Keeping the mask Forever without worrying about Rot

Michael-Myers.net General Discussion
1

Hi I’m starting to slowly build my collection of Myers masks. I would ideally like to slow down the aging process. Mostly it seems as though Latex/rubber masks turn to a sticky mush after 15-30 years. I’m trying to figure out ways how to stop this.

  1. Has anyone sprayed their masks with clear plasti-dip? I heard that’s a good way to protect it but im scared to do this.

2.using some type of rubber protectant on the mask itself to keep it from drying out. Such as 303 Aerospace protectant. I would’nt use armor all as it tends to destroy rubber. Read about 303 and you’ll see its the best dressing out there.

3.keeping out of the sun obviously. Would this include diffuse light by being on a stand?

  1. using scentless talc powder on the inside.

  2. Avoid metal stands

  3. avoid cig smoke.

Any other ideas? Lets get the discussion started to and share tips keep our asks brand new looking.

Thanks

2

Don’t use plastidip unless you know what your doing. You can get shrinkage occur and blows the eye cuts out.

Do no use talc, use baby powder or another “low talc content” powder or corn starch.

Not heard about metal, but have heard foam heads are not good for vinyl masks.

3

Biggie for me is to “avoid wearing them”, that is why I invested in a decent bust so I can still achieve a worn/stretch look without affecting the life of my pieces.
I have worn certain masks a couple of times and have painstakingly scrubbed, dried and talced them afterwards but wear will occur regardless.
As for stands, I never let the top of the stands touch the mask and I always keep them fully stuffed with carrier bags. All my masks are stored in a large “cool” indoor cuboard out of all light and dusted regularly. Another trick is to check on them regularly, stuffing can change and the last thing you want is masks to be drooped on the stands as that will stretch out the eyecuts and distort the shape permanently.
I also never touch my pieces without washing my hands and talcing them.
I really need to get out a bit more :myers: :unamused: :laughing: :laughing:

4

Masks can last much longer than 15-30 years. I have a 1985 Don Post “The Mask” that is thirty years old and looks new and the quality of latex used on those isn’t even close to what we have today.

Different people have different ways of protecting their masks, I have most of mine in acrylic cases but that isn’t for everyone. For the most part as long as the masks are cleaned, dried and powdered properly after wearing and stored away from sunlight, heat sources, fluorescent bulbs and such (with decent stuffing to keep their shape) they should be fine. A good quality latex mask will be around longer than you if cared for properly.

5

Spot on, Benny. As Benny stated, basic preventative measures will go a long way for you. :slight_smile:

6

Use clear plasti-dip sealant spray if possible. Just never get any on mask hair or your hair. Best way to use it on the face of the mask is placing a Shatner lifemask in it and let it set while lying on the lifemask. I’ve never had any problems with plasti-dip, but I’d suggest the lifemask route for very thin masks.

7

i’ve found that tinting my latex with paint adds to the lifespan of latex…i have test pulls from a mask thats about 15 years old…one is pure latex, the other is tinted with paint…the tinted one is in better condition. There was no sealer used.

the infamous NICK ON A STICK(far left) mask is about 30 years old…using tinted latex…it’s a bit stiff, but there are no signs of rot…kind of like me now :laughing:
HMANPROTO2.jpg

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Haha good one nick!!