Sunday, April 1, 2012

How to Make Gelatin

Today I am going to teach you how to make gelatin. Gelatin is very important tool when you are a special effects and makeup artist.
This is what you can do with gelatin and food coloring.

Gelatin is easy enough to make, however some times the ingredients can be hard to find.

To make gelatin you need:
  1. 450 gram Glycerine 
  2. 450 gram Sorbitol 
  3. 150-200 gram Gelatine powder
 Once you find all the ingredients you:
  1. Mix the liquids and one tablespoon of water in a plastic or glass bowl. 
  2. Put it into the microwave for 4 minutes.
    • This time is for an 800 watt microwave.
    • You microwave this until it is warm enough when you can’t put your finger in it without burning it. 
    • Remember that you should never let the gelatine boil but just melt it.
  3. Add the powder slowly while stirring fast. 
  4. Let the gelatine powder absorb the liquid and swell for five minutes. 
  5. Put it back in the microwave for two minutes. 
    • Open and stir a few times during. 
    • Remember that gelatine is not allowed to boil! 
  6. Take it out and let it cool for two minutes  
    • Stir often during this time. 
  7. Repeat the four minute procedure seven to eight times.
    • Switch between heating and cooling the gelatin.
    • This is needed to thoroughly melt the gelatine powder. 
    • You can put a little drop on a cool surface and feel how it feels when it's cooled down. 
    • If it is all done it is a very soft but still firm 
    • This is how gelatine feels when it's good.
  8. Let the gelatin cool for a while before pouring it down in a zip lock bag (a thick one). 
  9.  Put it flat on the table to cool. 
  10. The gelatine can now be re-melted whenever you need to use it. 
Tip! As you need to let the gelatine cool between the runs in the microwave, do two batches at the same time. This saves you a lot of time.

 Health and safety! Gelatine is HOT! If you get it on your skin it will burn you until your skin comes off! I always wear protective gloves, covered shoes, long trousers and protective glasses. You can't play it too safe when working with dangerous materials.

 This is a step by step video on how to make and use gelatin for cool effects.

For more info about gelatin for where to buy some already made gelatin check out these links.
how to make burns
makeup special effects supply store
how to and supply link