How to Make a Gypsum Mask

You should agree that gypsum mask is an unusual thing and it will definitely attract the attention of every visitor.

Why do you need a gypsum mask?

* Firstly, this is a good way to practice your skills in the sculpting.

* Secondly, it's fun!

* Thirdly, such mask can become a scary gift for Halloween (just imagine yourself next to the "twin" wearing your mask face).

Or you can just hang a mold of your face on the wall and tell your friends about the development process.

And if you really enjoy the process, get the attractive result, you can make masks to all your friends and change these pseudo-"faces" between each other. It's hilarious!

Another idea of benefit from gypsum mask is making molds for the whole family and arrange the most unusual corner with family portraits or a fantasy photo shoot. By the way, it's not too late for the extraordinary startup - the production of masks. Such unusual souvenir might be interested and surprise many fans and buyers.

Eventually, you can feel yourself like a professional make-up artist, and there who knows - maybe, it's your calling.

Are you ready for the process?

First step:

First, you will need to make the gypseous mold of the face. You will need an assistant.

The eyebrows and eyelashes should be covered with a protective layer of paper (You should use a parchment or tissue paper. You should cut out the preforms in advance in the required sizes and protect the hairy parts of the face).

Wrap the whole body in the sheet so that only the face and neck remain for your needs. If you are going to make a mold with a man and he has a beard and a mustache, he should shave it.

The face should be lubricated with a petroleum jelly. Prepare gypsum mixture and tubes for breathing. The hair should be hidden under the shower cap or tight rubber band. Keep in mind - the mold can stiffen around 40 minutes, so all the time you can not move and talk.

To ensure that the gypsum mass would not drain, cover your face with thick terry towels or protect the facial contour with a previously cut out cardboard form.

You should insert the tubes for breathing in the nose (it is better to make them by yourself from paper so the size fit the nostrils). Carefully apply a gypsum mask on Vaseline-smeared skin. The thickness of the layer could be 1.5-2 cm.

Ask not to provoke you with laughter or jokes because if you start smiling under the plaster, all the work will be for nothing.

After the mask wouldn't be so row and warm up to the temperature of the human body, you can gently remove it from the face.

The second step:

Let your plaster mold dry thoroughly. What you have now is the so-called negative mask. You will need it to create a final product.

The dried-up mask should be lubricated inside with petroleum jelly, it will serve as a barrier layer and the mold will easily depart from the walls.

Take the gypsum mass and very carefully, not allowing the bubbles appearing, fill in the previously obtained form. Wait until the gypsum solidifies completely and remove the mask.

Gently tap the form all over the surface. For this purpose, you can use a wooden hammer covered with felt.

The third step:

Actually, we're closing to the design.

Try to think, what would you like to do with this "face"? Do you want to draw freckles on it? Or do you want to make an abstract picture, using a mask like a canvas?

There are many options. You can paint the mask using a certain horror film as an idea or try on a Barbie image. You can just cover the mask with varnish and find a perfect place in the house, where it could definitely be noticed.

Do not forget to polish the mask, then both the varnish and the paint will cover it evenly.

Popular questions:

1. Is it dangerous for the skin?

Answer: no, because it will always have a protective layer of Vaseline. In addition, gypsum is a safe natural hypoallergenic material, it will not harm you.

     2. Is it possible to make a mold for people suffering from claustrophobia?

Answer: Not recommended. If there is the slightest fear, it's better to do something else. The mask creation should entertain and surprise, but not to frighten a person.

     3. Is there any negative connotation? There are also postmortem masks ...

The answer is: it all depends on your attitude to this. It seems just fun and original and does not bear any negative meanings.

Pieces of advice:

You can use high-quality medical plaster and petrolatum.

If you want to use a mixer to whip the gypsum mass, the most important thing is immediately to wash it, not allowing the drying of the mass.