In this post, I have researced in to different techniques that may be used when creating realisitic wounds with SFX makeup. This research will aid me in choosing which techniques to experement with, and use in my assesment.
WARNING ; This document contains imagery of makeup that has been created to mimic real injury, some viewers may find this content upsetting.
Products
Below is a brief description of some of the most important products, when it comes to creating realistic wounds makeup. Each of these products are essential when creating this kind of makeup.
Paints
Grease paints – A water resistant, thick, heavily pigmented paint. This product is great for use in theater as it creates a very bold finish.
Alcohol activated paints – Water resistant paints, activated with alcohol (acetone). This product is much more suitable for film and tv use, as its buildable pigment makes for a much more realistic finish.
Blood
Internal – A runny substance used to create the illusion of bleeding. Can be used in varied amounts, and applied in multiple different ways to create different effects.
Fresh scratch – Thicker, clotted blood that is most commonly used to fill wounds.
Blood capsules – Placed in the mouth to create the illusion of internal injury. These are also available in foam consistencies, for creating the effect of drowning.
Eye drops – This kind of blood is designed for safe use in the eye, and is another product that is perfect for creating the illusion of internal injury.
Wound fillers
Pustule gel – Used to create the illusion of infected wounds.
Burns gel – Adds a glossy sheen to a burn effect, creating realism.
Coffee granules/ tea leaves – Used to add depth and realism to wounds. Also creates the illusion of gravel and debris in wounds.
Molding products
Putty – With a consistency like plasticine, this product is used for quick creation of 3D effects on the skin. Although this product is easy to work with, it comes in an orangey color, making it hard to seamlessly blend into the skin.
Ciene Wax – This product is similar to putty, but has a harder, waxier consistency. Although this product is harder to work with, and more difficult to shape, its clear consistency makes it much easier to blend into the skin.
Artex – Artex is a 2-part mix solution that is used to create 3D effects on the skin.
Sculpt gel – A 3-part silicone mix, combined to create a spreadable paste that is used to create 3D effects on the skin. This product is great as it is easy to work with, and is flexible, meaning it moves easily with the skin.
Gelatine – A household item used in makeup to create 3D effects, mainly consisting of burns.
Latex – Liquid latex can be layered to create a range of 3D effects on the skin, including burns, blisters, scratches and wrinkles.
Prosthetics
Latex – Prosthetics made from latex are usually used in theater. Although these products are cheaper, they do not blend very seamlessly into the skin. Furthermore, these are unsuitable for many people as latex is a fairly common allergy.
Silicone – Silicone prosthetics are usually of much better quality than their latex counterparts. These products blend much more seamlessly with the skin as they have dissolvable edges, creating realistic effects, and are also much more skin/allergy friendly.
Adhesives and removers
Pros-Aide – One of the strongest adhesives available to makeup artists, this product is great for strong hold, on looks that will be worn for longer time periods.
Pro-clean is the most suitable remover for this product.
Liquid latex – A light-medium hold adhesive that is used for application on less demanding and sensitive areas.
Oil based removers, like hydro-oil, are the most suitable removers for this product.
Spirit gum – This is a strong adhesive, most commonly used for the application of hair pieces.
MME is the most suitable remover for these products.
Tools
Stipple sponge – Used to create effects such as scratches.
Spatula – Used to dispense, mix, mold and blend certain products.
Tongue depressor sticks – Used to mix products that may damage brushes.
Effects
Below I have explored the different wounds that may be created when creating charcters from the war, and what techniques may be used to do this effectively.
First degree burns – These burns are usually created by layering liquid latex. This process helps to create the scaly texture that the skin gains after a burn. Next, grease or alcohol paint would be used to color this effect, creating the realistic finish.
Second degree burns – These burns are usually created by layering latex, and then making an incision to create the illusion of a blister. Grease or alcohol paints would then be used to color this, and a small amount of blood may also be used. Pustule filler and burns gel could be used to add height to the blister – this could be precisely applied using a syringe.
Third degree burn – A bubbling, melting skin effect is often created using gelatin. Prosthetics or sculpt gel may also be used for longer wear. These effects would be colored with grease or alcohol activated paints, and finished with ash and charcoal powder, and a touch of burn gel. Furthermore, crushed dissolvable vitamin tablets can be sprinkled over the finished look, and sprayed with water to create visible bubbling.
Fourth degree burns – These burns are almost always created with prosthetics, as they include the exposure and visibility of deep tissue and even bone. Lots of blood and wound filler would be used for this kind of effect, along with charcoal and ash powders. These effects would be added after coloring from grease or alcohol activated paints.
Bullet wounds (entry or exit)– There are many ways bullet wounds may be created, these include; putty, ciene wax, sculpt gel, artex, or prosthetics. Lots of blood and wound filler would be used for these effects, along with coloring from grease or alcohol activated paints. Ash powder may also be used.
Lacerations – Much like bullet wounds, lacerations can also be made from a range of products, including; putty, ciene wax, sculpt gel, artex, prosthetics or liquid latex. Depending on the size and nature of the injury, these effects may differ, but most of these wounds would be filled with wound filler and blood, after coloring. Smaller cuts and scrapes may be created using blood and stipple sponges, or latex.
Shrapnel injury – Shrapnel injuries themselves can be created in the same way as burns, bullet wounds or lacerations, depending on the nature of the incident. However, shrapnel fragments can be made from sugar glass, silicone, plastic, or can even be home made with items such as card and tin foil.
Bruising – These effects are often created using grease or alcohol activated paints, however pigment powders may also sometimes be used. These powders are often used by beginners as they create much less realistic effects.
Broken and fractured bones – Created with heavy blusining, using alcohol activated or grease paints. Open fractures can be created using prosthetics.
Traumatic amputation – These injuries are usually created using prosthetics, however for theater, paint may be used to create the illusion of a partial amputation.
Hypothermia – The effect of hypothermia is created using the same techniques as burns, however different coloring is used. Rather than red open fire burns, these burns will be of a blue, black or purple coloring.
Drowning – The illusion of drowning can be created by combining bruising with bleeding and swelling techniques. However, foaming tablets are the finishing touch of this look.
Megan Hoff 