How to Make a Wax Mask
Whether you're looking for a Halloween costume, a wall hanging, or just a craft project, this wax mask is definitely a fun and unique option. Depending on your selection of crayons, you can use a rainbow of colors or just a few. The process of adding the wax can be time-consuming, but it's fairly simple once you get the basic process down.
Things You'll Need
- Large box of crayons
- Tin can
- Hot mitt or pliers
- Candle or gas stove
- Newspaper
- Plaster strips
- Cloth strips
- Razor knife
- Scissors
- Friend
- Lotion or petroleum jelly
- Fire extinguisher
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a plaster base for your wax mask. Cover your face and hairline with lotion or petroleum jelly to prevent sticking, then have your friend moisten plaster strips and smooth them over your face, avoiding your mouth and/or nostrils. Use several layers of plaster strips, until all areas that you want the mask to cover are well-covered.
-
2
Allow the plaster to dry thoroughly. Next, attach straps using glue or tying through holes punched in the plaster. Use a razor knife to cut out eye holes if you like. Use scissors to trim the edges of the form into the shape you desire.
-
-
3
Create a work area covered with newspaper. This area should be close to your stove, if it will be your heat source.
-
4
Place a peeled crayon in your tin can and use the hot mitt or pliers to hold the can over a candle or gas stove flame. In order to make a wax mask you will need to melt many crayons in this way.
-
5
When the crayon is completely melted, remove the can from the flame and rapidly spill the colored wax over your plaster mask. You will have only a few seconds to do this before the wax becomes too cool to pour. This is the basic step you will repeat again and again to make a wax mask. Build up as many layers as you like, saving your favorite colors for last.
-
6
Trim off any excess wax from the eye holes and edges of the mask.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your colors start to become dull, scrape your can out in between colors, or use a different can for each color family.
Many projects involving molten wax recommend using a doubler boiler or a can placed in a saucepan of water on a burner. That is probably the safest way to do this project, because with an open flame there is some chance of the wax bursting into flame. However, it can also be a very slow process, and this method of making a wax mask can take a very long time as it is. Also, keep in mind that if you want to use distinct colors, the crayons will need to be melted individually. Be aware of this risk, though, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
