GC4: MASK STEP BY

STEP GUIDEMasquerade Mask

Step 1: Decide on a template

• Firstly decide upon a template shape, for a masquerade mask, they typically only cover half of the face. Once you have done this you need to cut out the template and the eye holes. This template should then be glued to a blown up balloon as this will later create the curve for the mask to fit to the face.

Step 2: Papier-mâché layers onto the mask

• By using glue mixed with water,

glue layers of newspaper or

tissue paper onto the template,

this will create a base layer

before the next step. Once you

have done 4-6 layers and the

mask structure feels sturdy you

can then remove the mask from

the balloon, this can be done by

popping the balloon and peeling

it off the back. Once the mask

has been peeled from the

balloon you can use scissors to

cut off any pieces of paper that

go over the edge of the

template.

Step 3: Mod-roc layers on to the base layer.

• By cutting up strips of mod-roc and

dipping them into warm water to

add more layers to the base layer.

The mod-roc should be pressed

down until the mod-roc no longer

looks like a piece of netting. If your

base layer is too thin you can use a

balloon again to re-create the curve

of the face and as the mod-roc

dries the mask will solidify in the

shape of the curve. Be careful to

follow the edges of the mask as if

you go past the edges this may be

difficult to remove later on, once the

mod-roc has dried.

Step 4: Add a layer of filler

• Using your hands put a layer of filler onto the layer of mod-roc, this will create a smoother surface for painting onto. To erase any marks left by brush strokes, cover the filler with a thin layer of water to give the filler a completely smooth finish.

Step 5: Paint the base colour onto the mask

• Paint the base colour

onto the mask. When

doing a gradient with

your chosen colours,

this should be the

lightest colour as this

is the easiest colour to

paint over. Then leave

the paint to dry before

painting the next layer.

Step 6: 2nd layer of the gradient

• By using a sponge, dip the sponge into the next lightest colour on your gradient and dab the sponge onto the base coat. To create the fade between colours dab less than at the other side of the mask so that the lighter colour can be seen through the middle colour.

Step 7: Last layer of the gradient

• By using a different sponge use

the same technique for the first

fade but with the darkest colour,

this should start darkest on the

opposite side of the mask to the

base colour and begin to fade

as it meets the middle colour.

Once the mask is completely

painted, take a step back from

the mask to asses whether the

fade is even, if not then this is

easily fixed by using the sponge

technique with the required

colour.

Step 8: Decoration

• Masquerade masks are typically heavily decorated and mainly using metallic colours or glitter. By using research of existing masquerade masks draw your design onto the mask, but be careful when doing this as it will be difficult to erase. Then follow the pattern with the paint colour you have decided to use. Finally allow this to dry.

Final Product