Wolfe Hydrocolor

I have recently been able to work with Wolfe's Hydrocolor. It was actually a lot more difficult then I originally imagined. However in Wolfe's defense I was attempting to put glitter mixed into mixing liquid on top of water based makeup. Any way, that experience combined with the numerous customers who have recently asked me how to use the makeup have led me to this How To blog. There for today's topic is... “How To Use Wolfe Hydrocolor.”

This is the final product of today's story.

It's really not that hard; the simplicity of it is where the difficulty lies. 

Step 1) Decided on the makeup you will be doing

·      For instance I had to turn a man into a blue metallic version of Atlas. So I knew I would need sponges, brushes, glitter, mixing liquid, and a 90g blue Hydrocolor.

Step 2) Purchase the colors and any needed supplies.

·      If you live in Orlando here’s a store that carriesWolfe.

·      If not here’s a link to the same store online.

Step 3) Set up and get organized in a well-lit area.

·      On small shoots a bathroom will suffice.

*Make sure not to spill on carpeting, though this is water based it is also professional grade makeup.*

Step 4) Add water to the Hydrocolor until you have a paste like consistency.

·      Test the color on your arm to see if you like the consistency

        

Step 5) Always do a patch test on you actor or model before any makeup application.

Step 6) Take your brush or sponge and dip it into the Hydrocolor.

Step 7) Apply as many layers as needed to get the coverage you need.

·      Applying to larger areas I have found it is easier to start with a brush and then even out the tones with a sponge.

No powdering is needed since this makeup dries it is essentially setting it’s self.

In my case once I had the coverage I needed I then needed to apply the glitter. However every time, no matter what I did, it would cause the Hydrocolor to run. Until I remembered I needed a barrier spray. So I sent some one out to pick up hair spray (budget barrier spray). A light sprits of hair spray acts just like a barrier spray, only not as strong or as long.

Once I had sprayed the model with hair spray I was able to paint on the glitter. In the end he looked like a cross between Captain America, Iron Man, and an Avatar.

This is my Captain America, Iron Man, Avatar, Atlas

 I love Wolfe's products, especially the Hydrocolor. I don't know how I could have pulled that shoot off with out it. It is one of the easiest and best products I have ever worked with. 

Finally here is a video of the Wolfe brothers giving a demo. They are using their patented Hydrocolor makeup so if you are still unsure of how to use it definitely watch this and it should answer your remaining questions. 

Click Here for more information on Wolfe and their products.

What is Zombie Skin?

Zombie Skin was introduced to the public at Hauntcon in Pittsburgh Pa in 2012.  Zombie Skin was first sold at the Midwest Haunters Convention in Columbus, Ohio and SOLD OUT!!! 

Zombie Skin is an ammonia free latex product with the consistency of whipped butter. It has many uses from blending prosthetic edges to creating cuts, gashes, wounds, bites and even claw marks. That’s just to name a few.

Zombie Skin was first sold at the Midwest Haunters Convention in Columbus, Ohio, and was then introduced to the public at the 2012 Hauntcon in Pittsburgh, PA. Due to it’s fast drying, easy manipulation, and all around efficiency Zombie Skin seems to be taking the makeup world by storm.

How does it work? It’s simple, far simpler then latex with a much faster application time.

For cuts:

         1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the skin with a craft stick.

2) Give the ZS about 30 seconds to start drying

3) Take the edge of the stick and make a cut in the Zombie Skin.  

*As you make the cut you should see the Zombie Skin start to pull away just like when you cut your skin.

       4) Allow Zombie Skin to finish drying. 

5) Take your makeup and apply as you would normally

6) Add blood as needed.  

*Remember less is more in some cases.

Here is what a cut might look like using Zombie Skin.

Here is what a cut might look like using Zombie Skin.

For wounds:

       1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the skin with a craft stick.

2) Wait untill the Zombie Skin is about half way dry.

*About 45 seconds, but you may have to play with the timing to get it just right. With this it is important to remember that Zombie Skin dries faster the warmer the person is. This is because it uses a person’s body heat to help it dry so fast.  

