Use of liquid latex to create realistic wounds and skin effects
Ever wonder how to create those realistic scars, wounds, and skin effects you see in the movies? You may think that it is beyond the ability of average people to create something as convincing as Brad Pitt’s aging skin effects in ‘The curious Case of Benjamin Button‘or the cuts and gaping wounds so obvious on’zombie land‘. Not so. Liquid latex, the main component of any realistic skin effect, is relatively inexpensive and readily available, both online and at most craft stores. Be sure to read the label before buying liquid latex to apply to the skin, and avoid any branding that says ‘Not for cosmetic use’ or ‘Not for body paint’.
Before you start
Before using liquid latex on your skin, you should always test a patch on a small area of skin before beginning your project. Rub a small amount on the back of your hand to check for an allergic reaction. If you experience any discomfort or a rash appears, you most likely have latex intolerance and should stop using it. Most people are not sensitive to latex and should be fine, but a small percentage of people have reported adverse reactions, so it’s always a good idea to check first to be sure.
The other thing to keep in mind at this stage is that the liquid latex will stick to the fabric and hair; and it does not come out Once it comes in contact with your clothes or your carpet, it stays there… forever. The only way to remove the liquid latex from the hair is by pulling it out, which usually removes it from the skin. You should also make sure that it does not come into contact with your eyes or mouth. It goes without saying that children should be supervised at all times when liquid latex is around. So it does take a bit of prep, but it’s worth it as there’s so much fun to be had with liquid latex.
When you first open the latex container, you will notice a fairly strong odor. That’s the ammonia used to preserve liquid latex. Although ammonia is added to liquid latex in minimal doses (approx. 0.3%, depending on the brand), it is advisable to have some ventilation in the work area. For best results, use a foam makeup sponge or foam brush to apply the latex. Whichever applicator you decide to go with, you will need to dispose of it after use. Soaking the applicator in soapy water before use will extend its use, but once the liquid latex dries on the applicator, even turpentine won’t keep it from ending up in the trash.
How to make a fake wound
Apply some liquid latex to the skin, remembering to keep it out of the eyes, hair and mouth; and wait a few minutes until it dries. Then carefully remove some of the dried latex from the skin. This will give the appearance of torn or blistered skin depending on how you handle it. The more coats you apply, the deeper the wound will appear. Drying time for each coat is usually about five minutes and can be sped up with the gentle heat of a hair dryer. Each layer must be allowed to dry completely before applying the next or the wound will take much longer to dry. Liquid latex is available in a wide range of colours, but is mainly sold as ‘clear’ or ‘transparent’, therefore only minimal decorating is required for the end result to match individual skin tone. Red food coloring can also be added to give the wound a fresh or infected look.
How to create aged skin effects
Lay a small piece of tissue paper on a non-porous surface, such as greaseproof paper or tracing paper, and coat evenly with liquid latex. After about a minute, place the tissue paper on the desired area of your skin. Using the applicator of your choice, coat the tissue paper with more liquid latex and it will begin to adhere to the skin. As the latex dries, it will begin to shrink, causing the skin to contract and form a wrinkled effect. When completely dry, powder and makeup can be used to decorate the area until the desired effect is achieved.
How to make a fake scar
To form the base of your scar, take a 1/4″ cotton strip and twist it into a long straw. Apply some latex to the skin where you want the scar to appear and place the cotton on top. Let sit for a few minutes until it adheres to the skin.With your foam brush or applicator apply two or three even coats of liquid latex on the cotton (remembering to let the latex dry between coats) until the desired result is achieved.observe that the result The final has a rubbery, skin-like texture and appears realistic to the touch.
Liquid latex is easily removed from the skin by peeling it off. As already explained, if liquid latex has been applied to the hair, it is likely to separate the hair from the skin, which can cause some discomfort.
So there we have it. Now there’s nothing stopping you from turning into a zombie or fooling your friends with your own realistic homemade wounds.
