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Masks Caring For Masks Once Purchased Whether you own just one mask or a dozen, you will want to store them properly so that they can be used or displayed year after year. The worst thing you can do is just toss it in a box as the mask will not hold its natural shape. The best way we've found to store latex masks is on a Styrofoam wig stand. These are shaped like a human head and only cost a couple of dollars at beauty supply stores. Masks should be store in a cool, dark, dry place. Exposure to sunlight or excessive temperatures for a prolonged period can cause the colors to fade and damage the latex, causing the mask to crack. Keep them out of heat. Keep them out of sunlight and fluorescent lighting. If the mask becomes distorted (remember latex is a natural product) use a blow-dryer on the low-heat setting. Store mask covered in plastic, or in a sealed display case. With proper care, your Halloween Masks should give you years of use and pleasure. What is the best way to clean a latex mask? Never clean a latex mask with anything based on petroleum, even petroleum jelly. Instead, use a hand or facial cream once in a while. To clean, rinse with warm, soapy water. Masks get dirty quickly.
What if it doesn't fit? If it is too loose, you can glue some new and unused sponges into the inside using rubber cement or silicone bathtub caulk. If it is too tight, you might consider slitting the back. However, it is very rare that a mask is too tight as the artists design their pieces with wear ability in mind. Some masks are made to fit tightly for added realism. If
your masks are too tight on your face or head, you can
either use baby powder to ease the fit or you can cut a slit
up the back. If you do cut the back of the masks to make the
opening larger, you should also cut a small hole at the end
of the cut to prevent it from ripping further.
You can also apply Velcro to keep the slit closed behind
your head.
You'll need
two things, a strip of Velcro dots available from your local
fabric, hardware or department store and a helper. Try to
choose a color of Velcro that is the closest to that of the
area on the mask where you will be attaching them. The
person who will be wearing the mask should put the mask on
and with someone's help, have them pull the two edges
together and then stick on the two Velcro pieces so that
they will hold the two sides together. To assure that a mask fits as many head sizes as possible, mask manufacturers will often make the mask "oversized." If your latex mask is too large for your head, you can cut pieces of soft foam rubber and glue them inside using spirit gum or use a low temp hot glue gun. If you use a hot glue gun be careful not to let the tip of the glue gun touch the mask or it might melt it.
Mask Safety Avoid masks that greatly reduce your ability to see. While all masks have either eye holes or slits to see through, they all reduce your vision to some extent, some more than others. Remember, you will be walking around at night, possibly on the street, and there's no reason to risk life and limb because of limited vision. Always remove or lift up your mask before crossing a street, driveway or alley. To improve your visibility by cutting the eye holes larger or trimming the slits. Use a small pair of sharp, pointed scissors to carefully cut or trim a little bit of the latex at a time, but take care as its very easy to remove too much, and you can't put it back on, which could ruin the look of the mask. Try on the mask each time you remove a little of the eye hole or slit until you can see safely. Again, always use caution while wearing your mask.
In addition to reduced visibility, masks
can also restrict your breathing, become hot and humid
inside. So, its important that you remove the mask
periodically for a breath of fresh air. Have Fun! |
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