Burns

In our lesson with Sue today she spoke to us about burns, and gave us a demonstration on creating a realistic burn that we then recreated ourselves. First of all she spoke to us about a range of burns you can get and the differences between them. 

1st degree burn

Sunburn

Isopropyl alcohol (red)

2nd degree burn

Texture 

Skin showing through 

Possibly caused by hot water on skin

3rd degree burns

Come from within (same as the others)

Blended edges 

Possibly caused by acid burn

Things to think about when creating a fake burn - 
- was it in a house? 
- Could there be soot in the skin? 
- How old is the burn? (Colourings will affect this) 
- is it infected? 

When creating the burn you will be using a product called gelatine. 

- melt the gelatine in the microwave for around 20 seconds 

- if you add glitter (metals) it cannot go back in the mircowave

- can be placed straight on the skin

- hardly anyone is allergic to it

- sometimes easier to use than latex

- adds texture

Health and safety

Health and safety is an important factor when using so many products. When using gelatine you must be aware of the temperature of this. Ensure that it has had time to cool slightly but it is still the consistency that you need. Applying a small amount to the skin and then asking the client if the temperature is okay is the best technique to use. The initial moment that the product is applied to the skin can feel hot, however it does cool very quickly. If you are creating a burn on the face, ensure that you ask your client to close their eyes in case any product gets in the eyes. It is also important to keep asking if your client is okay throughout the process.

Process and products used.

• Heat up gelatine for 20 seconds and mix in the bowl to cool down
• Place where you want on the skin and ensure that its not to hot when applying 
• When on the skin lift up the product until sticky to create a textured effect
• Then dry with a hairdryer until it's no longer sticky
• Apply witch hazel and using a baby bud use back and forth motions to deepen it into skin. This will help to blend out the edges to make it more realistic
• Powder over the top to remove shine
• Stiple on colour using supra palette (red/pink/yellow)
• Add dark colours more precisely for it to be more 3D
• Add wound filler/blood
• You may add Vaseline to the burn to make it shiny. 

• Gelatine, bowl, spatula, cotton buds, witch hazel, hairdryer, translucent powder, range of brushes, supra colour palette, wound filler, Vaseline. 

Reflection

I found creating the burn really difficult. Making the burn look realistic was harder than it looked, especially achieving the correct colourings. I found making the gelatine blend in with the skin hard as it was often quite thick in some areas therefore, it was not entirely possible to blend all the way. I liked the effect that the gelatine gave and was happy with this part of the burn. Lifting up the gelatine made it look realistic and created areas that were pealing. The hardest part was the colouring. I think I made it too dark in specific areas and it was not blended as well as it could off. I think if I would have had more time then I could have made it look a lot better. I get frustrated when I can't do something that I really enjoy therefore I have to keep reminding myself that this is the first time I have completed any sfx and worked with any of these products. I was happy with my burn however I know that with practice it will become easier and look more realistic.