3) Once the Zombie Skin is semi dry take a cotton swab and push it into the Zombie Skin.

4) Pull out the Zombie Skin.

*The Zombie Skin will be attached to the cotton swab. This is perfectly normal; you want it to look as though the skin has been torn.

 5) Move around the Zombie Skin to make the hole look like a deep wound

6) Take your makeup and apply as you normally would.  

This is my attempt at a shallow wound, I was going for a cigar burn. This is my attempt at a shallow wound, I was going for a cigar burn.

For bites:

1) Spread the Zombie Skin on the neck with a craft stick.

2) Push a cotton swab into the Zombie Skin.

3) Rotate the cotton swab in a circle

4) Pull out the cotton swab

*This should leave a perfect circle/ bite in the neck.

5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 to make multiple tooth punctures if needed If not skip to step 6.

6) Take your makeup and apply as you normally would.  

7) Add blood as needed.  

This is to give you an idea of what a vampire bite might come out looking like.

There are a million and one uses for Zombie Skin all you have to do is use your imagination and try out a few ideas. 

For more information about Zombie Skin check out these links.

Zombie Skin Home Page

Instructables

To purchase Zombie Skin check out these links.

Zombie Skin Clear

Zombie Skin Flesh Tone

AEOstudios

How to Clean and Reassemble an Airbrush

Today I’m going to teach you how to thoroughly clean an airbrush gun.

This is highly important to know because a dirty airbrush can clog and if it doesn’t clog the spray will not work properly and may be chunky.

1a) First you need to soak a cotton swab in acetone. Then remove the makeup on the outside of the airbrush by rubbing it with the cotton swab. Depending on how dirty your airbrush is, hopefully not that dirty, you may have to use more then one cotton swab.

2a) Then blow a small amount of acetone through the airbrush. This will work a lot of dried makeup out of the airbrush.

3a) After you finish blowing the makeup out of the airbrush scrape away any buildup that gets stuck in the nozzle.

4a) Disassemble the airbrush. Most airbrushes can be dissembled by unscrewing the paint cap, nozzle and back end. If you need more specific instructions you check your owners manual.

5a) Now you need to soak the small removable parts in a cup filled with acetone.

6a) While soaking the small parts you can rub a cotton swab soaked in acetone over the airbrush needle to remove the makeup debris.

7a) Then you can use a small brush soaked in acetone to clean the inside of the airbrush.

* If this technique proves unsatisfactory you may want to use a syringe or a baster as well.

Now that you are finished cleaning the airbrush it is time to reassemble it.  To do this you…

 

1b) Hold the handle part of the airbrush in your hand and slide the trigger into the open slot on the top of the handle.

* Make sure that the trigger lines up with the interior spring. It should slide in with out much force.

2b) Carefully drop the rocker into the back end of the handle and carefully slide its spring over it.

* In some airbrushes the rocker and spring are connected, but in other cases they are separate.

3b) Take the collar of the airbrush and tighten it into place and then slide the lug nut on.

*Leave it a bit loose so adjustments can be made.

4b) Slide in the needle so that it comes out the other end of the handle.

5b) Tighten the lug nut onto the end of the airbrush

6b) Take the small tip and tighten it on around the needle.

7b) Slide the head over the tip and secure it using the provided wrench.

* If no wrench is provided a small universal wrench will work just as well.

8b) Slide the casing onto the back of the airbrush and tighten it.

*Each airbrush will tighten differently. Some simply snap into place while and others may need to be tightened with a wrench. If you are unsure of how your airbrush tightens check the instruction manual.

9b) Connect the air supply to the airbrush and use a test paper to check that it is functioning.

*You can use a paper or your hand to check the air supply. Simply hold the trigger for the air supply to test the airbrush.

10b) If it is functioning place the head cap over the tip to protect the tip until you need to use your airbrush.

For more info check out these sites

cleaning an airbrush gun

assembling an airbrush

Or these videos

how to assemble an airbrush

airbrush cleaning and maitinance