MAKING MASKS: Release agent for paper mache?

1. • Kryshna 1 year, 10 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • ok so I have a mask I made thats for a base to use when i make paper mache masks. I was wondering what would be the best release agent to use? cause the outer surface of the base is masking tape at the moment...and I know most people use oil...would that still work or no? any ideas would be great...thanks.

2. • AlanC 1 year, 10 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • Hi Kryshna,

     I have always been told to use vaseline or petroleum jelly. You spread a thin layer over your base mask, just enough to make it 'slippery', your papier mached should then not stick to the base.

     You could also make a plaster of paris base (cast from your original) and then use the vaseline/petroleum jelly on this before putting on your papier mache.

     Alan

3. • dknezz 1 year, 9 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • Just tried a new method last summer at Julie Goell's Commedia workshop at the Celebration Barn in Maine. Cover your original sculpture in celophane wrap ( ie. Saran wrap) Start applying it at the highest point on your sculpture and tap it into the valleys with a paint brush. Then papar mache over it. I lifts right off very easefully.
     David

4. • MaskArtsCompany 1 year, 6 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • I mainly do leather and some neoprene masks but when I teach mask making in Commedia dell'Arte mask workshops after experimenting with many things and substances when molding straight from the clay I discovered any kind of plastic wrap or even cheep plastic bags works every time with no problem. Just remember you are building on top of your mold (sculpture) so you will want to treat the meshe as an extension of the sculpture process. Doing negative molds is another world.

5. • cabrera 1 year, 6 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • I use vaseline in my negative molds and it works well.The plaster mold must be very dry. I put it on the dry mold and let it stand over night so the plaster will absorb some of it. Then i just take a papper or cloth and wipe clean the mold so its just a very thin layer of vaseline left. If you use too much, it will stain the papper when it's dry.
     Good luck
     Augusto Cabrera

6. • Creaturiste 1 year, 6 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • I also use plastic wrap as a perfect release on positive forms.

     I stopped using vaseline years ago because of it's insidious infiltration into paper, the risk of bad paint adhesion, and oil spots showing up through the paint overtime.

     For plaster negative molds, I use strips of all-purpose office paper, very wet, no glue. The paper must be soaked in water, and kept wet while you work, with a spray bottle of water.
     When I have covered the entire mold (from edges into th very depths), I brush a diluted layer of white glue with a soft brush, and let dry. This is not only a clean release agent, it also becomes part of your mask. When dry and removed from mold, I brush the same diluted mix of glue on top of the mask, to paste down the overlaps.

     I learned that from a friend who has the book from maskmaker Agostino Dessi. It is more of a beautiful photo album, with a brief description of the process. While the method seemed very quickly explained, my own previous failed experiments provided me with the clues I needed to understand the text.
     
     I guess this method could be used over a positive form as well...

     Have fun.!
     

7. • sanssoucistudios 1 year, 4 months ago

     quote   permalink

   • I don't use any release, but I cast in rubber negative molds. (Maybe I'm the only maskmaker in the world that casts paper mache in rubber molds?) Right now I use an initial detail coat of Polyfilla/glue mix before I do subsequent layers in cheesecloth/paper, and I want that first layer to stick! It picks up every detail, and the mold peels right off of it.

Add your comments