Lesson 1Application tools and hygiene items: brushes, sponges, stipple pads, adhesive tapes, barrier films, disposable applicators, PPE basicsExamine the vital application tools and hygiene practices for FX makeup. Discover how to choose brushes and sponges, use disposable items, apply barrier products, and follow PPE guidelines to ensure safety and maintain high sanitation standards professionally.
Brush types for creams and alcohol paintsSponges, stipple pads, and texture toolsBarrier films and skin prep routinesDisposable applicators and cross-contaminationPPE basics: gloves, masks, and eye safetyCleaning and disinfecting tools dailyLesson 2Bloods, gels and fluids: film blood vs stage blood, viscosity control, safe edible/near-mouth productsGet to know various bloods, gels, and fluids for film and stage use. Master opacity, colour, and flow adjustments, plus safe application near eyes and mouth, wardrobe protection, and effective cleanup methods for seamless productions.
Film versus stage blood requirementsAdjusting blood colour and opacityControlling viscosity and flow pathsEdible and near-mouth safe productsBlood continuity and wardrobe stainingCleanup strategies for sets and actorsLesson 3Molding and prosthetic fabrication basics: life-casting essentials, matrix types, mould release agents, safety during castingAcquire a hands-on understanding of moulding and basic prosthetic creation. Learn life-casting safety measures, mould varieties, release agents, and planning for simple moulds that enable clean, repeatable appliance production.
Life-casting prep and safety briefingChoosing alginate versus silicone for castsRigid versus flexible mould shell optionsUsing mould release agents correctlyPlanning vents, keys, and pour pointsDemoulding and basic casting troubleshootingLesson 4On-set tool kit for maintenance: quick-fix adhesives, blending materials, touch-up paints, adhesive remover wipes, sweat control productsFind out how to put together and manage an effective on-set FX kit. Concentrate on rapid fixes, edge blending, repainting, sweat management, and safe removal to keep prosthetics looking sharp throughout extended filming or performance days.
Core adhesives for fast on-set repairsBlending edges with fillers and spongesTouch-up paints for continuityManaging sweat, oil, and humiditySafe mini removers and cleanup wipesOrganising a compact set bagLesson 5Pigments and paints: alcohol-activated, cream foundation, silicone pigments, powdered pigments, mixing and matching for stage vs filmDelve into pigments and paints for FX makeup, including alcohol-activated types, creams, and powders. Understand mixing, matching, and layering techniques suited to various cameras, lighting conditions, and performance requirements.
Alcohol-activated palettes: use and careCream foundations for prosthetic blendingSilicone pigments for encapsulated piecesPowder pigments and setting techniquesColour mixing for film versus stageMatching skin tones across lighting setupsLesson 6Overview of common prosthetic materials: latex, silicone, gelatin, foam latex — properties, pros and consCompare latex, silicone, gelatin, and foam latex for prosthetics. Grasp their durability, flexibility, translucency, and comfort levels to select materials that fit performance demands, budget constraints, and environmental conditions.
Latex prosthetics: strengths and limitsSilicone prosthetics: realism and weightGelatin appliances: fast, low-cost optionsFoam latex: lightweight character buildsAllergy awareness and patch testingChoosing materials for climate and actionLesson 7Texturing and sculpting supplies: clays, alginate, plaster bandages, prosthetic foam, sculpting tools, silicone thickenersInvestigate essential texturing and sculpting supplies for prosthetic design. Understand the behaviour of clays, alginate, plaster bandages, foams, and thickeners, and learn to choose and care for sculpting tools to ensure consistent outcomes.
Choosing sculpting clays for FX workUsing alginate for fast life castsWorking safely with plaster bandagesIntro to prosthetic foams and usesSilicone thickeners for texture buildsCare and storage of sculpting toolsLesson 8Adhesives, removers, sealers and safe solvents: medical-grade adhesives, spirit gum, silicone adhesive, isopropyl vs specialised removersExamine adhesives, removers, sealers, and solvents in FX makeup. Know when to use medical-grade options, handle spirit gum and silicone glues, and remove products safely to protect skin during applications.
Medical-grade versus cosmetic adhesivesWorking effectively with spirit gumSilicone adhesives for heavy prostheticsChoosing sealers for different materialsIsopropyl alcohol versus specialty removersSafe adhesive removal and skin aftercare