How to Make a Professional Plaster Mask

Paster masks --- even professional masks --- are relatively inexpensive and easy to make.

Creating a professional plaster mask is a fun and reasonably easy project, perfect for Halloween. Making a professional plaster mask at home takes little time and can be accomplished with just a few ingredients. These masks have been made by professionals for years and have been used in movies, ceremonial events and even made as personal keepsakes. Everything to create these plaster masks can be found at a local hobby shop or even in your own garage.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze strips impregnated with plaster of Paris
• 1 cup dry plaster of Paris
• Large bowl
• 1/3 cup Water
• Petroleum jelly
• Cloth headband
• Cotton sheet, or other draping material
• Soap
• Scissors (optional)

Instructions

1. Cover the hairline using the headband making sure to push the hair back as far as possible to remove it from the facial area. Drape the cotton sheet over the person for whom you are making the mask so as not to damage the clothing.

2. Apply the petroleum jelly evenly over the face using your hands.

3. Fill the bowl with 1/2 cup warm water. Add 1/3 cup plaster of Paris to the water.

4. Dip the gauze strips one at a time into the plaster mixture and apply them around the nose first, making sure that the nostrils are not covered. You may also leave the eyes and mouth uncovered, depending on the kind of mask you want to create.

5. Apply the strips to the face, starting with the outer rim and working inward. Ensure that all the strips overlap one another at some point. Smooth the strips over the face with your hands.

6. Apply a second layer of strips once you have covered the entire face. Put extra layering on the outer rim of the face and jaw as these points will undoubtedly receive more stress than the other areas of the mask.

7. Add the rest of the plaster to the bowl to create a thick paste. Coat the entire mask with this paste, using your hands to smooth the paste evenly.

8. Allow the plaster to set for 12 to 15 minutes. Once it is set, move the face around inside the mask to help the plaster release from the skin. Slowly rock the mask at the jawline. Pull the mask down and away from the face.

9. Cleanse the face with the mild soap and water to remove the petroleum jelly and any remaining plaster.

Tips & Warnings

• Gauze strips containing plaster of Paris can be found in a number of hobby stores and should come in a roll of perforated strips. If you cannot find perforated strips, use a roll of gauze and cut it into strips about 1 inch long.

References

• The Art of Plaster Life Mask Making: How to Make a Plaster Cast Face Mask