R of R fx Silicone prosthetic application tutorial
Anatomy of a piece/ product knowledge
It is important to know the parts of the appliance you are using, as well as some of the best products to go with them.
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Silicone adheres most effectively with a silicone based glue.
(Telesis, silibond, etc)
Silicone will adhere using a water based glue it just takes some more application time to do it right!
(pros aid, etc)
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*ALL PRODUCTS NEEDED CAN BE PURCHASED AT TAYLOR MAID BEAUTY SUPPLY, PROVO UTAH*
Other favorite sites include:
PPI
ALCONE COMPANY
NIGELS
FRENDS
Step 1: skin / piece prep
Clean area of application of oils and dirt, I like to use an astringent like witch hazel.
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Clean back of prosthetic with a light spray of alchohol to remove any mold release or powder. Press lightly with paper towels.
Step 2: line up piece
​line up and measure on the area where exactly you want to place the piece.
Step 3: Application
(water based glue/Prosaid)
*important*- WHEN APPLYING PROSAID TO SILICONE PIECES - you must apply in a thin layer and allow to dry to clear and tacky, you also must apply on both sides because it is a contact adhesive.
For smaller pieces, once held where you like, lift one side and begin applying glue on to the skin and the piece ( skin only for silicone glue ), avoiding the edges for now.
For larger pieces, apply glue in center of area and center of piece to “tack” (center on skin only for silicone glue) ,avoiding the edges for now.
Once the center is tacked begin going around the edges up to the fleshing, avoiding glueing the fleshing down. (Don’t forget to do both sides of water based glue) .When glueing the edges make sure to gently pull away from the center and lay from the center to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles. You will know there is no bubbles when you have an even surface and no discolouration.
Step 4: bleeding the edges
Using scissors, cut a slit in the fleshing.
Using acetone on a Q-tip or small brush, gently pull the fleshing out and down slightly. Gently glide the tip along the fleshing, as it dissolves continue to follow it avoiding over swiping or rubbing. Saturate your tool well with product, enough to be full but not drip.
Step 5: sealing the edges
Once the edges are all bled, using a textured sponge dipped in pros-aid, stipple a few thin layers along all the edges to seal, add texture and strengthen. Don’t apply to heavy, or if you do feather it out with another sponge.
Step 6: Powder
When powdering your piece, press the translucent setting powder strongly but gently into the piece and edges as to not aggitate anything.
Step 7: Paint your piece.
When painting I like to apply in layers and washes following a reference of some kind. for a more in depth painting class see my classes page!!
R of R fx Silicone prosthetic Removal tutorial
Step 1: Soak
soak piece in an oil based makeup remover or one made for the glue you are using.
Step 2: Lift edge
Begin circling your brush over your edges until something begins to peel up. Once an edge is up you can go under with the brush and ample remover and gently losen it off the face.
Step 3: Clean and prep
once the piece is lifted there will be a glue perimiter, continuing to circle your brush with the proper remover or using a textured rag/wipe will remove it.
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Finish up your model or actor by adding a lotion to replace the oils we removed.