Mask Making
Making the Mask
OK, now all the hard work is done. You now have your mold. Your ready to make the mask. You'll need some mask latex, also called slush latex. Normally this comes in quart, gallon and 5 gallon containers. I usually get a gallon at a time. There's many places to get this. I get mine at FX Warehouse. Form a cradle around the mold so it won't rock or tip. At this point you'll need some materials handy.
Materials List: Slush Latex 1 Gallon Clean Funnel Some throw away rags Note: Never let Latex be exposed to freezing temperatures as it will ruin it. Gently pour the latex into the mold slowly! This will minimize the air trapped when pouring. Air bubbles are bad! Fill the mold with latex. You make have to gently rock the mold to cover all areas. Let the latex sit in the mold for 2 hours. It will start to skin almost immediately. Do this in a well ventilated area as the smell of ammonia may be a bit overwhelming. Gently tapped the mold to release any trapped air bubbles. After 2 hours careefully pour the latex from the mold back into the gallon container using the clean funnel. Let the mold and latex then sit for 24 hours to cure.
As the latex cures, it will begin shrinking away from the mold. This is natural. Be patient! Don't try to demold before the 24 hours is up or you will ruin your mask. If the mask is not totally cured after 24 hours, wait another 24.
OK, you've waited long enough. Carefully remove your mask from the mold. It will pull away from the mold easily. Look over the mask for air bubble holes or impressions, thin spots and blemishes. If you need to repair any, just paint some latex on to cover the imperfection. Paint as you see fit using mask paints or any acrylic paints such as Liquitex. After painting, cover the eyes, mouth and bloodied areas with 5 minute epoxy. This will give a wet illusion. Finish the mask two coats of Crystal Clear. Add hair to complete the design.