Ben Nye -Fresh Scab 170g

Fresh Scab by Ben Nye is a thick, gelatinous artificial blood designed to simulate aged wounds, scabs, and clotted blood with hard-to-beat realism. Its deep reddish-brown colour mimics dried, oxidised blood, and its flexible formula stays in place throughout the entire performance or shoot. It is the go-to product for SFX makeup artists seeking grotesque and convincing finishes in film, television, theatre, and Halloween.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Fresh Scab is intended for any situation where you need to simulate old wounds, dried blood, or scabs with volume and visual depth. Its dense consistency makes it especially useful when liquid blood is too runny or unconvincing for the desired effect.

• Simulation of clotted wounds and raised scabs directly on skin
• Ageing FX prosthetics: fills deeper areas for an oxidised and dry appearance
• Details of old wounds or trauma in character makeup
• Accumulated blood effects in open wounds, cuts, and lacerations
• High visual-impact Halloween makeup
• Film, television, and theatre productions requiring continuity between takes
• Emergency drills, medical training, and triage exercises
• Props and set dressing: knives, bandages, bloodied clothing

How to use it

1. Prepare the application area: make sure the skin or prosthetic is clean, dry, and free of excess oil.
2. Remove the required amount from the container with a stainless steel spatula to avoid contaminating the product.
3. For raised scabs and build-ups, apply small amounts with a stipple sponge by dabbing over the area until the desired volume is achieved.
4. For wounds requiring more detail and definition, use a flat or round-tipped brush to deposit the product precisely along the edges and inner areas of the wound.
5. To fill prosthetic cavities, work Fresh Scab into the deeper areas with a spatula or brush and shape with the tool.
6. Allow to air-dry for a few minutes. As it dries, the product darkens slightly and develops its characteristic oxidised appearance.
7. If you need greater colour depth at the edges, you can combine Fresh Scab with translucent powder applied very lightly on top to tone down any shine.
8. To remove, use warm water and mild soap or your usual SFX materials cleanser.

Usage tips

Temperature and consistency

If the product is too thick due to low temperatures, leave the container at room temperature for a few minutes before working. Never heat it directly with heat sources, as this can alter its texture. In very warm environments, Fresh Scab becomes somewhat more fluid and is easier to spread in thin layers.

Layers and depth

The key to a convincing scab effect is building up in layers. Apply a first thin coat, allow it to begin drying, then add a second coat with greater volume at the centre of the wound. This creates a natural gradient between the dry edge and the moister interior that the eye recognises as real. If working on prosthetics, apply the product before adhering it to the skin for greater control.

Combining with other SFX products

Fresh Scab works very well in combination with glossy liquid bloods: apply Fresh Scab as a scab base and add a few drops of runny blood right at the centre or edges to simulate an active wound. You can also blend it with small amounts of latex or makeup wax to modify its texture and adhesion depending on the working surface.

Frequently asked questions