Latex Mask Making NEED HELP PLEASE :D

[Josh Hatrix]

Okay, so I have never made a mask in my entire life but I have recently began making clay sculptures which inspired me to go further.
What I want to make is a Mushroomhead mask, and I was wondering if I can use terracotta clay as a mold to apply liquid latex on. Also, can I make a Mold Builder liquid latex mask without making a cast? Just simply applying the latex to clay on a mannequin head? My budget is low, if you can, could you tell me what kinds of paints I should use?
(I'm guessing I'll need around 16oz of liquid latex and 10lbs of clay) Is this correct? Thank you very much!

 

[vader1974]

I made my first latex mask pretty cheap. Water based clay for the master, spray paint to seal, vasoline as a mold release, plaster of paris (2 piece mold) and liquid latex for making the mask.

Good luck
Brian

 

[Josh Hatrix]

Would I be able to do this without a 2 piece mold? I mean just applying latex to the master itself.

 

[paulblopez]

if ur going this u wen ur done with your sculpt u need to cast it then make a hydrocal stone copy then do a build up of slip cast latex about
12- 15 layers

 

[Josh Hatrix]

I'm just a kid, this is my first time doing this, and I'm working with a budget. I was just wondering if my method would work, as a one-time thing. Without a cast, just applying latex to my clay sculpture.

 

[HMS Mike]

Hi Josh,
Yes it will work but if you are using terra cota (red Clay) it may dis color the latex. It will take a while for the latex to dry as you are putting this over water based clay. So you may want to dry out the clay a little befor you apply the latex but do not over dry it as then the clay will start to crack and split. You will need to apply a lot of thin coats and let it dry between coat. You do need to know that you are going to loose a lot of your detail as you are applying to the out side for your sculpt in stead of making a mold which you would get all of your detail in your sculpt. After you have all the layers applied and they are dry you are going to want to apply some talc (baby powder) to the surface to keep it from sticking to it self when you remove it from the sculpture. You will more than likely destroy you sculpt taking it off. Once you have it off rinse and dry the inside. Then talc the inside as well.
I hope this helps you.

 

[Josh Hatrix]

Perfect. Thank you. I'm doing the older Mushroomhead mask which is smooth and plain black, so this will probably work.