What is Spirit Gum? Everything You Need to Know

Spirit gum is a widely renowned essential tool to use for theatrical and sfx makeup purposes. This age-old adhesive, steeped in history, serves as a potent glue to affix prosthetics, facial hair, and other theatrical wonders. In this article, you will learn there is to know about the product, including what is spirit gum, how to apply spirit gum, how to remove spirit gum, and much more. 

What is spirit gum?

Spirit gum is a remarkable adhesive, created using blending resin, also known as the “gum,” obtained from a shrub, with alcohol, the “spirit,” acting as the dissolving agent. This unique concoction provides spirit gum with its remarkable bonding properties. Once applied, it securely adheres to various surfaces, making it a versatile glue favoured in numerous applications. From theatrical special effects appliances to hairpieces, spirit gum finds its way into the hearts of performers and makeup artists alike.

The magic of the product lies not only in its formidable hold but also in its ability to be dissolved using alcohol-based removers, ensuring easy and gentle removal after use. In the world  of the theatre community, spirit gum stands as a cherished and essential tool, unveiling the secrets behind the seamless transformations on stage.

How to Apply Spirit Gum

In order to apply spirit gum effectively, consider the following instructions:

1. Prep the Skin: Ensure the skin is clean and free of any oils or makeup residues by using Witch Hazel or rubbing alcohol to cleanse the area thoroughly.
2. Apply the Spirit Gum: Use a Q-Tip or a brush to gently spread a thin layer of spirit gum onto the desired skin area. Allow it to dry slightly until it becomes tacky to the touch. To check if it’s ready, lightly tap the area with your finger.
3. Add the Appliance: Once the spirit gum has reached the tacky stage, carefully place the special effects appliance or hairpiece onto the skin and press it firmly to create a secure bond.
4. Finishing Touch: If you want to eliminate any residual stickiness, dust the applied area with translucent powder. This step adds a smooth finish and prevents any discomfort caused by the adhesive.

By following these simple steps, you can achieve a flawless application of spirit gum for a seamless transformation, whether you’re prepping for the stage or experimenting with captivating special effects.

How to Remove Spirit Gum

Now that you have learnt how to apply spirit gum, it is also important to know how to remove it too, since being unaware of how to do so properly could lead to potential side effects.

 

1. Choose your remover: Go for our Ben Nye spirit gum remover.
2. Get Ready: Dip a brush or cotton ball into your selected remover.
3. Begin Removal: Start at one end of the appliance or hairpiece. Use circular motions with the wet brush or cotton ball to work on the area until the edge of the piece starts to lift.
4. Work Gradually: Continue working under the lifted edge, gently pulling on the appliance to maintain tension as you apply circular motions with the remover.
5. Refresh as Needed: Dip your brush or cotton ball into the remover again as necessary to ensure effective removal.

You can easily and safely remove spirit gum and any attached special effects appliances or hairpieces, leaving your skin clean and ready for the next transformation, using these instructions above.

 

For other essential makeup products, check out our Ben Nye Makeup Guide. 

Spirit Gum Alternatives

Seeking Alternatives to spirit gum? Here’s what you need to know…

Skin-safe alternatives: 

When spirit gum is elusive, fret not! Consider skin-safe alternatives like Pros-aide cream, which provides excellent adhesion but may require some effort to find. Another viable option is Liquid Latex, a versatile adhesive suitable for various applications.

Ineffective choices: 

While white glue (PVA glue) and superglue (Cyanoacrylate) are relatively safe for skin contact, they won’t serve as suitable substitutes for spirit gum. Superglue might appear effective initially, but its brittleness causes it to peel off as the skin moves, making it impractical for long-lasting applications.

Unsafe alternatives: 

Certain adhesives, though useful for costumes and crafts, should never be applied to your skin. Steer clear from Barge Cement, which can be harmful if inhaled, and avoid using nail glue directly on your skin, even though it’s designed for body use, as nails are more resilient than delicate skin.

Remember, always prioritise your safety and well-being when selecting alternative adhesives for your various needs.

Always Have Spirit Gum Remover on Hand

Don’t forget to grab Mehron spirit gum remover when purchasing spirit gum. Removing hair pieces or prosthetics without the right product might lead to skin or hair irritation. But fear not! With the proper remover, spirit gum comes off swiftly and effortlessly, ensuring a smooth and safe removal process. You can find more quality products like these from our Ben Nye and Mehron makeup pages.

 

Learn about the best simple beauty makeup tricks to enhance your looks at no extra cost. 

