Help making plaster molds for masks

Hey. I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on how making latex masks. I'd like to make a mold of my head but I'm not sure what kind of plaster I should use. Plaster of Paris? or some other kind. Also if there is a special type of latex that works well. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanx

 

No, Plaster of Paris isn't good because it's pourous, and it either absorbs water or doesn't absorb, I don't remember, but either way, not plaster of paris.

I searched "latex mask making" when I made zabrak horns and got good results, here are a few sites:

http://www.fxsupply.com/mask/mask.html
http://www.monstermakers.com/howto.html

Also if you go to my site, RebelsHaven.com, click Costumes then Latex horns, there are a few tips I picked up when making my horns.

Good luck, hope it goes well!

 

this will greatly hep me with my Darth Sid mask.

 

Start on the forums here.
I would also recomend the Michael Burnnet video Basic Foam Rubber appliances, available here for learning how to do a partial face cast.

When making your mould for the latex mask use White Hydrocal as opposed to Ultracal as it is more porus and will suck up the amonia.

Also try the forums here for sny questions you might have.

 

Kool. Thanx very much. I'll check those out.

 

[color=006699]Zam_Wiesel I became concerned by your post when you indicated you wanted to make a cast of your head. Please do not use plaster of paris, hydrocal, or ultracal on your skin. You run the risk of chemical burn and skin damage. These materials are not for life reproductions.

Alginate is a preferred material for life casting. A life cast of a head is a big job, and requires at least to molders to do adequately. It can be fun, but I strongly recommend getting experienced assistance, especially your first tyme arround.
[image=http://www.paralada.org/Estonia_self/Estonia_htm/SWgeekhtm/TheDevilGA/DevilGA01.jpg]

As far as molding material for latex, Plaster of Paris is fine because it is porous. The mold needs to be porous to absorb the water from the latex for it to skin up and cure. Hydrocal is a better grade of plaster and can be used alternatively. Ultracal is also porous, but it is sturdier and heavier than plaster of paris. You might use Ultracal if you plan on making editions of your mask. For 10 or fewer latex pulls, a Plaster of Paris mold will be fine.

I recommend the The Monster Lab forums for professional guidance.

Be careful,
Thomas
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Whoops. I should have pointed that out as well. People have lost everything from eyebrows to limbs attempting to do life casts with plaster.
I have had success using just plaster bandages. I've had it done on myself twice now with a minimal loss of hair. (We did't grease my chest. It really hurt. Some of the hair still hasn't grown back.)
But alginate is best. Just remember when using dental alginate, get a regular set, about 3 min set time, and use cold water to mix it. The cold water retards the setting time. If you can though use a Prosthetic Grade Creme (PSG) alginate. There are several on the market.
Accu-cast is one of the best known and they have a tutorial on making a full head cast here.

 

Kool thanx for the heads up. Cuz ripping the hair off my head and face doesn't sound like fun.