Learn lab work for animatronic characters with pro FX technician Cory Czekaj (Avatar, RoboCop, Captain America: The Winter Soldier). In Part 2 of his 2-part course series, Czekaj shares his tried-and-true methods for running a pliable platinum silicone skin and casting dental acrylic teeth for a mechanical puppet.

When creating an animatronic character, quality lab work is critical to your success. This in-depth course offers you the opportunity to learn the craft from an FX industry leader.

Intermediate Level

2h 26m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Cleaning the Molds - 39min

3. Spraying a Layer of Psycho Paint - 15min

4. Weighing & Tinting the Silicone - 18min

5. Adding Reinforcement for the Silicone Skin - 18min

6. Adding a Second Layer of Psycho Paint - 3min

7. Pouring Silicone & Securing the Face Mold - 16min

8. Opening the Face Mold - 10min

9. Creating a Set of Teeth - 13min

10. Casting the Teeth - 11min

11. Opening the Teeth Molds - 2min

12. Wrap Up - 38s

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Revchem

Smooth-On

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Air compressor

Air gun

Evacuator

Hair dryer

High volume, low pressure spray gun

Scale

Scissors

Screwdriver

Stone core teeth mold

Respirator and filter cartridges

Rotary tool with bits

ACRYLICS/ALGINATE

Alginate

Cold cure monomer

Tooth shade

CLEAR COATS/GLOSSES/FILLER AGENTS

Bob's Thixotropic agent

Cab-O-Sil

EPOXYS/GLUES

3M Spray 77

Epoxy (for core adjustment)

FABRICS/FOAMS

Panty hose (size Q, sheer tan to waist)

LATEX/SILICONE

PlatSil Gel-10

Smith's Theatrical Prosthetic Deadener

PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

Chip brushes

PAINTS

Brown silicone pigment

Paint sticks

Psycho Paint

RELEASES

PVA Release

RESINS

Fiberglass Cloth

MEKP

Polyester Tooling Resin ("ISO Tooling Resin")

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

UN1268 Naptha

SUPPLIES

1-gallon paper buckets

32oz Deli cups

70% Isopropyl alcohol

Black Sharpie

Blue nitrile gloves

Paper towels

Paper cups

Pen and paper

Small Dawn soap

Small jar of Vaseline

Tongue depressors

Wooden stirring sticks

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyCory Czekaj

Master Foam & Silicone FX Technician

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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