Flat moulds are one of the most useful, versatile and widely used techniques in prosthetic makeup.
From small scars and cuts to burns, abrasions, wounds and character details, flat mould prosthetics allow makeup artists to create realistic effects that can be reproduced, applied and finished for camera. They are a key part of casualty makeup, character work and special effects for film, television and theatre and they are often one of the first prosthetic processes artists need to understand properly.
At The Prosthetics School, our Advanced Flat Moulds Workshop is designed to give students a complete, practical introduction to this essential process.
Led by Stuart Bray, this intensive three-day workshop takes students through the full flat mould journey: from designing and sculpting an original wound or scar, to moulding, casting, applying, blending and colouring the finished prosthetic appliance.
Learning the Full Process
One of the most important things about prosthetics is understanding the process as a whole.
A finished appliance is only as good as the decisions made at every stage before it: the design, the sculpt, the edge work, the mould, the material, the application and the colouring. This workshop gives students the opportunity to follow that process from beginning to end, gaining a clearer understanding of how each stage affects the final result.
Students will begin by exploring injury design and anatomy, looking at how wounds, scars and surface textures can be created believably. Using plasteline clay, they will learn how to sculpt realistic cuts, abrasions, scars and wound textures, focusing on shape, depth, surface detail and how a prosthetic will eventually sit on the skin.
The aim is not simply to make something dramatic, but to make something convincing.
Sculpting Wounds and Scars
During the sculpting stage, students will learn how to build up realistic injury forms and textures, paying close attention to the details that make casualty makeup work on camera.
This includes understanding how wounds behave visually, how scar tissue differs from fresh injury, and how small changes in depth, edge quality and surface texture can completely alter the final effect.
Students will also learn how to prepare their sculptures for moulding, an important step that can significantly affect the quality and usability of the finished mould.
Understanding Flat Mould Techniques
Flat mould prosthetics are particularly valuable because they allow artists to create reusable moulds and produce multiple appliances from a single original sculpture. This makes them a practical and efficient technique for professional work, especially when repeated effects are needed across a production.
Throughout the workshop, students will be introduced to the professional applications of flat moulds and the advantages of this process within film, television and special effects makeup.
They will learn how to prepare and construct a flat mould, how
Application, Blending and Troubleshooting
A prosthetic appliance only becomes convincing once it is properly applied.
Students will learn how to prepare the skin, place and fit their prosthetics correctly, use adhesives, and blend edges for a seamless result. This stage is especially important, as even a well-made appliance can lose its realism if the application is rushed or poorly finished.
The workshop will also cover common application issues and how to troubleshoot them, helping students build confidence in practical problem-solving, an essential part of working as an SFX or prosthetic makeup artist.
Colouring for Realism
Colour is what brings a prosthetic to life.
During the colouring and finishing stage, students will explore colour theory for casualty makeup, learning how to create depth, bruising, skin variation and realistic injury tones. They will also practise matching prosthetics to different skin tones, an essential skill for film and television work.
Rather than treating colouring as an afterthought, this workshop places emphasis on finishing techniques that make the prosthetic feel integrated into the skin and believable on camera.
Practical, Hands-On Training
This is a practical workshop from start to finish.
Throughout the three days, students will sculpt their own original wound and scar designs, create reusable flat moulds, cast prosthetic appliances, apply their own pieces and practise colouring and finishing techniques.
By working through the full process themselves, students gain a much stronger understanding of how flat mould prosthetics are designed, made and used in real production contexts.
What Students Will Gain
By the end of the workshop, students will have developed practical skills in sculpting, moulding, casting, applying and colouring flat mould prosthetics.
They will understand how to create realistic wounds and scars, how to produce multiple appliances from an original design, how to apply and blend prosthetics more seamlessly, and how to colour-match and finish their work for screen.
For anyone wanting to build confidence in casualty makeup or begin developing their prosthetic skills, flat moulds are an essential technique to learn properly.
The Advanced Flat Moulds Workshop offers three focused days of hands-on training with Stuart Bray, giving students the opportunity to explore the craft in a practical, professional and supportive environment.
Whether you are an aspiring SFX makeup artist, a working makeup artist wanting to expand your skills, or someone looking to understand prosthetics in more depth, this workshop is designed to give you a strong foundation in one of the most important techniques used in the industry.
Advanced Flat Moulds Workshop
31st of July to 2nd of August
3 days with Stuart Bray — £995
Price includes all materials and tools used on the course.
Join Stuart Bray for an intensive three day workshop exploring the complete flat mould process used in professional prosthetics and casualty makeup. Students will sculpt their own wounds and scars using plasteline, learning how to create realistic textures, shapes, and injury details suitable for film and television work.
The course will then guide students through the process of casting flat moulds, turning their original sculptures into reusable moulds for multiple applications. Students will also practise applying and blending their prosthetic pieces on different skin tones, focusing on realistic placement, seamless edges, colouring techniques, and professional finishing methods for screen ready results.
Petar Agbaba (Author)
A highly professional director at the Christine Blundell Make-up Academy & The Prosthetics School, Petar Agbaba brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his writing. With an in-depth knowledge of makeup courses and techniques, he crafts insightful, well-researched content that resonates with readers.
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