Maya Ellison
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily of SD Alcohol 35-A and resin, used to affix costume prosthetics, wigs, and facial hair. It has been used since at least the 1870s and is a standard tool in theatre and film. Spirit gum is often preferred for its ease of removal with alcohol, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly. However, some users have reported that it does not provide adequate adhesion for long periods, and alternatives like liquid latex or Pros-Aide offer stronger and longer-lasting adhesion. While spirit gum is versatile and adheres to various surfaces, including skin, it is unclear whether it effectively sticks to plastic without additional preparation or techniques.
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What You'll Learn
- Spirit gum is a widely renowned tool for theatrical and SFX makeup
- It is made of SD Alcohol 35-A and resin, with alcohol acting as a dissolving agent
- It is used to attach facial prosthetics, hairpieces, and wigs
- Spirit gum is best removed with a spirit gum remover to avoid skin irritation
- Pros-aide is a stronger alternative to spirit gum
Spirit gum is a widely renowned tool for theatrical and SFX makeup
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily from SD Alcohol 35-A and resin. It has been used in the theatre since at least the 1870s and was mentioned in the earliest known theatre makeup manual, published in 1877. Spirit gum is a staple in theatrical and SFX makeup due to its versatility and ease of use.
In the world of SFX makeup, spirit gum is a go-to product for attaching prosthetics, wigs, beards, and facial hair securely. Its unique formula provides strong bonding properties, making it ideal for various surfaces and applications. Spirit gum is also suitable for sensitive skin, although a patch test is recommended before use.
In addition to its use in SFX makeup, spirit gum is a favourite among cosplayers. It is perfect for gluing down wigs, applying facial hair, or even adding special effects like "frozen crystals". Spirit gum is easy to find and can be purchased online or at local stores, especially around Halloween.
Spirit gum is also a classic adhesive for theatrical performances, where it is used to affix costume prosthetics, wigs, and facial hair. It is available in various sizes, from small vials for applying mustaches to larger bottles sufficient for a theatre or studio. Spirit gum can be removed with specialised removers or gentle solvents, such as alcohol, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly.
With its long history and versatility, spirit gum has become an indispensable tool in the theatre and SFX makeup artist's kit, unlocking limitless creative possibilities in the captivating world of performance and special effects.
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It is made of SD Alcohol 35-A and resin, with alcohol acting as a dissolving agent
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily from SD Alcohol 35-A and resin. The alcohol acts as a solvent or "spirit", while the resin is the adhesive or "gum". The resin used in spirit gum is often derived from the mastix, a sticky substance produced by some species of spinifex grasses. Aboriginal Australians have traditionally used this natural resin as an adhesive in toolmaking.
Spirit gum has been used since at least the 1870s, and it was mentioned in the earliest known theatre makeup manual, published in 1877. It has long been a standard tool in theatrical and film performances, used to affix costume prosthetics such as wigs, merkins, and false facial hair. It is also commonly used to paste eyebrows and other pasties by female impersonators, also known as drag queens.
Spirit gum is applied to the skin and allowed to become tacky before attaching the desired item. It can be removed with alcohol, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly.
In terms of its chemical composition, SD Alcohol 35-A is a type of isopropyl alcohol, which acts as a dissolving agent in spirit gum. The resin component, meanwhile, can be derived from natural sources such as pine trees and other plants, particularly conifers. This resin is heated to remove volatile liquids, resulting in a semi-transparent solid known as rosin or colophony, which varies in colour from yellow to black.
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It is used to attach facial prosthetics, hairpieces, and wigs
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily of SD Alcohol 35-A (the solvent, or "spirit") and resin (the adhesive, or "gum"), which was originally derived from the mastix plant. It has been used since at least the 1870s and is a standard tool in the theatre and film industries for affixing costume prosthetics such as wigs, hairpieces, beards, and false facial hair. It is also used by cosplayers and makeup enthusiasts.
When applying spirit gum, it is important to hold the hairpiece or prosthetic in place for at least 30 seconds to ensure it sticks. It is advisable to pour a small amount of spirit gum into a dish or cup before application, as this will start the drying process and reduce the time needed to wait for it to become tacky. Once applied, the spirit gum will hold the hairpiece or prosthetic in place, allowing the wearer to move around comfortably and make various facial expressions without worrying about the prosthetic slipping or falling off.
To remove spirit gum, it is important to use a spirit gum remover. The remover should be applied liberally and allowed to soak in before gently removing any remaining residue, as attempting to remove spirit gum without the proper product could result in irritation or damage to the hair or skin.
When deciding which brand of spirit gum to use, it is helpful to read reviews from special effects artists, wig makers, and cosplayers. It is also important to note that spirit gum should not be applied directly to hair, as it will not stick well and will look unrealistic. Instead, the hair should be tied back or otherwise cleared from the area where the spirit gum will be applied.
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Spirit gum is best removed with a spirit gum remover to avoid skin irritation
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily of SD Alcohol 35-A and resin. It is used to attach costume prosthetics, wigs, and facial hair. While it is a popular adhesive, it is important to be careful when removing spirit gum to avoid skin irritation.
Spirit gum can be removed with alcohol, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly. However, for the best results and to avoid skin irritation, it is recommended to use a spirit gum remover. This remover is designed specifically to remove spirit gum and can help to prevent skin irritation.
When removing spirit gum, it is important to be gentle, especially if removing hairpieces or prosthetics. If using a spirit gum remover, gently apply it to the area with a cotton swab or a brush, allowing plenty of time for the remover to soak into the gummed area. This will help to loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
For those with sensitive skin, it may be advisable to use an oil-based remover, as alcohol-based removers can be drying and irritating to the skin. Oil-based removers can include products like oil sheen spray, which can be gently applied to the area and scrubbed with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This method is also effective for removing spirit gum from wigs or hairpieces, as it is less damaging to the synthetic hairs.
By following these steps and using a spirit gum remover, individuals can effectively remove spirit gum while minimizing the risk of skin irritation. It is important to be patient and gentle during the removal process to ensure the best results and maintain skin health.
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Pros-aide is a stronger alternative to spirit gum
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily of SD Alcohol 35-A and resin, and it has been used to attach costume prosthetics such as wigs, beards, and false facial hair since at least the 1870s. Spirit gum is a good starting point for beginners, but it has its limitations as a long-lasting adhesive.
Another advantage of Pros-Aide is its ease of removal. While spirit gum can be challenging to remove and may require the use of spirit gum remover or rubbing alcohol, Pros-Aide can be effectively removed with Pros-Aide Remover or, in a pinch, with natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil. This makes the removal process gentler on the skin and more convenient.
Additionally, Pros-Aide is a cost-effective option. While medical adhesives can be significantly more expensive, Pros-Aide offers a durable hold at a more affordable price point.
For these reasons, Pros-Aide is considered an industry favorite and is widely used by professionals in the special effects and theatrical makeup industries. It is a go-to choice for attaching flexible silicone prosthetics and ensuring a reliable, long-lasting hold.
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Frequently asked questions
Spirit gum is an adhesive made primarily from SD Alcohol 35-A and resin. It is used to attach costume prosthetics, wigs, and facial hair.
Spirit gum is an adhesive that sticks to various surfaces, including skin and plastic.
Spirit gum can be removed with alcohol, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly, or a spirit gum remover like Ben Nye spirit gum remover.
Some alternatives to spirit gum include Pros-aide cream, liquid latex, white glue (PVA glue), and superglue (cyanoacrylate). However, these alternatives may not provide the same strong adhesion as spirit gum.
