Is there a way to make a latex mask rigid?

[SaberFreak]

Hey guys, need your expert advise as I'm a total noob when it comes to latex.

I intend to buy a cheapo Halloween latex mask to mod by sculpting extra details on it. But first I need to fill in some of the existing details and then make the mask (at least the front part where the face is) rigid so that medium like sculpey or milliput can stick to it properly.

Is there some kind of chemical or whatnot which can turn latex rigid and make it stay rigid without damaging the latex in the long run?

The mask I intend to get is something like this, but may not be this exact one.

Hope you guys can help me on this. Thanks!

 

[Deck star]

I have been working with latex for 20+ years and have yet to come across a product that will do what you've described. It's just a skull, you should sculpt it from scratch in clay then add your "mods" to that and mold the whole lot as one. It seems you would have to do the same amount of work to be able to recast someone else's mask anyway. Plus you will gain a lot more respect by not molding another artists product. There are plenty of folks here that will help guide you through the process of making a decent mold of your own original sculpt. If you go this route I'll have some suggestions as you go along, make sure to post pics of your work in progress.

 

[SaberFreak]

Its a one-off piece for personal use, and the end product will be the actual latex mask with whatever mods on top, not a casting of it.

I don't know how to make a mold for something like this and I don't know how to sculpt to save my life, so modding an existing product is the only way I know how to make this...

Plus its way too much hassle to sculpt, mold, and then cast just one item...

 

[steveo]

Get it excited?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I have nothing to contribute.

 

[SaberFreak]

Get it excited?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I have nothing to contribute.

FREE POST!!! :lol

 

[Deck star]

ok dude, what sort of thing do you want to add? there may be a way to sculpt what you want out of something flexible that sticks straight on. I use my plain skull masks then add "rotting flesh" and hair to make one off zombies.

I'm sure you could use a similar techniques to achieve other mods. it is pretty simple.

 

[SaberFreak]

I need a base like the one above, without the rotting flesh and hair, and with straight (normal looking) teeth so I can add accents and motifs to it.

If you can help me maybe we can talk via PM? I like to keep my projects under wraps until its done because I usually unveil them at events and some times there is a non-disclosure clause for joining their competition so I want to have that option should I choose to join.