How to Make a Plastering Mask

Plaster bandages are used to create casts to help mend broken bones. When the plaster bandages become wet, you can mold them to any shape. Artists use plaster bandages to create realistic masks because the bandages conform to the shape of the face. Cover the entire face with plaster bandages or cover half the face to create half of a mask. Once you finish making a plaster mask, decorate it with markers or paint to customize it.

Things You'll Need

• Plaster bandages
• Scissors
• Towel
• Petroleum jelly
• Bowl
• Warm water

Instructions

1. Cut the plaster bandages into strips about 4 inches to 5 inches long. You will need enough strips to make the mask about two to four layers thick.

2. Wrap a towel around the shoulders of the person that you are going to plaster. You can also make a plaster mask with your own face by looking into a mirror. The towel protects the clothing from the plaster.

3. Apply petroleum jelly over the entire face. Focus on areas with hair such as the eyebrows, a beard or mustache to ensure that the hair does not stick to the plaster.

4. Dip a plaster strip into a bowl of warm water. Remove the excess water from the strip with your fingers.

5. Apply the bandages to the face. Smooth the plaster strips onto the face so that they are even. Avoid placing the bandages over the eyes, nostrils and mouth. Continue to add and overlap the bandages until you apply two to three layers to the face.

6. Allow the plaster bandages to set up, which takes about 20 minutes. Peel the plaster from the face gently to prevent it from breaking. Trim the excess plaster off the mask with scissors and allow the mask to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull long hair back with clips and a ponytail to keep it out of the mask.

• Remove the petroleum jelly from the face with warm and soapy water.

• Place the plaster bandages over the eyes and mouth if you desire, but ensure that your model is comfortable. When placing the bandages over the eyes, place a piece of cellophane over them to prevent the plaster from touching the eyes. Cover the mouth with the plaster and the bridge of the nose, but leave the nostrils open so that the model can breathe.

• Seek medical attention if the eyes or skin becomes irritated from the plaster.

References

• Artlex; Maskmaking with Plaster Bandages; Michael Delahunt; 2010
• All Species: Mask Making Ideas and Instructions
• The Costumer's Manifesto; Plaster Bandage and Foam Mask Project; Tara Maginnis, Ph.D

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish