How To Make Fake Blood

You can buy fake blood online or in the makeup or Halloween shops you see around town (like the numerous ones here in Hollywood), but it will cost you $8 per pint and up. Don't do it!

There are dozens of fake blood recipes out there, but there seems to be a standard mixture that is the most popular. Variations occur usually to solve a problem of the usual formula (i.e., it doesn't look dark enough on white fabric, it stains clothing, or it tastes terrible). Actually, the formula I'm including here tastes dandy, like pancake syrup, which it basically is. It's my understanding that this recipe was started by veteran makeup artist Dick Smith.

FAKE BLOOD RECIPE

16 oz. Karo syrup
1 oz. red food coloring
1 oz. water

Try adding a drop of blue or green food coloring for a more realistic color, depending on your lighting situation. Try adding 1 oz. of liquid laundry detergent if you want it to stick to fabric better.

For a more opaque blood, try adding 1 tablespoon of powdered cocoa.

This blood will stain many fabrics, so only use on clothing that is expendable.

If you are making a black and white movie, use the Hitchcock formula from PSYCHO -- chocolate syrup (Hershey's or similar).