How to Make a Monster Cast

You can create a monster using a mold.

A monster mask is made using a mold that is cast in plaster. The mold allows you to make an unlimited number of masks that have the same appearance. To make a monster cast, you need to create the monster and cast a mold after it. Another option is to get a ready-made monster and prepare the mold using this prototype. Make the mold in two parts, front and back or left and right. If the monster is more complex --- e.g. has several raised parts --- you need to make the mold in several parts (between three and five).

Things You'll Need

• Clay
• Petroleum jelly or oil
• Cardboard box or four glass boards
• Tape
• Plaster
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Make a prototype monster using clay and wait until it dries. Don't fire the piece, because the monster may be damaged while you make the cast, but you can reuse the clay. Alternatively, buy a ready-made monster from a hobby shop.

2. Get a cardboard box that is larger than the monster --- or you can use four pieces of glass --- and create a box using tape. In this case, the bottom of the box will be replaced by the floor or the table.

3. Cover your monster in oil or petroleum jelly, so that the plaster won't damage the piece and the clay can be reused. Place the monster in the box and isolate one part (the left or the front) of the monster using a clay slab.

4. Make plaster in a plastic or ceramic recipient. Fill the recipient with water and add the plaster powder. The plaster needs to be liquid.

5. Pour the plaster on the isolated part of the monster, making sure to fill the box with plaster.

6. The plaster heats up and dries within 30 minutes to two hours. Check if the plaster is hard; remove the box around your mold.

7. Remove the clay slab that isolates the two parts of the monster. Varnish the mold you prepared, so that when you cast the plaster for the second half, this won't stick to the mold. Cast the other side of the mold following the above-mentioned steps.

Tips & Warnings

• The box you use for the mold-making should be at least two inches taller than the monster, so that the mold has a proper thickness.

• If you need to make the mold in several parts, divide the monster in three to five areas using clay slabs and cast a mold for each area using Steps 2 to 5.

• To allow the plaster to dry, don't use the monster cast 24 to 48 hours after making it.

References

• Gremlins; Getting Started with Molding and Casting; Denis Bohm
• Monster Makers; How to Make a Monster; Arnold Goldman