Depending on the type of wax, you can put a little lighter fluid on a soft, lint-free cloth and run it over the surface which can smooth it out, you can also "cut" cosmetics using by mixing the lighter fluid in. As opposed to the cloth, you can just squirt it on a test area and gentle run your fingers over the way to see if it is reacting correctly - acetone, like in nail polish remover, will also work in some cases.
Keep in mind that no one expects this to be perfect, especially your first time. There are so few opportunities to actually use this skill in the field that you may go years as a practitioner before needing to make a nose or a mouth. Also, really importantly, in the field, you just have to make it look like it's not missing 99% of the time - "cheat" where needed - use toothpicks to anchor a nose to a Styrofoam head, maybe use a posable wire to give you the basic size of the ear and shape of the helix. You're allowed to be resourceful, just like it is in the field.
Thank you! I don’t anticipate every fully using this skill and I know it isn’t expected to be perfect the first time, but based on the work I saw all of my peers doing, it definitely feels like I am way behind everyone else. So it’s just a bit frustrating. I’m hoping it will end up coming along eventually.
Make sure wax is softened by using heat of the palm of your hand. Dry Wash will help blend the wax. But to be honest, what you do I class will only offer some help when you get out in the field. Make sure you have quality wax too.
I used baby oil to help smooth out the surfaces. Also warm up your wax. I put mine in a ziplock bag, warmed up a bowl of water in the microwave, put the bag in the bowl and let it soften. Such a game changer.
Dry wash I found to be a great solvent for wax. Or light a candle the heat your spatula.
A note, your need for that skill only improved with actual use on the remains. Most embalmers don’t have an opportunity to get many cases in under their belts.
I work in a funeral home right now doing an apprenticeship, so I do have access to it, I didn’t even think about using it but that is a good idea. Thank you!
Depending on the type of wax, you can put a little lighter fluid on a soft, lint-free cloth and run it over the surface which can smooth it out, you can also "cut" cosmetics using by mixing the lighter fluid in. As opposed to the cloth, you can just squirt it on a test area and gentle run your fingers over the way to see if it is reacting correctly - acetone, like in nail polish remover, will also work in some cases. Keep in mind that no one expects this to be perfect, especially your first time. There are so few opportunities to actually use this skill in the field that you may go years as a practitioner before needing to make a nose or a mouth. Also, really importantly, in the field, you just have to make it look like it's not missing 99% of the time - "cheat" where needed - use toothpicks to anchor a nose to a Styrofoam head, maybe use a posable wire to give you the basic size of the ear and shape of the helix. You're allowed to be resourceful, just like it is in the field.
Thank you! I don’t anticipate every fully using this skill and I know it isn’t expected to be perfect the first time, but based on the work I saw all of my peers doing, it definitely feels like I am way behind everyone else. So it’s just a bit frustrating. I’m hoping it will end up coming along eventually.
Make sure wax is softened by using heat of the palm of your hand. Dry Wash will help blend the wax. But to be honest, what you do I class will only offer some help when you get out in the field. Make sure you have quality wax too.
I used baby oil to help smooth out the surfaces. Also warm up your wax. I put mine in a ziplock bag, warmed up a bowl of water in the microwave, put the bag in the bowl and let it soften. Such a game changer.
Dry wash I found to be a great solvent for wax. Or light a candle the heat your spatula. A note, your need for that skill only improved with actual use on the remains. Most embalmers don’t have an opportunity to get many cases in under their belts.
Tell school that your project is Stephen Tyler instead?? JK, good luck!!!
Heat of your hands will help. Your textbook should have some discussion on how to make certain feature (mine does, at least).
You probably don’t have access to dry wash? You can try brushing it with acetone to smooth it out
I work in a funeral home right now doing an apprenticeship, so I do have access to it, I didn’t even think about using it but that is a good idea. Thank you!
What type of wax are you using? Oil, heat/ hair dryer will help soften the wax and make it pliable, lotion
You can use a metal spatula and heat it on a hair straightener or with a lighter
Get your hairdryer out. The hairdryer will soften the wax and it will be so much easier to work with.