DIY Super Hero Mask Tutorial

Are you a person who recently acquired super powers and need a mask? Maybe it's Halloween and you want to look like a super hero? Then today is your lucky day, because in this episode of BFX Zack is going to teach you how to make an awesome, Hollywood style superhero mask that will have you kicking bad guy butt in no time.

DIY Super Hero Mask Tutorial Hey guys, Zack Finfrock here for our super awesome new episode of backyard effects where we show you how to make a super Hollywood special effects and super cheap. This week’s episode is all about a superhero’s mask. We've all been there, just hanging out, being a normal person and then baam, you have superhero powers. The next thing you want to do is use that superpower to fight crime but you need an outfit. Now most superhero costumes have a mask. Sometimes, there are full cowl that cover the entire face and head like Batman or it just something small that covers the eyes like Robin. In fact, the small piece is actually the most common from most superheroes. It was just seen in Kick Ass worn by Red Mist. A little bit of paint and liquid latex, you’ll have your own mask in no time. Now some of you guys might say why I don’t just buy a lone ranger mask? Cut that up and take it to an actor space. Well for one, that looks kind of lame and for two, it just sits there. But the liquid latex will move just like this, with the actor’s emotions then they can have a full range of motion so they can be that superhero they wanted to be on film. You know Zach, spin that wheel so we can get to crime fighting. You know it, let's do this. Get a smooth mask and with the latex and appliances, black latex paint, a hair dryer, baby powder and brush for removing the latex, spirit gum, black Halloween makeup and razor pens or scissors. First, we need to make your mixture of a latex paint and liquid latex. I did about three parts of liquid latex to every one part black latex paint. Next, you want to use this smooth side of a sponge to put it onto the mask in the area that the superhero mask is going to be. Just like any built on any model that uses liquid latex, you have to do more than one layer. On this one, I did 15 layers. And then because of the latex paint, I had to wait overnight for it to dry because the drying time for the paint is a lot longer than the liquid latex. So, be patient. Next, trace around the entire mask area with a razor pen. You can use the edge of scissors if you don’t have one. Then using baby powder, carefully pull up the latex mask. You can do it too fast or no powder enough, the latex mask will tear. When the latex mask is off, use a razor pen on the cutting board to cut it into the shape that you want. Before putting the mask on your actor, use black Halloween makeup to black out the eyes and the eyes socket area. Next, use spirit gum and tack it onto the skin so it sticks to the mask nicely. And there you have it. Make sure to hang on to the spirit gum on set because you might need to make some touchups while filming. And the superheros mask, a simple latex build that can be molded to have any shape and size you want. You can use the same techniques with the liquid latex and apply it to many different latex appliances. Tune in tomorrow on the Indy Mogul YouTube page to see the first of a two-part superhero test film. The second one will debut next week with next week’s build. Leave a comment below and I’ll see you then. If you have a quick tip, go ahead and pop in your webcam, your flip cam or camcorder and send it to indymogul.com/submit. And then we’ll throw it in our records area.