Articulated Mask Making on a Budget Part 1: Lifecasting, Sculpting & Teeth

Patrick Magee

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Learn how to make custom-fit articulated masks on a budget with Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights lead supervisor and owner of Magee FX, Patrick Magee (Primal Rage: The Legend of Konga, Men in Black 3, Jurassic Park III).

In Part 1 of his 2-part course series, Magee takes you through the first steps in the process, including creating a facial lifecast, sculpting forms with self-hardening epoxy clay, and adding translucent thermoplastic teeth. 

If you're looking for a low-cost method for taking your monster masks to the next level for film, stage, haunts, or cosplay characters, this 2-part course series is for you.

Beginner Level
3h 46m of duration
English (auto), Spanish (auto)

Curriculum

    Materials

    CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

     

    Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

    Michaels Crafts

    Mouldlife USA

    Mouldlife Europe

    Naimie's Beauty Center

    Reynolds Advanced Materials

    Smooth-On Inc.

    GreatArt UK

     

    FOR YOUR WORK STATION

    Hair Dryer

    Hot Water

    Large Shallow Bowl

    Reference Material – Skull & Mask images

    Rubber Gloves

    CLAYS/PLASTERS/PUTTYS

    Plaster Bandages

    Plaster of Paris

    Thermoplastique or Friendly Plastic

    CLEAR COATS/GLOSSES/MATTING AGENTS

    Petrolium Jelly

    Shellac – Clear or Amber (Amber recommended)

    EPOXYS/GLUES

    Magic Sculpt or Epoxy Sculpt

    Pros-Aide (optional – if using crepe wool)

    Super Glue – Zap A Gap w/Kicker

    FABRICS/FOAMS

    Felt Fabric – Moleskin Foot Pads (optional – preferable w/1 sticky side)

    Spandex Fabric

    HAIR AND CREPE WOOLS

    Bald Cap – (shower cap or Saran Wrap alt options)

    Bandana (optional)

    Crepe Wool

    Hat

    Wig

    LATEX/SILICONE

    Liquid Latex

    MAKEUP

    Food Coloring – Green & Red

    Hair Spray (optional)

    Rubber Mask Grease Paint – Black & Lake/Deep Red

    Tooth Stain (optional) – Ben Nye, PPI or Mouth FX

    PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

    Paint Brushes – various

    PAINTS

    Acetone Based Spray Paints (optional) – Floral Spray Paint Design Masters

    Acrylic Matte Medium

    Acrylic Matte Gloss

    Acrylic Paints – variety of colors

    Water Color Paints

    THINNERS/SOLVENTS

    99% Alcohol

    CUTTING TOOLS

    Rotary Tool with cutting wheel

    SCULPTING TOOLS

    Basic Sculpting Tools – various

    Metal Spatula

    OTHER TOOLS

    Stapler

    SUPPLIES

    Cottonballs

    Cups (able to hold hot water)

    Mouth Wash

    Popsicle Sticks

    Tissues

    HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

    When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

    ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

    ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

    ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

    ALWAYS protect your skin

    ALWAYS wear eye protection

    Artist BiographyPatrick Magee

    SPFX Character Creator & Founder of Magee FX
    See Full Bio

    Additional Purchasing Options

    Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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