Pros-Aide is the water-based liquid adhesive of reference in the special effects makeup industry. Formulated to bond silicone and latex prosthetics directly to skin, including sensitive areas, with a strong, long-lasting and water-resistant bond. It is also the base for PAX Paint, making it an essential material in any professional FX workshop.
Technical specifications
| Property |
Detail |
| Base |
Water (acrylic) |
| State |
Liquid |
| Toxicity |
Non-toxic |
| Water resistance |
Yes |
| Suitable for sensitive skin |
Yes, including the periocular area |
| Compatibility |
Silicone and latex prosthetics |
| Dilution |
Can be diluted with water for fine transition areas |
| Use as paint base |
Yes — base for PAX Paint |
| Tool cleanup |
Water (wet) / mineral oil + soap (dry) |
| Grade |
Medical |
What it is used for
Pros-Aide is the industry standard for bonding prosthetics and FX makeup components to skin. Its water-based formula makes it safe for continuous use on long productions and for actors with sensitive skin. It is also used as a binder to create flexible paints with high adhesion directly on skin or encapsulated surfaces.
- Bonding platinum silicone prosthetics to skin
- Adhesion of latex prosthetics and pieces
- Securing edges and transitions on foam latex
- Base for preparing Pros-Aide Cream and PAX Paint mixes
- Making PAX Paint by mixing with water-based pigments for flexible skin paint
- Prosthetic applications in film, television, theatre and live special effects
- Sealing and finishing edges on encapsulated pieces
How to use it
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Clean the skin and the prosthetic with isopropyl alcohol to remove grease and any residue from previous product. Allow to dry completely.
- Apply a thin, even coat of Pros-Aide to the skin area using a cotton swab, a flat brush or a makeup sponge.
- Allow to dry until the adhesive is completely clear and no longer shiny. Do not rush this step: a wet coat will not bond properly.
- Apply a second thin coat over the first and allow to dry again until fully clear.
- Place the prosthetic in the correct position and press firmly for at least 10 seconds to activate the bond.
- If you need a finer transition at the edges, slightly dilute the adhesive with water and apply with a fine brush to blend the prosthetic edge.
- To remove: gently lift one corner. Apply mineral oil to loosen the adhesive, then clean with soap and water. Clean the prosthetic with isopropyl alcohol.
Tips and tricks
Full drying: the most skipped step
The key to a strong bond with Pros-Aide is respecting the drying time between coats. If you apply the second coat before the first is completely dry, or place the prosthetic before the adhesive is fully clear, adhesion will be noticeably weaker. In cold or high-humidity environments drying time is longer; use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the process in a controlled way.
Preparing PAX Paint
To prepare PAX Paint, mix Pros-Aide with water-based pigments or skin-compatible acrylic colours at an approximate ratio of 2:1 (adhesive:pigment) until you reach the desired consistency. The resulting mix is a flexible paint that bonds directly to skin and encapsulated surfaces, maintaining elasticity even in motion. It is the reference painting system for silicone and foam latex prosthetics in professional productions.
Compatibility and storage
Pros-Aide is compatible with platinum silicone prosthetics and latex pieces. For silicone prosthetics with intrinsic painted finishes, always check adhesion on a discreet area before full application. Store at room temperature, away from extreme cold: sub-zero temperatures can irreversibly damage the formula. Once opened, close the bottle tightly to prevent a film from forming on the surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is this adhesive safe to use directly on skin?
Yes. Pros-Aide is formulated to medical grade and is non-toxic. It is safe for use on all skin, including sensitive areas such as the periocular zone. It has been used in thousands of professional productions without irritation issues when applied and removed correctly.
How many coats are needed for a reliable bond?
Two thin coats is standard, allowing each one to dry completely before applying the next. On very thin edges or areas with a lot of movement a third coat may be useful. What matters is not the number of coats but that each one is fully dry before continuing.
Does it hold up underwater or with heavy sweating?
Pros-Aide has high water resistance once cured. It is suitable for water scenes, sweating and demanding shooting conditions. For prolonged extreme conditions, combine it with an acrylic sealing adhesive on the edges to maximise durability.
Is it compatible with platinum silicone prosthetics?
Yes, Pros-Aide is compatible with platinum silicone, latex and foam latex prosthetics. For silicone prosthetics with painted finishes, check adhesion on a small area before full application. For prosthetics requiring a silicone-specific adhesive, see Telesis 8.
How do you remove it without damaging the skin or the prosthetic?
Gently lift one corner of the prosthetic to peel the edge. Apply mineral oil under the piece to loosen the adhesive. Once the prosthetic is removed, clean the skin with mineral oil, then with soap and water. Clean the prosthetic with isopropyl alcohol to remove adhesive residue and leave it ready for the next use.
Can I use it to make flexible skin paints?
Yes, this is one of its most common workshop applications. Mixing Pros-Aide with water-based pigments produces PAX Paint, a flexible paint with high adhesion to skin and encapsulated surfaces. It is the standard FX industry painting system for painting silicone and foam latex prosthetics directly on the actor.
Can it be diluted if I need a thinner coat?
Yes. Pros-Aide can be diluted with water to reduce its viscosity and apply it in very thin coats, particularly useful for blending transition edges on prosthetics. Do not use organic solvents: being a water-based formula, the only suitable diluent is clean water.
What is the difference between this liquid adhesive and the cream version?
Liquid Pros-Aide is more fluid, ideal for applying in thin coats with a swab or brush and for preparing PAX Paint. The cream version has more body, making it easier to fill irregularities and work in areas where the liquid would tend to run. Both versions complement each other in a complete FX workshop.
