Ch. 20 - Waxes and Their Application

Types of Mortuary wax (4)

1. Lip wax

2. Surface restorer

3. Modeling wax

4. Wound filler

Broad Lighting

Illuminated portion of the face is closest to the camera. Causes people’s faces to look fuller

Split lighting

Half of the subject is completely illuminated and the other half is obscured by shadow

Blacklisting

Source of light is behind the subject

Short lighting

Opposite of broad lighting where in a shadow is cast in the side of the face closest to the camera

Wax is ________

Hydrophobic

Lip wax

1. Softest and pliable

2. Used on small shallow areas

3. Adhesive qualities

4. Line of closure

5. Cracks/dehydrated areas of lips

6. Abrasions

7. Eye closure

8. Mixed with cosmetics

9. Cosmetized over

Surface restorer (soft wax)

1. Less pliable and adhesive than lip wax

2. Deep Abrasions or shallow lacerations

3. Over sutures

4. On top of heavier waves

5. Mixed with cosmetic

6. Cosmetized over

Butterfly lighting

Lighting directed from below the persons face

Modeling wax

1. Used for modeling all or parts of facial features

2. Stiff wax that holds form

3. Applied with heat application

4. Good for covering sutures

5. Cosmetized over, does not mix well

Wound filler

1. Thickest

2. Least adhesive

3. Shape features

4. Support for other waxes

5. Cosmetize over the top, does not mix well

6. Basket weave suture for and anchor

Feathering

Spreading wax from center to the edges

Used with Spatula, gloved hand, water, solvent

Texture is done before what?

Cosmetics

Stippling

Pecking motion done with a brush

Paper towel

Light patting motion

Raised bumps are uniform

Gauze

Use gentle patting motions to add surface texture.

Uniform pores

Citrus peel

Pressing lightly to give an organic nature to the skin pores.

Latex mold

Liquid latex. Create a mold that can be used over and over again. Gives appearance of human skin by using citrus peel or gauze or paper towel, allowing it to harden then gently use it into the wax to give texture.

Temperature

1. Different temperatures allows for manipulation of waxes

2. Uncontrolled temperature situations require the monitoring of wax

3. Prep room vs funeral Chapel

Controlled heat methods

Hot water

Hair dryer

Electric Spatula

Body heat

Ways to utilize hot water for wax

1. Placed in a plastic bag with hot water running over it

2. Immersion in hot water

Ways to utilize the hair dryer

1. Cover area (so wax isn’t completely exposed)

2. Use heat setting

3. Use Spatula or glove

4. Wax can be heated on the glove

5. Spatula can be heated

Ways to utilize heated Spatula

1. Use it before it heats up all the way (gets really hot)

2. Use with Thicker waxes

3. Be aware of burning the surface of the wax

Ways to utilize body heat

Manipulation by hands

Used for Softer waxes

Avoid spoiling it (wear gloves)

Controlled cooling

Refrigeration

Cold water

Compressed air (air conditioning)

Softening wax

1. Gradually increase the amount you are mixing

2. Softening can happen due to temperature change

3. Massage cream and petroleum jelly can be used

Stiffening wax

1. Start small and gradually increase

2. Materials will impart a color change

3. Can use cornstarch and finishing powder.

Coloring wax divisions

1. Cosmetics under wax

2. Mixing wax with Cosmetic

3. Cosmetics over wax

Cosmetics under wax

1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry

2. Choose a cosmetic that is tacky

3. Choose a wax that is adhesive

4. Cosmetize over wax

Mixing wax with cosmetic

Combination of wax and cosmetic will create a third color

Cosmetics will soften wax

Mix in bowl or on the back of your hand

Cosmetize over and blend the surrounding cosmetic

Cosmetic over wax

1. Most common

2. Works with spray, aerosol, liquid or cream cosmetics

Attachment choices

Surface is clean and dry

Armature

Basket weave structure

Glue

Other waxes nothing