Suggestions and FAQ — Stan Winston School of Character Arts Forums https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:58:53 +0000 en Suggestions and FAQ — Stan Winston School of Character Arts Forums Workbench for model making https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/12451/workbench-for-model-making Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:10:13 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ HowieB 12451@/discussions I'm about to start the model making course and I wanted to see if anyone has suggestions on what size workbench/table I would need. I have the space for a 72" x 36" but not sure if I need something that big. Any recommendations, product suggestions, anything I haven't thought about would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Howie]]> Billing issues and cancellation. https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/12393/billing-issues-and-cancellation Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:20:50 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ SarahBee 3D_Modeling 12393@/discussions looking for account deletion https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/12188/looking-for-account-deletion Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:11:21 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Kevin Kovacs 12188@/discussions Course Suggestion https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/11650/course-suggestion Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:01:51 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Jason Jacobs 11650@/discussions Sustainability in the SFX community? Is it a thing? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/11668/sustainability-in-the-sfx-community-is-it-a-thing Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:51:18 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Christopher Markquart 11668@/discussions I'm currently a fashion student, but I have always been interested in SFX in many ways. I am particularly interested in silicone casting for prosthetics and animatronics (I was heavily invested in the behind-the-scenes of Jurassic Park, for example).  
I am currently working in a fashion pathway called sustainable systems, which focuses on finding holes or areas of improvement within existing systems. These typically involve topics such as inclusivity, colonization, and climate change, to name a couple. I want to know more about what happens with silicone casts or prosthetics after they have fulfilled their purpose. Are these discarded? Recycled? Does the SFX community even have a problem with sustainability/ a large carbon footprint, given that it can be very niche? Have studios thought about these topics in recent years, given the ecological state of the planet (either in large or small capacities)? 
I would also be interested in hearing if there were any problems regarding sexism and racial or gender inclusivity within the industry. While I was researching the history of SFX, I noticed it was predominantly cis white men, and I am curious if this is still the primary bulk of the workforce.

I know these are rather large questions, but I am having a hard time finding any answers without directly interviewing individuals or simply trying to DM them over various platforms. Any info anyone has would be deeply appreciated!

Kind regards,
Christopher M.
]]> Can't delete or edit discussion posts https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/11658/cant-delete-or-edit-discussion-posts Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:29:23 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Cedar Knieriemen 11658@/discussions Creature Teeth Update https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/11490/creature-teeth-update Sun, 18 Aug 2024 02:06:30 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Brian Caruso 11490@/discussions Foam Latex https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/11380/foam-latex Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:39:51 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ John Manning 11380@/discussions At the moment I don't have an oven for foam latex yet. Are there any alternatives I could use? I thought about silicone but I was worried it would be too heavy for the mechanics]]> My gender wasn't included as a profile option https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/10509/my-gender-wasnt-included-as-a-profile-option Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:25:48 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ K. Banning 10509@/discussions
So I was creating my profile on the main Stan Winston website after picking up the Jurassic June promo (I'm a miniature painter who wants to expand. So this appeals to me!) When I went to set up my profile, I only saw male or female as gender options and it defaults to male. I'm non-bi and well, there's no option for that. I ended up dropping my pronouns into the "biography" section of the profile. It's uh.... kinda disappointing. :C. Is there a chance that this will be fixed? 

Thanks!]]> Laguna WED clay and rebound 40? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/10504/laguna-wed-clay-and-rebound-40 Tue, 30 May 2023 00:03:31 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Redrosesforever 10504@/discussions Has anyone worked with this specific combination of materials, and has it worked? I want to mold a sword master that I've made, and I don't want to buy 50lbs of WED clay only to figure out that it doesn't work with Rebound 40 from Smooth on.
Even if it's not the specific products, I'd like to know if anyone would happen to have some experience with these!
]]> Matterial suggestion and guidance https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/9599/matterial-suggestion-and-guidance Thu, 19 May 2022 17:34:04 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Tala 9599@/discussions
This is my first time on here so here is my question as a complete beginner figuring out this amazing stuff. 
I am trying to make lilith from diablo 4 for a cosplay competition and my own ppl assign for knowable and I would love to know what matterial is best used for such a prosthetic 

If I should do the grown of horns in foam latex or just make them out of  Eva foam or something and not cast them (concerned about weight and the fact I don't have a 2nd oven outside the home to bake the foam latex) 

The other parts are:
 forehead piece king Bridge of nose horns 
Side burn horns and a back piece I'm thinking of having that attach to the dress in some way and just blend it into my skin maybe? 

