenance to avoid contamination, waste, and tool damage in both studio and on-set environments.
Brush types and dedicated usesStipple sponges and texture toolsSculpting tools and detailing aidsBarrier films, wipes, and release agentsMixing cups, palettes, and labellingPigments, 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 transfersSurvey the most common prosthetic media and their behaviour. Compare foam latex, gelatin, silicones, transfers, and 3D prints in terms of comfort, durability, application workflow, and removal considerations.
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 key performance traits of major prosthetic materials. Learn how breathability, flexibility, durability under heat, detail fidelity, and cost influence material choice for film, theatre, and long-wear applications.
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 colourants: alcohol-activated palettes, silicone paints, PAX mixtures, cream makeup, pigments and mixers for realistic skin tonesExamine paints and colourants used over prosthetics. Learn when to choose alcohol-activated, silicone, PAX, or creams, how to mix realistic skin tones, and how to layer, seal, and maintain durability on set.
Alcohol-activated palettes and usageSilicone paints and bond to appliancesPAX mixtures and adhesion behaviourCream 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 wasteAddress environmental and health factors in prosthetic work. Learn to manage heat, sweat, and ventilation, handle solvents safely, and dispose of chemical waste in compliance with studio and local regulations.
Heat buildup under lights and coolingSweat mitigation under appliancesVentilation for solvents and aerosolsSafe storage of flammable productsChemical waste segregation and disposal
