RTV silicone, it kicks pretty quickly (within 15 minutes at room temperature)
and can usually be demolded in less than an hour with no additional heat.
Foam latex
I love foam latex! As a material for making prosthetic appliances for special makeup effects, foam latex is, in my opinion, unrivaled for performer comfort. Materials such as silicone might mimic the appearance and feel of human skin more believ ably and realistically, but silicone does not breathe, and an active actor wearing sili cone appliances will begin to perspire rather profusely beneath the silicone if it is worn for an extended period of time, as many actors must. Gelatin will probably
• start to melt. Don't get me wrong; the material for a given appliance s,hould not be chosen randomly or by economy, and Ihave nothing against working with silicone or gelatin as an appliance material. I work with silicone quite a bit as well as gelatin and urethane (cold) foam. Appliance materials must be chosen based on numerous factors, such as climate, shot framing, performance, and budget. There are a number of foam latex systems on the market, and they are listed in the appendix at the back of this book Iam most familiar with GM foam and
have been using it for a number of years.
I particularly love foam latex for its texture and feel. When it's made well, it feels better than vel vet, and every subtle expression and nuance of emotion is translated beautifully through the foam from • the petformer; it becomes the per former. A nearly full-face appliance will likely weigh less than an ounce and, when applied, is almost undetectable by the actor wearing it. Foam latex breathes, so it is comfortable and an actor can wear it all day long, as is frequently the case.