Plastic for making a mask.

[Mamerong]

i want to make a half head plastic mask that has quite a bit of fine details on it like this picture.except i don't know what type of plastic i can use that will capture the detail and i can polish and paint after. i also would like to use a one part mold if possible. any suggestions on what to use and how to get this done?

 

[Drewid]

It might be easier to use a two part mold and rotocast it with a nice resin, like the smooth-cast (if you have access to a rotocaster). You might be able to brush it on and build it up layer by layer. What were you planning to use as your mold?

 

[exoray]

A silicone mold and regular urethane resin will capture those details just fine...

But you still need to sculpt the original...

As for a one piece mold, you can brush the resin into it in thin coats and then sand down any high areas, not the best solution but it can be done... That or multiple thin slush coats with attention to pouring off excess resin before it kicks so you don't have so many peeks on the surface, or overly thick areas, wasteful but it works...

 

[robstyle]

you can slush cast that mask in an open one piece mold rather easily. You want a quick set plastic or else you will be dead tired after a very short period of time, lol. Your best bet is to visit your local supplier or hit up the Smooth On website for easy to follow info.

When it comes to capturing details, as long as the material is water thin, it shouldnt be a problem. Strength will however be an issue to you may want to back it between a couple coats with power netting or fiber glass mat. I could show you how to add metal to the mix but dont want to see you breath in half a sheet of steel trying to figure it out.

 

[Darth Lars]

Do you want to cast many or make just one?

If you want only one, then I think that the easiest method would be to buy a toy mask and modify it to your liking. Have you seen this thread?
There are several other threads about the Death Eater masks, and how to make them. I often find old threads on this board to be a great resource.

 

[bhsfx]

Chicago Latex Products carries a material called "neoprene". It works the same way as mask latex does, in that you pour it into a plaster/stone mold and let it dwell for a period of time to get the desired thickness. You than pour the material out, and what remains is your mask (just like mask latex). The difference is, that unlike liquid latex, neoprene continues to harden once the piece is de-molded. They offer flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. The rigid material once dried completely has the feel of a thin fiberglass piece (meaning that you can still flex it slightly - but really holds it shape without back filling with another material). My kids used it on some ALIEN heads a number of years ago, and it worked out great. Held the shape despite the long profile of that character. The material can be drilled, sanded etc.

Best of luck,
BHSFX
www.bhsfx.org

 

[Mamerong]

i want to cast a few, yeah i have the sculpture under way and was going to use a silicone mold but i wasn't 100% sure if this was the best way to do it or not. if a two part mold would wor better i'll go that rout i just don't know how for a plastic mask from a clay sculpture. thanks for all your help so far everyone.

 

[Mamerong]

Chicago Latex Products carries a material called "neoprene". It works the same way as mask latex does, in that you pour it into a plaster/stone mold and let it dwell for a period of time to get the desired thickness. You than pour the material out, and what remains is your mask (just like mask latex). The difference is, that unlike liquid latex, neoprene continues to harden once the piece is de-molded. They offer flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. The rigid material once dried completely has the feel of a thin fiberglass piece (meaning that you can still flex it slightly - but really holds it shape without back filling with another material). My kids used it on some ALIEN heads a number of years ago, and it worked out great. Held the shape despite the long profile of that character. The material can be drilled, sanded etc.

Best of luck,
BHSFX
www.bhsfx.org

Thanks! i'll check it out.

 

[dreaminspired]

Do you want to cast many or make just one?

If you want only one, then I think that the easiest method would be to buy a toy mask and modify it to your liking. Have you seen this thread?
There are several other threads about the Death Eater masks, and how to make them. I often find old threads on this board to be a great resource.

that thread is a great resource. what a cool looking mask...