Whether you're going to a masquerade, making costumes for a play, or getting ready for a Halloween party, plaster masks are an inexpensive and fun costume option. With the right materials, facial features, and patience, you can make a plaster mask in no time. You can also decorate the mask with paint, feathers, glitter (sparkling powder), and sequins (shiny decorations) to make it your own character.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting Ready
Step 1. Create a work area using newspaper and drop cloth
Use a large room, such as a family room, craft room, or kitchen table. Protect the floor by spreading newspaper or drop cloth on it. Have a tissue ready in case a stain drips on an area that is not covered by a protective cover.
Step 2. Find the face model
You need someone who is willing to model your face so you can print a good mask. Choose people who are willing to be silent for at least 30-60 minutes. Have him lie on his back or sit in a straight-backed chair with his face up.
You can use your own face to model your mask, although it's a bit tricky to do if it's your first time making a plaster mask. Maybe you should do it in front of a mirror to make it easier for you to apply the mask material to your face
Step 3. Ask the model to wear second hand clothes and headband
You can also pin the hair so it doesn't fall down the person's face. Wrap a towel around your neck and shoulders to prevent the tape from getting into these areas.
Step 4. Use scissors to cut the bandage tape into strips
The strip should be about 5-10 cm wide and 8 cm long. Make some strips that are shorter than others so you will have a variety of strip sizes. Make about 10 to 15 strips so you have plenty of supplies to cover the model's face with 2 coats of tape.
Place the strip of plaster you made in the bowl
Step 5. Rub petrolatum (petroleum jelly) onto the face of the mask model
This makes it easier for you to remove the mask that dries later. Rub the petrolatum evenly on the hairline, eyebrows, and around the sides of the nose. Also brush the eyelids, lips, jawline and under the chin.
Part 2 of 4: Making the Mask
Step 1. Dip the strips one at a time into a bowl filled with warm water
Use a clean finger to pick up the strip and dip it into the bowl of water. Use your fingers to remove excess water from the strip. The strip should be wet, but not soaking wet.
Step 2. Cover the forehead
Use your fingers to smooth out any creases so the strips stick evenly.
Step 3. Glue the strips on the cheeks and chin
Start at the forehead, then around the cheeks, and then the chin. Make sure the strips touch each other on the face of the mask model. Smooth out the strip with your fingers when you apply it so that it sits flat when it dries.
Step 4. Use small strips on the nose and upper lip
Glue the strip on the inside of the face for the last. Be careful when applying the strip to the model's nose and upper lip as these areas are very sensitive.
Don't cover his nostrils with the bandage so he can breathe. Leave a 1 cm wide gap around the nostrils
Step 5. Cover the model's mouth and eyes with tape if desired
Let him know that you will be closing this area so he is ready. Ask him to close his eyes, then use a small strip to cover the area completely, pressing the strip into the eye contour. Next, ask him to cover his mouth, then attach a strip to cover his mouth.
- Closing the mouth and eyes is only optional, depending on the wishes of each person.
- You can keep her mouth open so that the mask model can speak clearly to other people while wearing the mask.
- You can also leave the model's eye sockets uncovered so she can see while wearing the mask.
Step 6. Apply at least 2 coats of plaster
After the mask model's face is covered with one layer of plaster, repeat the same steps one more time. Make sure the strips touch each other and stick evenly. The addition of two layers of this plaster makes the mask more sturdy.
Step 7. Trim any gaps with wet fingers
Once the second layer is done, stand up and look at the mask. Dip your finger in the water so that it sticks to the tape. Next, gently smooth out any gaps and creases in the plaster with a wet finger.
Part 3 of 4: Drying and Removing the Mask
Step 1. Wait for 12-15 minutes
Ask the mask model to stay still until the mask dries. When it starts to dry, the mask may be a little hard and itchy. This is to be expected.
Do not point a fan or hairdryer at the mask to accelerate drying. This can cause them to crack and harm the model's skin
Step 2. Ask the figurine to move her jaw and mouth to help loosen the mask
Touch the mask to see if it is dry. Next, have the model move her jaw and mouth. He can also wrinkle his nose and move his eyebrows. This will help loosen the mask.
Step 3. Gently pull the mask away from the model's face
Once the mask is loose, place both hands in front of the model's face. Grasp the sides of the mask and slowly lift the mask. Move your fingers to the center of the mask as you lift it up.
Do not pull or tug on the mask as this may hurt the mask model. The mask must have come off easily because you've applied petrolatum to the model's face
Part 4 of 4: Decorating the Mask
Step 1. Attach the string to the mask
Make holes on each side of the mask using a hole punch, just below the eyes. Next, thread the tape or string into the hole. After that, you can apply the mask to your face or someone else's by placing a ribbon or string around the back of your head.
Step 2. Add horns, beaks, or clumps to the mask
Take advantage of the remaining strips of tape, or use fresh tape to create a beak on the mask's nose. This is perfect if you want to make a mask in the shape of a bird's head.
- You can also add horns on top of the mask to create a demon costume.
- If you want to make a scary mask, stick lumps or bumps on the mask.
Step 3. Color the mask
Apply gesso (a paste-like paint to fill in pores) on the mask to make it smoother. After that, apply acrylic paint or water-based paint. Add embellishments around the mouth and eyes. Draw a pattern all over the mask.
- Once you've covered the mouth and eyes of the mask, you can paint over the mouth and eyes to give them a different look.
- Next, you can apply a sealer to the painted mask to protect it and give it a glossy finish.
Step 4. Add feathers, glitter, or sequins to the mask
Glue the feathers of different colors using glue to make the mask lively. You can also apply glue to the mask, then dip it in glitter for a shiny look. Sequins are also a fun option.
Step 5. Allow the decorated mask to dry overnight
Once creatively decorated, allow the mask to dry on a flat surface for one night. After that, wear a mask when you go to a party, an event, or just for fun.
