Cuts and scratches

Today in Sue's lesson, we learnt how to make cuts and scratches using SFX wax, latex, fake blood, collodion, tuplast. 

Cuts

Open up the scar wax and scoop out some wax with a spatula and put it on the back on the hand to warm it up a bit. Apply it to the skin, making sure there are no hard edges. If there are any difficulties while blending the wax on the skin, a tip is to put some moisturizer and then smooth it with a spatula on the edges. Then we cut in the middle (or wherever we want) of the wax with the spatula. Apply then a thin layer of latex, so the foundation can be blended on the surface to give color. Dry it with a hair drier until it goes clear. After that, using a foundation blended with alcohol, we apply it with a foundation brush, on the area to look as natural as possible. 

Then, with a hair pin, apply blood gel (wound filler) on the cut. Using the same hair pin, apply the fake blood on the 'wound'. 

You can also tap with a finger on the wound to blend it out a little bit, just to color the edges. 

It looks more realistic. 

Even if it was my very first time doing special effects, I didn't find it hard at all. It is so easy to create fake cuts and wounds when you have the right products. 

This fake burn was made by using collodion. After applying it with its brush while the skin is squeezed, use a hair drier for faster results. It is quick, simple, but effective. 

The old scars are done using tuplast. You literally apply the paste directly on the skin from the tube and let it dry. For more realistic results, you can also color it .
Everything goes off with alcohol and water. Final result below:

Products used:

scar wax

moisturizer

alcohol

wound filler

foundation

supra color 

fake blood

collodion (burns)

tuplast (old scars)

Health and safety:

SCAR WAX: safe

WOUND FILLER: safe

COLLODION:  Rigid Collodion is one of the easiest to use FX supplies there is.  But first, know that it is very much a flammable, chemical compound and needs to be treated with the proper respect. It also 

has an odor similar to nail polish, only much stronger. It can also cause ALLERGIC REACTIONS 
so be sure to ask your actors ahead of time about their allergies and if in doubt, do a small test on 
an actor's arm to ensure there will be no allergic reactions.   Now, what is it that rigid collodion helps mimic so well for us FX artists?  Every cool scar or scabbing you’ve seen in films is likely just grease make-up  under a layer or few layers of rigid collodion. It can also be used to create realistic looking fresh cuts on the skin as well.  

TUPLAST: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P333+P313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.