How to Make a Face Mask Out of Polycell Plaster
Compared to other types of plasters, polycell plaster is becoming one of the most popular and most versatile adhesive materials available. It has proven useful to many artists in adding intricate shapes and details to their work. With its smooth and creamy consistency, polycell plaster is a versatile filler that can be used for a variety of applications and is an increasingly popular material for children to use in fun projects.
Things You'll Need
- Polycell plaster
- Plaster bandage (cut into 1-by-4 inch pieces)
- Petroleum jelly
- Bowl filled with warm water
- Drinking straws
- Newspaper, paper towels or drop cloth
- Strings or ribbons
- Glue gun
- Decorations (feathers, markers, glitters and any other embellishments you desire)
- Gesso, varnish or other protective surface preparations
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay out all the materials in your work area. Protect the area with old newspapers or a drop cloth. Cut the bandage plaster into strips. Make sure that your bandage strips are suitable to your model's face; 2- to 3-inch long strips usually work.
-
2
Position your model. The more comfortable position would be lying down on the floor and facing up. Cover his face with petroleum jelly, especially the hairline, eyebrows and eyelashes. Also, put pieces of cut straws into his nostrils to allow breathing.
-
-
3
Avoid going to far under the chin when making the mask. To begin, dip a plaster bandage into the water bowl just enough to get it thoroughly wet, then position it over the intended mask area, making sure to slightly overlap the strips. Do this with each strip of bandage until you have completed the first layer, then apply a layer of polycell plaster. Allow the first layer to settle.
-
4
Continue layering. Place another overlapping layer of bandage. You can safely go up to three layers. Make sure that the bandage strips are properly overlapped, then put a layer of plaster.
-
5
Examine the weak areas of the base layer; check if any skin shows through. Make sure that the bandages properly cover the intended mask area. Fill the gaps and cracks with plaster and smooth out the surface. Allow the mask to set.
-
6
Build the prominent features, such as a bigger or unusually pointed nose, by adding pieces of bandage layered with plaster. Spread a base layer of plaster to make the mask flexible enough to do detailing.
-
7
Let the mask dry. This usually takes about 15 minutes, more or less.
When the model feels that the mask begins to dry, allow her to wiggle her face. Ask her to make facial movements to carefully release the mask. Then, place the mask on a flat surface with some wadded newspaper under it to help hold the shape of the models face. Let dry completely. -
8
Allow to sit for 24 hours before sanding or adding decorations for best results. Once completely dry, sand the rough surfaces lightly, then use a hot glue gun to add beads, feathers and other embellishments.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you intend to paint your mask, it is best to first coat the mask with varnish or gesso to prevent the paint from soaking into the plaster.
If you are planning to create an ambitious mask, consider using a very patient model. Make your model aware of the following: * The mask will begin to feel warm and snug as it dries, causing some people to feel anxious. This is normal, and the mask can come off at any time, although if it is removed too soon, the mask may be ruined. * The model may feel the urge to quickly pull off the mask when it is time to remove the mask. Tell him to remove the mask slowly and help him get stuck hair out of the mask. Assuring him that the mask is coming off and not, in fact, stuck as it may feel. In addition, you also need to test your model for any allergic reactions to the materials you will be using. Always read the label of any products you use so that you are aware of the safety precautions.
