How to make Gelatin Special Effects appliances

[Boosels]

Adding the zinc will help. Its weird but its the salt in sweat that wrecks the most havoc. I have successfully used gelatin facial prosthetics for extended wear in hot environments by using something called, "Dermashield" first. The stuff is a wonderful barrier shield. Makes prosaide removal super quick also ;).2 coats on the skin, let dry, then apply the piece. Seal it with a coat of prosaide. Michael Davies "Watermelon" works great also.

[Tahlorn]

Would you recommend against using this for facial prosthetic pieces for long application times? I am making a piece that will be an effective half-mask, and want to make sure it won't melt after a few hours or wear.

[PierceFitzgerald]

I was wondering if gelatine is re usable after use by melting it back down to a liquid?

[Boosels]

@PierceFitzgerald Yes, you can reuse it many times.

[PierceFitzgerald]

@Boosels thankyou thats helped me a lot :)

[Joxman2k]

Hey Boosels I'm just curious as to why you have a "comment pending approval" limitation?

I'm not offended, just curious :)

:P

[Boosels]

@Joxman2k you would be surprised at the really bad comments that have nothing to do with FX get posted. I try to screen them to only allow useful comments to help those wanting to learn FX.

[Joxman2k]

Just a note Sorbitol is not necessary, but highly recommended as it prolongs the stability and flexibility of the appliance. All FX artists have their own recipe, and I suggest you experiment to see what mixture is right for your application.

I think Sorbitol adds to the consistent mixing of flocking and adhesive qualities.

If someone has more knowledge and experience please add to my comment.

:)

:P

[Boosels]

Its not so much the heat you have to worry about with 300 bloom gel, its SWEAT. That salt in sweat will cause not only 300bloom, but many glues like prosaide as well to ruin. Make sure to use a really good sealer first on the actors skin like Green Marble. Dont be affraid to put a couple layers down especially around the mouth.

[Boosels]

I have found that zinc really helps on larger pieces like the chest prop in the video. It makes the gelatin more rubbery and more resistant to the effects of lights. If your just doing prosthetics, try upping your sorbitol amounts. Sorbitol makes it stronger and more durable.

[DjMikal7]

hey the website says that the zinc isnt included in the kits. is that good or bad, or should i even be concerned. im a 6 intermediate artist that wants to get into more prostheic work.

[Boosels]

Its the large kit

[nathandonnelly]

@Boosels What size is this set you bought from FX Warehouse? Is that the small kit (1 quart) or the large kit (2 quarts)?

[Boosels]

@IRelievant, Yes, you can remelt it and keep using it.

[IRellevant]

can you re-melt this stuff and keep using it?

[mikeccuk2006]

How soft Gelatin can get compare to platsil gel 10?

[Boosels]

@mikeccuk2006 you can make gelatin as soft as you want. the more glycerin you add the softer. Or the less gelation u add to the recipe in the video will result in softer gelatin. So yeah, you can make it as soft or softer than platsil.

[marktious]

dude wer can i buy the materials needed???im from the philippines...

pls reply..tnx...godbless

[Boosels]

@marktious Fxwarehouse com  carries the complete kits

[Jawatchit]

8:32 = nipples

[Dissociation1]

I recently bought some little cubes of gelatin from an FX store. Are those more or less the same as what you're using here? Can they be used for prosthetics?

[jonwhunt]

@Dissociation1 Yes those are the same. You don't have to mix anything with those, just melt them down. There are several companies that make preformed gelatin cubes for FX. There are also foamed gelatin cubes. Most of us keep several colors in our makeup kits in case we need to do a quick trauma build up. All you want to do is make sure it not TOO hot before placing it on anyone.

[sonne5]

Another quick question ... you know any good mold releases to release gelatin from the plaster molds? preferably something I can buy local and don't have to order? Thanks, man.

[Boosels]

@sonne5 Good ole' Vasoline works great brush a thin layer on both your +/-molds.

[sonne5]

I have a few questions. I'm making a facial prosthetic soon, and was wondering ... what's good to paint on it? make up wise? Rubber masked grease paint? Or any kind of creme foundation mixed with caster oil? Also, can I use water instead of glycerin? Will it hold up this way if I refridgerate it and keep it air tight? Lastly, what glue should I use to attach it to the actor? Spirt gum? Additionally, I heard witch hazel is good for blending ... is this so? Thanks for this video!

[Boosels]

@sonne5 Any greasepaint, make sure to seal it first with something like green marble. Do not use water, water degrades the strength and it will shrink. Pros aid is the best glue. Put some on both the appliance and the skin, dry, then press together. Since gelatin doesnt breathe the glue has to be dry and work like contact glue does. Also silicone adheisive can be used. Witch hazel is good for dissolving the edge down.

[Monerista]

the gelatin that you used, is it different from that we use to eat?

[joeyvader]

@Monerista ...it is essentially the same...used with the glycerin and sorbitol, you shoud get the same results...

[Boosels]

@Monerista The bloom number is alot higher with the gelatin used for Prosthetics. We use 300 bloom for prosthetics. Normal gelatin is lower bloom and will tear rather easy. You can add more strength to normal gelatin by increasing the sorbitol and adding zinc. Both strengthen gelatin.