I know the basic process for what is expected : 
Put clay on head replica I have  and sculpt the things one at a time ( the forehead and side burns could maybe be on one mold) ?
Put something on clay to help it cast detail maybe 
Put casting matterial on 1 half of the model  then do the other side (only if doing crown of horns) 
Clean mold and head cast of clay once dry 
Apply mold release to mold 
Poor in matterial - not sure which one 
Put head replica in  sandwich the mold if head cast if not then just go into strapping it together 
Carefully remove mold and clean up prosthetic 

]]> Activity History https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/9464/activity-history Fri, 11 Mar 2022 04:29:10 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Darrell Green 9464@/discussions Cosplay Lighting Help https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/3569/cosplay-lighting-help Mon, 15 May 2017 00:52:43 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Samantha La rue 3569@/discussions
And using the colors to replace her usual elven form:

I'm wanting to have the nightmare corruption glowing in the cosplay with red swirls on her bracers and greaves, the gem stones on her shoulders, chest piece and bracers as well as her horns.  I've done lightning in cosplays before, but the issue that I'm having with this one is I'm hoping to have all lighting locations being able to be wireless when it comes to turning on so they can all turn on at once.  I had and LED converter and remote for a previous project, but the receiver for the remote signal was really weak.  I'm not sure if anyone would have any recommendations on how to handle my light activation dilemma but thank you all for taking the time to look at this!]]> Black Friday Tuition https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8073/black-friday-tuition Fri, 27 Nov 2020 20:20:05 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Melody Hellard 8073@/discussions I subscribed last Black Friday to the premium subscription for 40% off. Last Black Friday was on 11/29/2019 and this year 11/27/2020, so my subscription ends on Sunday, not today on Black Friday. If I let my account auto renew, will I pay the same 40% off price that I paid last year, or will I be charged full price? ]]> How do I make water based facepaint as durable as possible? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8857/how-do-i-make-water-based-facepaint-as-durable-as-possible Mon, 05 Jul 2021 17:02:39 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Redrosesforever 8857@/discussions French Subtitles https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8803/french-subtitles Sat, 19 Jun 2021 16:50:14 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Erika Vigneron 8803@/discussions Can anyone tell me if this is possible to submit French subtitles for the on demand courses, and how to :)
I'd like to participate, as my mother's tong is French, I'm sure this could help !

Thank you everyone and have a good day ! :D ]]> Recommendations for water based airbrush paint? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8804/recommendations-for-water-based-airbrush-paint Sun, 20 Jun 2021 09:28:26 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Redrosesforever 8804@/discussions How to patch a 10 year old mask. https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8647/how-to-patch-a-10-year-old-mask Fri, 28 May 2021 00:24:02 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Ke 8647@/discussions Suggestions for 2 Part Epoxacoat Grey Mold w/o a Release Agent https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8566/suggestions-for-2-part-epoxacoat-grey-mold-w-o-a-release-agent Sun, 02 May 2021 21:23:53 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ The Joshua Project 8566@/discussions Machine shops https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8539/machine-shops Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:55:44 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ ttfl 8539@/discussions One more puppet class from Bill Diamond https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8358/one-more-puppet-class-from-bill-diamond Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:26:02 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Chad Amos 8358@/discussions I am struggling to learn this on my own and what is found on YouTube is not very good at all. I would really like to suggest an addition to his class focusing on this overlooked subject. 

Thanks! ]]> Molding Materials https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8148/molding-materials Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:28:27 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ KingDingeling 8148@/discussions im recently working on my first silicone mask. it is almost done and now i´m looking for materials to get my mold done.
i already hit the search option but didnt realy finde something.
plan is to do the mold with fiberglas. viewed a couple of tutorials online but they are using diferent materials in every vid.
so i know the basics on how to get the mold done but i need some product recomandations.]]> How to paint Silicone Prosthetics https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8097/how-to-paint-silicone-prosthetics Sun, 03 Jan 2021 04:02:43 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Joseph 8097@/discussions Vetting Supply Lists vs. What the Supply Partner Can Actually Provide (Metallic Painting Techniques) https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/1707/vetting-supply-lists-vs-what-the-supply-partner-can-actually-provide-metallic-painting-techniques Wed, 01 Jul 2015 18:30:10 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ WillKnoll Knoll 1707@/discussions
Things I learned:

Email to the supplier isn't responded to.  Call them.

