Choosing the perfect artificial blood for makeup, SFX, Halloween, and theatrical effects.
There are various types of artificial and fake blood available in the market designed for makeup, Halloween, and special effects (SFX), each serving different purposes. These products come in different colors, consistencies, and have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Different types of blood include liquid blood, viscous blood, and blood suitable for use around the eyes, in the mouth, on costumes, props, and more.
MORE UPDATES TO THIS POST WILL COME LATER 🙂
Diffrent types of fake blood products
- Stage Blood (liquid blood)
- Blood Paste, Thick Blood or Blood Gel
- Blood Capsules
- Blood Powder
- Blood Spray
- Blood Paint
Stage Blood
Stage Blood is the most commonly used type of blood, characterized by its normal consistency. It is applied to achieve the realistic effect of fresh blood in and around wounds. It is also sometimes referred to as liquid blood or FX blood. The term stage blood is often used as a collective term for various types of artificial blood, but as a rule people think of liquid fresh normal blood when the term stage blood or fake blood is used.
Artificial blood is available from some brands and manufacturers in several different types of colors. Most often a light blood (arterial blood) and a dark colored blood (venous blood). Some brands also offer darker blood that looks a little coagulated, which is suitable for effects that should be some hours old. In addition, there are also some who produce their own types of zombie or monster blood.
Blood Capsules
Blood capsules are small gelatin capsules filled with fake blood designed for use in the mouth. To reveal the effect, you place the blood capsule in your mouth and puncture it with your teeth. If desired, multiple blood capsules can be used simultaneously. Blood capsules are ideal for fight scenes and for characters such as zombies, vampires, Dracula, and other monsters.
It is possible to purchase filled blood capsules containing blood powder, ready for use. Alternatively, you can buy empty capsules that you can fill with stage blood. When filling the capsules, it is recommended to use a clean pipette, for instance. It is also recommended to stand over a sink in case of any spills.
Always use blood that is safe for oral use, and avoid swallowing the capsules. Remember to wash your hands before handling blood capsules or use disposable medical gloves.
Mouth Safe Blood
Mouth-safe blood is designed for safe use inside the mouth and on the lips. Certain types of blood may even have a peppermint taste and a pleasant smell to enhance comfort while in the mouth for the actor or person using the blood.
It is an excellent choice for use in blood capsules. While this blood is safe for oral use, it is advisable to avoid swallowing blood whenever possible. Actors can spit out the blood or let it slowly ooze from their mouths for different effects.
Eyeblood
Eyeblood is a product from Kryolan that can be used to simulate the appearance of bloodshot or injured eyes. It is available in various colors, such as red, green, blue, yellow, and black.
Eyeblood comes in a bottle similar to eye drops and is applied using the same method as when using eye drops. NOTE – Eye Blood should not be used while wearing contact lenses or crazy lenses.
Blood Powder
Blood powder is a red colored powder that is applied to the skin or props in a thin layer so that it is not visible. When the powder comes into contact with water or other liquid, blood “magically” appears. Excellent for creating the effect of cutting yourself if you use the effect together with a dull knife. Can also be used to create various magical effects of blood appearing on the skin by splashing the skin with water with a water sprayer.
Blood powder can also be used to mix large amounts of thin liquid blood for various effects or decoration.
Blood Paint
Blood paint is a term for artificial blood that is used on props, scenography, masks and costumes which does not rub off, looks wet and fresh even if it is dry and which stays permanently without it being possible to remove the blood. Simply explained as blood paint. Often used in Halloween attractions and haunted houses or on costumes. Blood like this cannot be used on the skin.
Some tips when using fake blood
- Many types of liquid blood must be shaken before use.
- Blood must be removed with soap and water. Baby wipes are generally not recommended as they can stain your skin pink when trying to remove blood. Always read on the product or the manufacturer’s website to find the right method to remove the blood.
- The sugar syrup blood recipe tends to attract insects. Keep this in mind when selecting blood for outdoor use. In such situations, opt for blood, such as Clink Street blood, which does not have a syrup base.
Application techniques
Various techniques can be used to apply artificial blood to wounds, injuries, and the skin.
- Stipple sponge
- Q-tip/cotton swab
- Kleenex/paper
- Makeup brush
- Spray on
- Splatter
- Flick on
Important factors to consider when choosing blood
- Price.
- Removal/staining.
- The area of use.
- Degree of difficulty to remove from clothes, costumes and other surfaces.
- Colour.
- Thickness and consistency.
How to remove artificial blood?
Artificial blood is mostly removed with soap and water. Other types may have other special instructions on how to remove it. Read on the product, the website of the place you bought it from or the website of the manufacturer.
How to remove blood from clothes and costumes?
You remove blood from costumes by first rinsing them before then putting them in the washing machine and washing them successively.
Note – Some types of blood can be more difficult to remove from textiles, clothing and costumes than others.
Which type of stage blood should I choose?
The rule of thumb is that the more expensive the blood, the easier it is to remove. Also buy blood from a different make-up brand or manufacturer. Cheap types from party stores are often of poor quality and can be difficult to remove.
How to remove artificial blood from hands?
Getting blood off the inside of hands can be difficult. It is therefore recommended to use gloves when working extensively with blood if possible as cheaper brands of blood can be difficult to remove from the inside of the hands. Then you will also hopefully not have to spend time washing blood from your hands too.
My blood has frozen during transport. Can I thaw it again until it liquefies or is it damaged?
Some types of blood from Kryolan can be thawed if it were to freeze and turn to ice. Try to keep the blood stored at room temperature if possible to avoid freezing.