Pros-Aide vs. Spirit Gum

The key difference between Pros-aide and spirit gum lies in their adhesive capabilities. Pros-aide emerges as the better choice, excelling in multiple aspects that spirit gum may not. It boasts enhanced longevity, steadfastness against the elements, and a gentler touch on the skin. Plus, it can be equally budget-friendly when sourced from a reliable supplier.

However, spirit gum retains its charm for specific uses, particularly with loose hair and lace front wigs, thanks to its strong grip. Yet, this strength can also pose a challenge during removal, making it comparatively harder to take off. Weighing these factors, you can choose the adhesive that best suits your needs, ensuring a flawless application and easy removal process.

Spirit gum is still fantastic for loose hair and lace front wigs because of the way it grips; on the other hand, that also makes it harder to remove. The choice is ultimately up to you over which is better, and the purposes as to which you wish to apply the products for. 

Spirit Gum Vs. Liquid Latex

What separates the differences between spirit gum and liquid latex lies in their primary roles. Spirit gum naturally serves as an adhesive, bonding items in place securely. On the other hand, liquid latex is primarily designed to craft special effects, rather than firmly glueing them down.

When compared to the adhesive strength of spirit gum, liquid latex falls short and is best suited for temporary fixes or creating captivating effects. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice based on your specific needs and desired outcomes.

Choosing the Right Spirit Gum Types

Types of Spirit Gum that are safe and available to use:

• Water-Based: Ideal for sensitive skin, but better suited for smaller pieces and shorter durations. Suitable for photo shoots but may not withstand prolonged exposure to warm conditions. Few brands offer water-based spirit gum, with Kryolan being a popular choice.
• Standard: The go-to, all-purpose type used for various applications, such as securing wigs and facial prosthetics.
• Matte: Similar to the standard version but dries with a matte finish, providing a non-shiny appearance.
• TV (also Matte): Specifically designed for on-camera wearers, ensuring enhanced concealment and a matte texture. When applied correctly, TV spirit gum remains practically unnoticeable, making it perfect for photography too.

Bonus Tips

Hair Pieces:

If your lace hairpiece starts to lift during a performance, worry not! Reactivate the spirit gum adhesive by using alcohol. Avoid adding more layers of spirit gum, which can lead to a bulky and messy look.

After removing your hairpiece, ensure you clean the lace thoroughly and gently. You can employ the same removal products mentioned earlier and/or alcohol to achieve a pristine finish!

Appliances:

Spirit Gum proves to be a reliable choice for attaching prosthetics and SFX performance. However, for long-lasting makeup projects, consider using more robust adhesives like Pros-aide for enhanced durability.

Choose Spirit Gum for Your Makeup Purposes

In conclusion, spirit gum stands as a remarkable adhesive to add to your makeup kit bag. Its magical combination of resin and alcohol delivers a secure bond, which will allow you to add it to hair and prosthetic makeup with ease. Embrace the enchantment of spirit gum and its alternatives to unlock limitless creative possibilities in the captivating realm of makeup artistry.

 

For other great makeup tips, try our How to Apply Vampire Makeup & Teeth guide. 

FAQs

Can spirit gum be used on all types of prosthetics?

Spirit gum is compatible with various types of prosthetics, including foam latex, silicone, and other synthetic materials. However, it is essential to read the instructions provided with the prosthetic or consult the manufacturer to ensure compatibility with spirit gum. Some prosthetics may require a different type of adhesive or bonding method for optimal results.

Can spirit gum be used for other purposes besides prosthetic application?

While spirit gum is primarily used for attaching prosthetics, it can also be used for other purposes in the realm of special effects and theatrical makeup. It can be used to secure small props, create texture or ageing effects, or even to attach lightweight fabric or embellishments to the skin. However, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of the project and test the adhesive's compatibility before use

Can spirit gum be used on sensitive skin?

Spirit gum can be used on sensitive skin, but individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution. It is recommended to perform a patch test and monitor the skin's reaction before applying spirit gum to larger areas. If any discomfort, redness, or irritation occurs, remove the adhesive immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

How do I remove spirit gum from the skin?

Spirit gum can be removed from the skin using a specialised adhesive remover or a gentle solvent designed for this purpose. Apply a small amount of the remover or solvent to a cotton pad or swab and gently rub it on the adhesive until it begins to dissolve. Once the adhesive has loosened, carefully peel or roll it off the skin. It is essential to be gentle during the removal process to avoid any skin irritation or damage.

Sources

GLAM. (2022). What to Know About Spirit Gum and How to Use It in Your Beauty Routine. [online] Available at: https://www.glam.com/1137197/what-to-know-about-spirit-gum-and-how-to-use-it-in-your-beauty-routine/ [accessed 25/07/23]