OEM/ODM China 32″ Large cuff rubber glove in United Kingdom

FAQ Content

This tutorial shows how to make a latex Batman mask, cast from a plaster mold. This method can be applied to any mask design. It’s not a perfect process, but it is a good budget option, easy for beginners.

Read FAQ below for answers to the most common questions:

How much does this cost?
Estimated cost is about $10 for the mold, and $5 for each mask cast. It’s best to buy mask-making latex by the gallon, for about $50. A gallon of latex is enough to make several masks with. Buying the latex, plaster, and clay to start mask making can put you back around $60, most of that being the cost of latex. Probably not the cheapest method for making only a single mask (unless you can find only a half-gallon or pint of latex), but great for multiple projects.

Where can I buy latex?
It’s best to buy liquid latex for mask-making on online stores, like eBay, or from other effects product suppliers. These suppliers usually have it in stock:

http://myworld.ebay.com/ecbarista/

http://myworld.ebay.com/fun_fx/

If you can find a local source, that can be cheaper.
MAKE SURE that if you buy latex, it’s specifically latex for mask-making. Other more common “molding ” latex products are not safe on skin.

Where can I get good, cheap clay?
The clay I used was a water-based pottery clay I bought at Hobby Lobby. A 25-pound box for $10 (with a 40% off coupon). That’s a great start, a lot of clay that can last a while. It’s soft and easy to work with for beginners. Or most arts and craft stores should have a 10-pound box of cheap modeling clay for under $10.

Why not just buy the costume mask? It looks better than this one…
It depends on your head. Heh. My nose is a bit large, and so my face looked rather goofy on the costume mask This one fits my head better, doesn’t have a Velcro seam at the back, and better proportioned overall.
However, getting a perfectly smooth finish on a mask like this is very difficult. That would come down to having a very clean mold, which I didn’t have. If you take the time, a homemade mask like this can look better than the costume version.

See how I made a Bane mask and the rest of the Batsuit:

See the video I made with this, along with the rest of the costume, here:

More detailed instructions and material lists:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Latex-Mask-Part-1-Plaster-Head-Mold-and-Clay-Scul/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Latex-Mask-Part-2-Molding-the-Sculpt-and-Casting-/

Time-lapse of mask sculpt:

Duct tape is an amazing material. Strong, cheap, easy to use. Just fantastic.

When we here at The Slingshot Channel learned that the adhesive material used for duct tape is based on rubber, we had to make a “Weaponize” episode based on it!

This video shows three weapons made with standard household items and duct tape. A slingshot made from pencils and tape – it rivals the famous “Moorhammer” in strength and ergonomics. A flail, studded with steel spikes, and even a veritable Freddy Kruger clawed glove!

All of the weapons are tested, of course.

As a bonus, the world’s first chain saw sword is presented, too. Made from a battery powered Black and Decker mini chain saw, the weapon features a two hand-grip. The batteries have been moved into the handle so the outline stays sleek.

A “The Slingshot Channel” production!