Spirit gum is a staple in cosplay, theater and special effects makeup, but using it correctly makes all the difference in comfort, hold and safety. If you’ve ever wondered how to use spirit gum adhesive without irritation or premature lifting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from proper application to safe removal—so your prosthetics, facial hair and costume pieces stay exactly where you want them.
What Can Spirit Gum Be Used For
There’s certain items that spirit gum works best for:
- Prosthetics (latex or foam)
- Fake beards, mustaches, side burns and other hair pieces
- Gems, glitter or other lightweight accessories that are being applied to the skin
- Lace front wigs
How to Use Spirit Gum
- Step 1. Prep your skin – Before applying, be sure to thoroughly clean your skin so no oils or makeup remains. Otherwise the spirit gum may not hold.
- Step 2. Apply the spirit gum – Apply a thin layer of spirit gum onto your skin or the back of the item with a brush or Q-tip.
- Step 3. Wait – Wait a few moments until the spirit gum feels tacky. Be sure to tap it to activate it as you wait.
- Step 4. Attach the item – You can now apply the prosthetic or hair piece by holding it in place for 30 seconds.
How to Remove Spirit Gum
To avoid skin irritation or damage, you need to safely remove spirit gum from your skin:
- Step 1. Get a remover – Soak a cotton ball, swab or sponge in spirit gum remover. Many brands will sell their spirit gum in a kit with a remover.
- Step 2. Work the edges – Dab your applicator soaked in remover around the edges of the gummed area. Be sure to gently work it under the item as you lift the edge slightly.
- Step 3. Continue applying – Apply and massage the remover until the adhesive fully breaks down and the item easily lifts off from the skin.
- Step 4. Clean the skin – Be sure to clean your skin of any remaining spirit gum residue with the remover. Then wash and moisturize your skin.
How Long Will Spirit Gum Last
On your skin, spirit gum can hold for hours to days just depending on activity, the item you adhered and how well you prepped your skin. The product itself in the bottle can last for years if tightly sealed.
Why is My Spirit Gum Not Sticking
Here are some common causes and fixes for when your spirit gum isn’t holding.
- Dirty skin – Always clean and prep your skin before applying spirit gum.
- Hasn’t dried – Wait until the spirit gum is tacky before applying.
- Not activated – After applying the spirit gum, tap it to activate it until it’s tacky.
- Applied over body paint – Only apply spirit gum to bare skin since paint makes it difficult for it to stick.
- Too much adhesive – Thick layers can become bulky and fail. Only apply a thin layer
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