I have problems with the blood staining the skin even though I follow the instructions on how to remove the blood. What can I do to avoid the blood to stain the skin?
Some recommend using moisturizer, vaselin or lotion on the skin underneath to create a barrier between the skin and the blood. I would recommend taking a day where you test with different types of products to see what works best. Be careful not to apply too thick a layer, as the skin will be completely shiny. If that doesn’t work, I would recommend trying to get a professional type of blood.
Can fake blood be washed out of costumes and clothes?
Whether the blood can be washed out of costumes and clothes depends a lot on the type of clothes/textiles used, how long the blood is on the clothes and, not least, the type of blood used.
Can I use artificial blood in the eyes?
Kryolan has an aged blood product called Eyeblood that can be used in eyes. Other types of artificial blood should not be used in the eyes. One possibility is also to use lenses.
Can artificial blood stain hair or wigs?
It depends a lot on blood type and hair type. The basic rule is that the more expensive and more professional blood you obtain, the easier it is to remove from hair, beards and loose hair parts.
Is there blood that dries and stays dry and still looks wet?
There are several types of blood that dry and do not infect. This is very practical to avoid blood getting on costumes, clothes or other places.
How long does artificial blood take to dry?
The drying time of blood varies. The drying time can be shortened with a hairdryer as long as you are careful not to burn the person you are applying make-up to. Note that some types of blood contain ingredients that prevent the blood from drying at all as it is always liquid. An example of such a product is Filmblood from Grimas.
Is there blood that can withstand water and moisture?
Yes there are some types of blood that tolerate water. But note that this type of blood can be difficult to remove and is also sometimes a bit expensive.
I have problems with the blood not wanting to lie nicely on the skin or elsewhere but collecting in small drops on the surface. What can I do?
The problem is probably most likely that the blood beads up on the surface. This often happens on silicone or if the skin contains a lot of oils or other make-up products. Then it is recommended to take a drop of soap as an emulsifier to make the blood lie better on the surface. One possibility is also to buy blood that does not bead up.
NOTE – If you mix in soap with blood that can be used in the mouth, it is no longer recommended to use the blood in the mouth!
How do I know if the blood I have can be used in the mouth?
You can check the manufacturer’s website or check with the place you bought the blood from if it can be used in the mouth. If it is not stated either on the product or online, the chances are high that you cannot use the product in your mouth.
The blood that I use in my mouth dissipates too quickly. Is it possible to create the effect of a bloody mouth that lasts longer?
One possibility is to use blood colored tooth enamel to color the teeth blood red.
How can I apply fake blood?
There are many ways to apply artificial blood. For example with your fingers, make-up brush, sponge, stipple sponge, q-tip, Kleenex, toothbrush, chip brush and many other methods.
How do you store fake blood?
Artificial blood is stored away from direct sunlight in a closed original container at room temperature, unless otherwise mentioned on the website or on the product. Avoid storing the blood in places where it can get cold because then the blood can freeze.
Does artificial blood have an expiration date?
Many types of blood have an expiry date by which it is recommended that you use the products. Some have also recommended shelf life after opening. This can vary from anything from, for example, 3, 6, 12 or 36 months. Kryolan Eye Blood has a shelf life of one month after opening. The shelf life or expiry date is usually marked on the container of the blood.
Can I use expired blood?
It is possible to use expired blood, although it is not recommended. You may have to assess this yourself on your own. If the blood is suitable for oral use, it is not recommended to use it orally in the mouth after the expiry date.
Some professional types of artificial blood
Here is an overview of some of the most popular types of artificial blood used in professional film and theater productions and for case simulation all over the world. They are often known for how realistic they are, how easy they are to remove and whether it can be used on silicone without the blood beading up on the surface. Some types of blood are also known for their durability and that it does not stain clothes when the blood has dried but still looks fresh.
- Nick Dudman Blood / Pigs Might Fly South
- Robert Smith Blood
- Vermillion FX
- Glynn McKay
- Clink Street Blood
- EBA Performance Blood
Stage Blood
A overview over some of the most used types of liquid fake blood.
Blood Paste / Thick Blood / Blood Gel
Here you can find thick types of fake blood.
Blood Kits and Boundles
Recommended reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Artificial Blood
Artificial blood is a substance designed to replicate the appearance of real blood. It is commonly used in filmmaking, theater, special effects (SFX), and Halloween costumes to simulate injuries, wounds, or other blood-related effects.
There is a variety of artificial blood products, including liquid blood, thick blood, mouth-safe blood, eye blood, and blood capsules. Each type serves specific purposes in creating realistic effects for different scenarios.
Yes, many artificial blood formulations are safe for use on the skin and inside the mouth. However, it’s essential to choose the appropriate type based on the intended application, and precautions like not swallowing certain blood types should be observed.
Different application techniques can be used, including brushes, sponges, or even by dripping or spraying, depending on the desired effect. Each technique contributes to creating realistic and convincing blood effects.
Artificial blood is mostly removed with soap and water.
You remove blood from costumes by first rinsing them before then putting them in the washing machine and washing them successively.
Note – Some types of blood can be more difficult to remove from textiles, clothing and costumes than others.
The rule of thumb is that the more expensive the blood, the easier it is to remove. Also buy blood from a different make-up brand or manufacturer. Cheap types from party stores are often of poor quality and can be difficult to remove.
Getting blood off the inside of hands can be difficult. It is therefore recommended to use gloves when working extensively with blood, if possible. Then you will also hopefully not have to spend time washing blood from your hands.
Remember to always follow safety guidelines and product instructions when using artificial blood for various applications. If you have specific concerns or requirements, consult with professionals in the field for personalized advice.