[helxig]

Thanks for uploading this. I've read the recipes online but actually seeing it done will help too. Also, for the flesh tone powder, is it possible to just use a powder foundation? And if there is no flocking, foundation, or any colour pigment added, will the gelatin still be skin coloured? Or just transparent looking? Thanks =]

[helxig]

Oh and sorry about all the questions, but how much liquid foundation can you add before it ruins it?

[Boosels]

@helxig Hi, it will be semi transparent. It wont be as clear as silicone, but close.

Yes, you can just use foundation to color it, works fine. It only takes a few drops. Too much and the gelatin loses transparency and begins to look like a dolls skin. As the gelatin is simmering and your adding color,add a few drops, mix, then see if thats the color your after. If not , add a few more drops.  I dont have a "too much" measurement, just only add a few drops at a time and u should be fine.

[UchihaMoonSerenity]

You were talking about the effects of blood and the use of syringes to mimic such an effect. Do you have / are you willing to make a video on that?

[Boosels]

Sure, I can put one together soon after Christmas and post it.

[Jmallia1991]

Can you tell me please where can I find all of the powders?

[Boosels]

over at fxwarehouse. I put the web address in the video where you can find all the powders.

[creepsomber]

Do you have a problem with Reel Blood staining your appliance during film testing? How about using water for tests?

[Boosels]

Yes, it seeps into some props no matter how well you coat them with green marble sealer or any other sealer. I usually reapply foundation and then re airbrush to touch it up. I never use water alone because it will deteriorate the gelatin. I also make several practice copys of a prop to take several different shots depending on what the director wants.

[wlindenlaub]

Hey, thanks Boosels. Great video! l've heard that a gelatin appliance is good for one use, then its garbage. What is the approximate shelf life for say a small face appliance that hasn't been used yet?

[Boosels]

I have used small cuts and genaric wounds that I have stored for over a month or so. Eventually it hardens up due to the evaporation of water. You can slow this by storing in a zip lock bag in a cool place. The good news is you can just remelt it and pour back in your mold.

[Boosels]

Hi Malsum, Gelatin can be made much dense by adding in more zinc oxide. It makes it rather tough. But you loose the good characteristics of skin like appearence and feel. To make it "looser", you could not let all the moisture evaporate or add in water. Its just that when you add water you run the risk of shrinkage as the appliance gets older it will shrink. Thanks for the comments!

[Malsum]

Great tutorial!

One question. Is it possible to vary how hard the finished material will be? Like you can use deadner on silicon to make it softer and more flexible.

[DollaahDollaah]

what can you use to glue gelatin to a face? i'm making a costume right now and would really like some help!

[Boosels]

Since gelatin doesnt breathe, its best to use a contact adhesive such as Telesis silicone adhesive or pros-aid.

[Boosels]

If you coat the appliance with pros-aid, let it dry and also apply the pros-aid to the face and let dry, then apply the piece while tacky. If it bites or sticks in the wrong place, use a q-tip dipped in 99% alcohol to loosen and reposition.

[Boosels]

If you try to apply the gelatin piece with the pros-aid wet, it will not dry because air cannot get to it like foam latex and then because of the weight of gelatin it will slide right off. If its a small appliance ( small cut) you can just use more gelatin. Make sure the gelatin isnt too hot so it wont hurt the skin.

[sonne5]

If you use gelatin for small prosthetics, what do you use to blend the edges? Liquid latex? Or Duo?

[Boosels]

You can use both. Liquid latex is great with a stipple sponge on high edges. If its around thin areas such as corners of eyes use the duo.

[Illisil]

I liked this video very much, it was well layed out and informative.

[Boosels]

Flocking is tiny colored fibers used either as a coloring or as a highlight like I use it to give the appearance of tiny top of the skin capilaries and blood vessels. Its not a must, just a nice finishing look. You can get away with either leaving it transparent and painting it with pax paint or get some cheap liquid cosmetic makeup and color the gelatin as its cooking.

[Boosels]

Im not familiar with 220. As the numbers drop, so does the strength. So based on that I would add more zinc oxide to keep it from tearing. Ive seen people use regular gelatin you eat out of the store and make small appliances or build it up on their skin. It should work for you.

[noygepte]

nice one sir,can i use 220 bloom?coz here in the philippines we only hev 220 bloom.what is flocking color?

[Boosels]

Another option for you since you donot have an oven would be Platsil Gel 10. Its a self cure silicon. Throw a little silicon deadener in it and it is just like skin. No baking or cooking. Just mix part A to B and let it sit for a few hours like gelatin and demold. Fxwarehouse is running a special on it this month I think, you may want to grab some up and try it out while its on sale.

[xcornmuffinx]

Great video, I've been thinking of moving to gelatin since I don't really have the facilities at my new place to run foam latex anymore.

[Boosels]

I know what you mean, my latex oven is very large and wont fit into a house, but it works great I picked it up from a army surplus store of all places.

[Boosels]

Thanks, Yea, gelatin is very economical and very versatile. There isnt as long of a wait as with silicone, and if you mess up, you can melt the piece right back down and redo it. It doesnt hurt the gelatin. I would say that it moves and feels texture wise-in between foam latex and silicone.

[creepsomber]

Great job, I'm guessing that gelatin is a bit easier to work with and cheaper than silicone?