Mold question for latex mask

Jason JacobsJason Jacobs ✭
in How To Make A Latex Rubber Mask Part 2
I'm in the detailing phase of my latex mask and starting to prepare for the molding. I've been thinking about how to best mold this thing. In the video with Tim Martin,  the mold is a standard 2 piece mold, and he notes that most mask molds are 2 piece. I've only molded small items insofar, and I don't have much experience. I'm wondering if I should consider a 3 piece mold?

I assumed it might be best to remove the incisors and horns and mold those separately. Unless that really isn't an issue? I know the sculpture is pretty much garbage once you're done molding, so maybe leaving the incisors wouldn't be too much of a hinderance when prying open the mold? I don't want to get the mold locked, but maybe those will be small enough that they wouldn't matter?

My main concern were the ears. If the ears are going to be an issue I was thinking I could mold it like the images below - front piece, then two pieces for each side and partial back of the head. Do you think this is necessary or am I going overkill?





Comments

  • Chris EllerbyChris Ellerby Admin
    A 3-piece stone mold could work here.  As long as you are able to peel out the latex after casting, you should be fine.  The undercuts in and around the mouth will give you the most trouble, but it should still work.  If you are really concerned, you can mold things like the horns/teeth on their own and attach them later.

    Also think about how the latex will dwell when the mold is upside down.  You may find areas like the horns on the tip of his chin and the incisors will trap air, so be mindful of that.

    I've mostly worked with one-piece stone molds for latex, so I can't help too much there!

    /Chris
  • Jason JacobsJason Jacobs ✭
    Chris Ellerby said:
    A 3-piece stone mold could work here.  As long as you are able to peel out the latex after casting, you should be fine.  The undercuts in and around the mouth will give you the most trouble, but it should still work.  If you are really concerned, you can mold things like the horns/teeth on their own and attach them later.

    Also think about how the latex will dwell when the mold is upside down.  You may find areas like the horns on the tip of his chin and the incisors will trap air, so be mindful of that.

    I've mostly worked with one-piece stone molds for latex, so I can't help too much there!

    /Chris
    Thank you for the follow up Chris! Think I’m going to go for a 2 part mold, but remove the horns and incisors and mold those separate.
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