Definitions - The Monster Makers.

Acrylic

A synthetic polymer used in resins and paints. Also used to make artificial teeth and dentures.

Airbrush

An atomiser for applying by compressed air a fine spray (as of paint or liquid colour). An airbrush is the best choice for painting masks and special effects props because of its ability to blend colours smoothly and naturally. We recommend an external mix brush such as the Pascha H for Mask Paint or the Iwata Revolution for fine detail work using FW Inks.

Alginate

A fast-setting mould material used to make casts from living people or delicate/ unstable/ perishable items. Dental Alginate is used to make casts of teeth and gums. Prosthetic Grade Cream Alginate is used to make body part moulds.

Appliance Make-Up

The technique of creating and applying flexible foam latex components directly to the skin of an actor's face and/or body.

Armature

A support for clay sculpture. For mask making and special make-up effects, a head form is used to support the clay and to ensure a proper fit for the finished mask or appliance.

Base Coat

Refers to the initial painting of an overall colour to a mask or prop. Subsequent colours are applied on top of the Base Coat.

Burlap

A strong, reinforcing fabric added to the outer layers of a plaster mould. Add strength and reduces the possibility of cracks forming in the mould. Burlap is sold by the yard.

Cast

An impression taken from an object with a liquid or plastic substance.

Casting

A material cast into a mould is referred to as a casting. A piece of sculpture is a good example of a casting. When casting a rubber mask, latex is poured and/or brushed into a rigid, plaster mould. Castings can be made of either flexible or rigid materials. As a general rule of thumb, rigid casts are made from flexible moulds so they can be easily removed. Rigid casts are not generally made from rigid moulds as undercuts can cause the cast to lock into the mould.

Dividing Wall

A temporary wall made of water-based clay. Used to create a separation between the front and back halves of a mould.

Foam Latex

A special formulation of liquid latex rubber, which is whipped with air and then baked into a sponge form. Used throughout the special effects industry for appliance make-up effects, prosthetics, costumes, and animatronic creatures, etc.

F/X

An abbreviation of "Effects". See Special Effects and SPFX.

Highlight

Highlights are painted to simulate where light would fall naturally on the high points of a mask or sculpture. This heightens a relief effect. Highlight paint can be made by lightening the base paint.

Kidney Tool

A flexible rubber palette used to direct the flow of plaster as it sets. If you want to make professional moulds, don't be caught without this tool.

Maquette

A small clay model created as a guide for a larger sculpture. A miniature full head armature is often used as a base for a mask maquette.

Mask Latex

A partially vulcanised, liquid latex compound formulated especially for slip casting latex masks and props. Also referred to as slush latex or casting latex.

Mask Paint

A super concentrated, pre-mixed paint medium developed for use on latex masks and props. Flexible and quick drying, Mask Paint is formulated to adhere to latex rubber. Recommend for use with external mix airbrushes such as the Pascha H. Can also be stippled or brushed on.

Mould

A reverse image negative cavity made from a three dimensional object. An example of this would be a mould made for a latex mask.

Mould Jacket

A rigid outer shell used to hold a flexible mould in place.

Making-Making

The act or process of making moulds. Necessary for reproducing or transferring a three-dimensional pattern into a rigid or soft material..

Negative

The mould surface, which contains a reverse, three-dimensional imprint of the positive sculpture. Moulds are classified as negatives.

Oil Based Clay

A re-usable sculpting medium, which comes in a variety of colours and consistencies. Oil based clay is often the best choice for mask and special effects sculpture because it doesn't dry out, allowing the sculptor to work the clay for long durations.

Perma-Wet

A urethane material, which is used to simulate wet areas on flexible masks or props. Perma-wet is extremely flexible and stretches with the product, instead of cracking.

Positive

Any sculpture or model used as a pattern for a negative mould.

Reference Material

Any visual information used as an aid in creating a sculpture, etc.

Resin

Any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and used chiefly in plastics.

Shading

A painted-on shadow, which is applied to, recessed areas on masks and props to deepen a relief effect.

Silicone

An elastomer material used to make flexible rubber moulds.

Special Effects

A term used to describe special theatrical make-up effects, as well as other theatrical and film effects. Often abbreviated as SPFX or F/X.

SPFX

An abbreviation of the term "Special Effects". See Special Effects.

Steel Palette

A piece of thin, flexible sheet metal, which is used to scrape a clay surface. Removes surface irregularities and helps in creating a smooth surface.

Surgical Adhesive

A strong non-toxic glue, which has the ability to bind to human skin, such as Duo, used by the effects industry to attach Appliance Make-Up components.

Texture Stamp

A flexible stamp made from latex or flexible urethane. Texture Stamps are pressed onto a clay sculpture to impart texture and detail.

Ultra Cal

An industrial stone pattern material adapted from the tool and die industry. Used to create very hard, long lasting moulds

Undercut

Any positive or negative area, which creates a lock situation between the mould and casting. Undercuts are the main reason why mould makers usually select a soft mouldmaking compound such as silicone to cast rigid materials.