Dynatron Sandable Primer & Surfacer -- Apparently no longer available.  I received Bondo Easy Finish primer instead.  Not a huge deal, as I believe 3M bought Dynatron, and this is the result.  Jamie Grove uses that in his web course, so obviously a suitable alternative.  But the order form should reflect that.

Evercoat Bondo (aka Polyester Glazing Putty) -- I received "Bondo" brand bondo, not the Evercoat as shown in the video, and named on the order form.  This was highly disappointing . . . I can buy "Bondo" at Home Depot, etc.  Evercoat *is* available.

Sureguard Matte Special 931 -- Also apparently no longer available.  I was at least told, over the phone, this would be replaced with something else, at a cheaper price.  However, the replacement (Rust-Oleum Matte Clear Enamel) is most definitely not the same thing, and also readily available at Home Depot, et. al.

Alclad Lacquer (Chrome) Metalizer -- I did get this, as advertised, and that's awesome; it's great stuff.


The overall ordering experience left quite a bit to be desired, and took forever to ship (2 weeks).  I found, after contacting them via phone, that it was due to not having the Primer in stock, but the delay should have been relayed.  To top it all off, I didn't receive as many cans of the primer as I ordered . . . still trying to get that worked out.

Sorry, feels like I'm venting a bit (and I guess I am), but I really just wanted to surface the issue here, in case it is an overall problem with the web courses.  I absolutely LOVE the content of the courses, they've been amazing; I hate to see them tarnished then by inability to actually receive some of the course materials, due to issues with the what the materials list shows, and what the partner can actually provide.  They should be updated, as appropriate.  Not bashing 3DMakeupFX, as some of this is clearly out of their control (and they've been friendly, and helpful over the phone), but there are some clear disconnects in the chain here.





]]> How can i make Sculpey surface smooth? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8079/how-can-i-make-sculpey-surface-smooth Sun, 06 Dec 2020 16:43:17 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ ekdnltdhkd8@gmail.com 8079@/discussions Before baking, people use some liquid with a brush to make the surface smooth.
What liquid is used with a brush for surface cleaning?


]]> How can i avoid crack on Sculpey or any other clay ? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8078/how-can-i-avoid-crack-on-sculpey-or-any-other-clay Sun, 06 Dec 2020 16:30:18 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ ekdnltdhkd8@gmail.com 8078@/discussions Is there any way to avoid crack?]]> First Project Assistance https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/8071/first-project-assistance Sun, 22 Nov 2020 21:27:01 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ ryanaqueve13@gmail.com 8071@/discussions How to Avoid sweating inside a silicone suit so that the actor is very comfortable https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/7831/how-to-avoid-sweating-inside-a-silicone-suit-so-that-the-actor-is-very-comfortable Wed, 07 Oct 2020 17:21:31 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Rajiv Subba 7831@/discussions
I have created a silicone suit which is more like a wearable pant . The silicone is fused to the spandex suit . What I am worried about is the actor sweating inside . Are there any tips to avoid rashes and a way to make the sweat exit out. It would be very kind of you to help out.]]> Bondo resin alternative? https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/7484/bondo-resin-alternative Thu, 14 May 2020 00:59:32 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Chase Eric Duff 7484@/discussions
I have no access to a spray booth, and am therefore unsure where it would be safe to use this product, when making the fibreglass mold.
Is working in our apartment parking garage safe? Or is there a non toxic alternative by some chance? I’ve been trying to find some, but have had no luck.

any help would be greatly appreciated,
cheers all!]]> Metallized painting and sealing help https://forums.stanwinstonschool.com/discussion/7813/metallized-painting-and-sealing-help Fri, 11 Sep 2020 21:05:09 +0000 Suggestions and FAQ Mark Castro 7813@/discussions
]]>