Wax (Q3)

Question 1

Types of Wax

Answer 1

Lip wax
Soft wax (surface restorer)
Modeling wax
Wound filler

Question 2

Lip Wax

Answer 2

• Used to fill small gaps in the mouth and eyes
• Very soft, most pliable and adhesive (sticky)
• Easily mixed with cosmetics
• most commonly used type of wax.

Question 3

Soft wax (surface restorer)

Answer 3

• Less pliable and adhesive than lip wax
• Used to cover surface trauma or sutures
• Used to cover wound filler (if used underneath)
• Easier to “feather” at the edges

Question 4

Modeling Wax

Answer 4

• Best used to model detailed feature
• Stiff and holds form well
• Does not mix with cosmetics well, but cosmetics will cover over

Question 5

Wound Filler

Answer 5

• Thickest, least adhesive wax
• Used to fill large gaps, holes, or depressions from trauma
• Used as a support system for modeling wax or soft wax (surface restorer)
• Not usually cosmetized as other wax is placed over it

Question 6

Ways to Alter Wax Consistency

Answer 6

• Temperature: Heat or Chill
• Mixing Waxes
• Mixing Wax with Other Materials

Question 7

Heat

Answer 7

• Any type of wax will become more pliable and adhesive when heated.
• Body heat (mold in gloved hand)
• Hair dryer (spread on table surface and apply cheat)
• Water (place in plastic bag and run under warm water)
• Electric spatula (not recommended, too HOT)

Question 8

Chill

Answer 8

• Any type of wax will become thicker, less pliable and adhesive when chilled.
• Refrigeration (put it in the fridge)
• Compressed air (canned air, turn upside down)
• Water (place in plastic bag and run under cold water)
• Dry shampoo, solvent (quick evaporation causes cooling effect)

Question 9

Mixing Waxes

Answer 9

Mixing a softer wax with a firmer wax will provide a range of consistencies

Question 10

Mixing Other Materials

Answer 10

• Adding powder, such as cornstarch or talcum powder, will make any type of wax firmer
• Adding cream, such as cosmetic or massage cream, will make any type of wax softer.

Question 11

Techniques to Apply Wax (Major Trauma Case)

Answer 11

• Be sure that the tissue is firm (thoroughly embalmed), clean, and dry
• If a stronger base/armature is needed, use a basket weave stitch
• Fill with a layer of wound filler using spatula
• Then finish with surface restorer (soft wax) using spatula and gloved finger
• Be sure to feather the edges of the wax to blend with surrounding tissue
• Texture the wax to match the texture of the skin
• Cosmetize the wax and blend with surrounding tissue

Question 12

Feathering

Answer 12

• This process is done usually by gloved finger
• Adding a small amount of water can help smooth edges and blend
• Once finished, the water must be dried to apply cosmetics.

Question 13

Texture

Answer 13

• Creating texture in the wax to mimic the pores in the skin is necessary to properly mask the restoration
  Use: a brush to stipple (pecking motion), Gauze or paper towel, Citrus peel, or Latex mold

Question 14

Cosmetics

Answer 14

• Once the desired feathering and texture have been applied, the wax and surrounding tissue must be dry
• Use solvent (dry shampoo) to cause any moisture to evaporate and be sure to not blot the wax