Easy SFX Prosthetics

Here is a simple guide to making a flat SFX prosthetic and an eye prosthetic.

• Liquid Latex (Cosmetic grade)
• Fake blood
• Foundation
• Creme face paints
• Translucent powder
• A small fluffy eyeshadow brush
• A large fluffy powder brush
• Small liner brush
• Cotton balls
• Cosmetic Makeup sponges (The ones used for latex cannot be reused)
• Sculpting tools (A small palette knife or spatula will do)
• Clay (I used stoneware)
• A reusable flat surface (I recommend acrylic)

These are all available at Halloween pop-up shops or big-box stores like Walmart or Target during the Halloween season. They are also available on Amazon year-round.

This will be a 2-day process, so leave time allotted before your costume.

Day one is about laying down our base work. First, decide on whether you want to make a flat or round prosthetic. You can make both at the same time, but I would recommend starting with a flat piece as you get used to working with latex.

For a round piece, start by forming your clay into the general shape of the part of your body it will cover. However, if you are making an eyepiece, I recommend making it at a curve so you can still move your eye underneath.

The Ultimate Guide to Liquid Latex

Start by laying down a thin layer of liquid latex on your prop using a cosmetic sponge. Unroll your cotton ball and separate the fibers until you have a very thin layer of cotton. Lay down the cotton onto the wet latex, avoiding the edges of the latex, and then carefully apply another layer to the cotton to fully saturate the fibers. The fibers will try to stick to the sponge, so be ready to stick them back down with a spatula or finger. Let this layer completely dry. The latex will turn a translucent yellow color when fully set.

Repeat step 2 until you have reached your desired thickness. Face pieces will likely only need 1 or 2 layers, but body pieces can and should be thicker. The center of your prosthetic OR the edge of the wound should be the thickest point. The edge of your prosthetic should only be a very thin layer of latex. Your final layer can include your wound structure. Use cotton to build up the edges of your wound, and then use latex to smooth the surface out as desired. Keep in mind, the cotton should still be fully saturated with latex.

Allow to dry. If the prosthetic is very thick, I recommend leaving it overnight.

Now, it is time to paint the prosthetic. Powder the latex with a thin layer of your translucent powder. This allows the paints to stick to the prosthetic better. Now lay down a thin layer of your foundation - this should match the skin tone of the area the prosthetic will be. I recommend using a clean cosmetic wedge sponge. Powder again.

First, paint your bruises. Use light shades of green, yellow, and blue to break up the skin texture. You can use your small eyeshadow brush or the corner of your makeup sponge.

Next is irritation: Apply a neutral red around your wound, maintaining a splotchy effect.

(This is where I recommend using reference photos. Attached is a list of sources for reference photos, however the one I use the most is the r/MedicalGore subreddit)

Begin adding darker shade of reds and purples into your wound using your small fluffy brush and your liner brush. The darkest area should be in the center of the wound: This creates depth.

Now use a small amount of a light skin tone shade to reintroduce your highlights. These should be applied to the high points of your prosthetic.

Lastly, blood! Apply fake blood into your wound using a liner brush. You can also use your makeup sponge or eyeshadow brush to create splatter and smears.

Peel your wound off of your mold. In the attached picture, I used an eyepiece that was formed on a lump of clay. Apply a thin layer of latex on the backside of your prosthetic. If the piece is covering your eye, nose, or mouth, I recommend only applying latex to the outer edge.

Stick the prosthetic on and hold firmly against the intended area. The latex should cure quickly, and your prosthetic should be stuck on! Now apply another thin layer of latex on the outer edge of your wound. This is to blend the prosthetic into your skin more.

Lastly, use your foundation and bruise paints to blend in the prosthetic color-wise. The paints should be on the prosthetic AND the skin. Apply more blood if a dripping effect is wanted. You can also use clear lip gloss in order to add shine to the wound or any dried blood.