So...

[coffeehousedog]

I can't remember if I've asked this question here before or not, but. What are your guys thoughts on paper mache for masks? I think I've heard some people mention it, but I can't remember what people had to say about it. It might not be the sturdiest material, but it is cheap....so....I'm considering it. -- If only to experiment with

Comments

[matrices]

I for a long time made furry masks from paper mache. It is cheap, freely available and a viable sculpting material for things.

Make sure it is thouroughly dry before furring. Most of my paper mache masks were in my early days starting out fursuiting, so I didn't use any particularly special techinque on them. Hot glued the fur directly to the paper mache.

The masks I made wern't a last-forever sorta deal. So I wouldn't use my most expensive fur on them. But for a very fun very easy to put together mask, go for it!

[gypsywitch]

From experience making cosplay props and stuff with paper mache, I can honestly say it's an underrated material. As long as you seal it against moisture, it can actually last a long time. I wouldn't suggest y'know.. sitting on a mask made with it, but I wouldn't suggest sitting on too many masks anyhow :)

[media2wolf]

It really depends what your expectations are for it, and what you will settle for

[violentdragking]

If you just want to practice and experiment, or have a costume for a very short term - sure. But as others have said, it doesn't hold up very well.

A few years ago - at my...second furry con, I think? The guy I roomed with had a really cool head that turned out to be paper mache, but I also think it was built on a wire sculpted frame. That's the only time I saw it, so I don't know how it's help up over time, though.

If you're just doing it to make short term masks - using other cheap materials, I wouldn't waste good fur! - then it could be fun. But I wouldn't recommend it other than that, really.

[komickrazi]

Paper mache is heavy and it doesn't last as long. you have to seal it, as moisture from your sweat will absorb into the mask over time.

Perhaps Plaster cloth would be a better choice? It's lighter than paper mache and still relatively cheap in comparison to other materials.

[coffeehousedog]

plaster cloth eh? Do you think it's better to buy it in bulk? Have you used it on heads before yourself?

[komickrazi]

Yup, I used to use it all the time on heads, its' very rigid and lightweght, and does not absorb moisure once it cures so it won't degrade when you sweat in it.

I usually just buy it in large rolls from my local hobby shop.

[coffeehousedog]

oooo, yippy skippy. I'm so excited, I've got some ideas I can't wait to try out. Do you have any examples, if you don't mind me being so bold? And do you think it would be okay to seal it anyway, just to be on the safe side?