Spirit Gum vs Mastix: What's the Difference?

It's one of the questions I'm asked most often in the shop:

"What's the difference between Spirit Gum and Mastix?"

The short answer is... not very much.

"Spirit Gum" is the English name for this type of theatrical adhesive, while "Mastix" is the German term used by brands such as Kryolan. They're both used to attach things like prosthetics, crepe hair, facial hair, wigs and other special effects pieces to the skin.

So if someone tells you to buy Spirit Gum, and someone else recommends Mastix, they're usually talking about the same type of product.

So why are there so many different ones?

This is where the confusion starts.

Once you start looking at different brands, you'll notice there are lots of options. Kryolan, Mehron, PXP and other manufacturers all make their own versions, and people often ask me which one is "best".

The honest answer is that there usually isn't one universally better than the others.

If you're looking at the standard Spirit Gum or Mastix from professional brands, they're all designed to do the same job. The differences between them are generally much smaller than people expect, and it often comes down to personal preference and what you're using it for.

The questions I usually ask are things like:

• What are you attaching?
• How long does it need to stay on?
• Is it for a festival, a photoshoot or stage performance?
• Do you have sensitive skin?
• Do you already have a suitable adhesive remover?

Those answers are much more important than the name on the bottle.

There are specialist versions designed for particular situations, and I'll cover those in another post. But if you're simply wondering whether "Spirit Gum" and "Mastix" are completely different products, the answer is no.

If you're ever unsure which adhesive is right for your project, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to help point you in the right direction.

What is Spirit Gum used for?

Spirit Gum is a skin-safe theatrical adhesive used to attach prosthetics, crepe hair, false beards, lace pieces, bald caps and other special effects appliances to the skin.

The word "Spirit" comes from the alcohol ("spirits") traditionally used to dissolve the natural resins that make up the adhesive. That's why Spirit Gum has its name.

If you're browsing products from European manufacturers, you'll often see the word Mastix instead. It's simply the German term for the same type of adhesive. In France, you'll sometimes come across the term colle à postiche (literally "wig glue"), but in practice these products all sit in the same family of theatrical adhesives.

For most beginners—and plenty of professionals too—Spirit Gum is the first adhesive to reach for. It's reliable, affordable, widely available, and suitable for the vast majority of theatrical makeup, cosplay and special effects work.

How to Apply Spirit Gum

Spirit Gum works a little differently from many household glues. Rather than sticking two wet surfaces together, you allow the adhesive to become tacky before making the bond.

1. Make sure the skin is clean and dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of Spirit Gum to the skin where the prosthetic or lace will sit.
3. If recommended by the manufacturer or needed for your application, apply a thin layer to the appliance as well.
4. Allow the adhesive to become tacky. Many artists gently tap the adhesive with a fingertip until it feels sticky rather than wet.
5. Carefully position the prosthetic, lace or crepe hair and press it firmly into place.
6. Hold it for a few seconds to allow the bond to develop.

Taking a little extra time to let the adhesive become tacky usually gives a much stronger hold than trying to stick everything together while it's still wet.

What Spirit Gum Is (and Isn't) Good For

Spirit Gum is ideal for most lightweight theatrical applications, including facial hair, bald caps, lace pieces and many prosthetics.

Once you move into larger or heavier prosthetics, pieces that are under a lot of movement or tension, or situations involving extreme heat, heavy perspiration or water exposure, you may find that a different adhesive is better suited to the job.

Likewise, Spirit Gum isn't designed as an eyelash adhesive. Eyelash glues are formulated specifically for use around the eyes and usually come with much finer applicators for precise application.

Choosing the "best" adhesive is usually less about finding the strongest glue, and more about matching the adhesive to the job you're trying to do.

Removing Spirit Gum

The easiest way to remove Spirit Gum is with a dedicated adhesive remover.

Dip a cotton bud into the remover and gently work it underneath the edge of the prosthetic or lace, allowing the remover to dissolve the adhesive as you go. There's no need to rush—patience usually gives a much more comfortable removal.

If the adhesive has caught in hair, resist the temptation to pull. Apply more remover, allow it to soak in for a minute or two, and gently ease the adhesive apart. The remover is designed to dissolve the adhesive, so letting it do the work is much kinder on both your skin and your hair.