Pros-Aide Cream is the high-viscosity cream version of the industry-standard prosthetic adhesive in FX makeup and special effects. It shares the same properties as the original Pros-Aide —strong bond, water resistance and dermatological safety— but with a dense consistency that makes it especially useful for blending edges, repairing prosthetics and creating textures directly on skin. Non-toxic, water-based and proven across thousands of professional productions.
Technical specifications
| Property |
Value |
| Base |
Water-based (acrylic emulsion) |
| Consistency |
Cream (high viscosity) |
| Toxicity |
Non-toxic |
| Water resistance |
Yes |
| Skin use |
Medical grade, suitable for sensitive areas |
| Compatibility |
Silicone and latex prosthetics |
| Use as paint base |
Yes (PAX Paint base) |
| Dilution |
Water-dilutable for thinner areas |
What it's used for
Pros-Aide Cream is the reference standard for prosthetic adhesion in film, television and theatre productions. Its high viscosity extends its applications beyond the liquid format, enabling sculpting and repair work directly on skin or on the prosthetic itself.
- Bonding silicone and latex prosthetics to skin
- Sealing and filling prosthetic seams or edges
- Repairing damaged prosthetics on set
- Creating scars, textures and raised detail directly on skin
- Base for preparing PAX Paint by mixing with water-based pigments
- Applications on sensitive areas (face, neck, décolletage)
- Correcting and repositioning pieces during the makeup session
How to use it
- Stir the product thoroughly before opening the container to homogenise the formula.
- Clean the skin and the prosthetic surface with isopropyl alcohol; allow to dry completely.
- Apply a thin, even layer of Pros-Aide Cream using a cotton swab, spatula or brush.
- Allow to dry until the layer is completely clear (no white areas).
- Apply a second thin layer and wait again until fully clear.
- Place the prosthetic in the exact desired position and press firmly for at least 10 seconds.
- Seal the edges with an additional layer if needed, blending the seam into the skin.
- To remove, peel gently while applying warm water or a specific solvent for acrylic adhesives; do not pull off dry.
Tips and tricks
Applying in thin layers
The key to good adhesion is patience between layers. A thick layer that hasn't dried properly is the most common reason a prosthetic lifts. Two thin, fully dried layers are always better than a single thick one. If you're working in very humid conditions, use a cool-air dryer to speed up drying between layers.
Use as filler and sculpting medium
Thanks to its high viscosity, you can bulk up Pros-Aide Cream with ground latex foam powder or fibres to add body and create transitions between the prosthetic and skin. You can also work it directly with sculpting tools while wet to generate textures such as scars, pores or wrinkles. Once dry, it accepts PAX Paint without any issues.
Dilution and PAX Paint
If you need to apply the adhesive on very thin edge areas, dilute it with a little distilled water until you reach the right consistency. To prepare PAX Paint, mix Pros-Aide Cream with water-based acrylic pigments at approximately a 1:1 ratio. The result is a flexible, water-resistant paint with high bond strength, ideal for colouring prosthetics directly on skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the cream and liquid formats?
The original Pros-Aide is a low-viscosity liquid adhesive, ideal for general bonding and very thin edge areas. Pros-Aide Cream shares the same base formula but with higher viscosity, making it better suited for filling gaps, repairing prosthetics and creating three-dimensional textures on skin. Both are compatible and can be used together in the same makeup application.
Is it safe for sensitive skin or delicate areas?
Yes. Pros-Aide Cream is formulated to medical grade and is non-toxic. It has been tested for use on all skin, including sensitive areas such as eyelids, lips or the neck. That said, if the actor or model has a history of allergies to acrylic adhesives, a patch test on the forearm 24 hours in advance is recommended.
How long does the bond last during a shooting day?
With a correct two-layer application, Pros-Aide Cream provides a strong, long-lasting bond throughout a full working day, even with moderate perspiration. Its water resistance makes it particularly suitable for exterior locations or scenes involving water. For extreme heat or heavy sweating, the bond can be reinforced with an encapsulating sealer applied on top.
How do you remove it without damaging the skin?
To remove Pros-Aide Cream, dampen the area with warm water and peel the prosthetic away with gentle movements. Never pull dry. If the bond is very strong, apply a specific solvent for water-based acrylic adhesives with a cotton pad, allow it to work for a few seconds and peel carefully. Always finish with a gentle cleanse of the skin.
Can it be used as a base for flexible paints?
Yes, and it's one of its most popular uses. By mixing Pros-Aide Cream with water-based acrylic pigments you get PAX Paint, a flexible paint with high adhesion used to colour prosthetics directly on skin. The result is water and movement resistant, and won't crack like a conventional paint.
Is it compatible with platinum silicone prosthetics?
Yes, Pros-Aide Cream bonds correctly to both platinum silicone and latex prosthetics. For silicone, make sure the prosthetic surface is clean and free of any release agent residue before applying the adhesive. If the prosthetic has a surface encapsulant, adhesion will be even more effective.
Can it be used to bond elements other than prosthetics?
Yes. Pros-Aide Cream is also used to bond hair, postiche, resin crystals, decorative gems and other character elements directly onto skin. Its cream formula makes precise positioning of small pieces easy before it sets.
What alternatives are there if I need an even stronger bond?
For applications requiring greater mechanical strength or extreme conditions, you can consider Telesis 8, a high-strength silicone adhesive especially suited for silicone prosthetics in demanding conditions, or PROTAC, a high-performance acrylic adhesive for FX makeup.
