Thread: How to paint and add hair to a latex mask

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So after doing some searching this afternoon i was able to find a blanc leatherface latex pull mask. It looks pretty darn close to the movie but here is the kicker. The mask needs to be painted. Stitching needs to be added, and hair needs to be attached.

So lets start with question #1

What kinds of paint do you use to paint a latx mask. My guess would be acrylics since oil based paints would eat away at the latex. If i am wrong please tell which paints i need to use and what has worked for in the past technique wise.

Question #2

When adding stitching to the mask do i need to be careful poking wholes into the mask so that it doesn't rip or are latex pull masks relatively strong?

Question #3

How would i go about attaching hair to a latex pull mask? THis is totally new to me and i have no clue at all.

I attached a picture of the blank below for you to check out along with a finished version of the blank i purchased.

Bump for the morning crowd.

I would do some looking around for mask making info online. They have got to cover those areas in mask making. Try You Tube and see if there is a video.....everything else in on there.

I was always told airbrush with latex paints....kinda expensive....as for hair sorry have no clue

For hair, you'll need a hair punch. A sewing needle with the some of the loop removed to make a hook will work. After all the hair is in, brush the INSIDE with liquid latex to hold it all in. If you want to do the quick and dirty, layer a section of the mask on te outside with rubber cement and place the hair in that one layer at a time starting from the bottom.

The "punch n pull" method gives the best results, no doubts. However, it is very labour intensive and time consuming. I think that for the matted, unkempt effect you're going for, The quick n dirty as described already by Dr Morbius, should suit your needs.

As for painting your mask, Acrylic paints will do nicely. Obviously you shouldn't use any solvent based paints.

I haven't stitched any latex pull masks, so I'm not really sure on this one...But I should imagine it would depend on the quality of the mask and the thickness of the latex.

Thanks for the information guys. I am gonna start surfing the net for how-to sites.

Any other advice is also welcomed.

Here is a good mask site to check out, hope this helps.

The Monster Makers - 866-521-(SPFX)7739 - Halloween Latex Mask Making Kits, Fang Kits, Special Effects Supplies and more

Those are some nice casts. I am just getting into using hair on my masks. Having a hard time locating the Mike Myers hair.
As for painting I mix in liquid latex into my paint to add the flexibility. It really lessens the chances of cracking when using acrylic paints you pic up from the craft store. Because of the latex it will most likely dry darker so do some testing prior to get the best tones. This has been lasting for me.
I stitch a couple of my masks. The large tread you are going to use will need to be punched. If you use smaller thread keep dipping the needle in water to help it go thru the latex a little easier.
Hope there is something you can use there