So I realize that the original mask was made out of latex and to be accurate with your costume you should use latex. But the fact is, they never intended that mask to last for years. They bought a quick cheap mask that was only to be used for filming. They never intended to make a sequel so it was luck that the mask was still in good enough condition for a sequel. So if you’re paying $330+ for a mask, using latex just seems like a bad idea if you intend on keeping the mask for years. I understand that if you keep it out of sunlight, wipe it down, use cornstarch, etc it will probably last for a while but latex naturally degrades. Plus, that’s a good bit of upkeep for a costume piece. So yeah, why isn’t anyone else making these things using less volatile elements?
I tried flex seal but it didn’t work lol.
Lol… it may just be me, probably is… but I don’t feel like washing my mask out, putting cornstarch in it, stuffing it, etc. I’m just a lazy costumer I guess lol. Shit makes me nervous though! Like my friend spilled wine in my car the other day. Shit happens and I don’t want to just throw $300 in the garbage ya know lol
well they’re collectible replicas, they’re not ‘cheap costume masks’. If you’re going to invest time and money into buying a collectible you undrstand it requires some taking care of.
Otherwise just buy a cheap costume mask and throw it away when you’re done.
If well cared for a latex mask will last for a very long time.
In the future, if I were to get a really expensive high end mask, I would keep it on display and never wear it. I’d only wear a TOTS or a lower end indie mask.
That’s my thought process too, but I get the opposing thought process as well
This is the stuff I plan to use whenever I get around to sculpting an h1-h2 Kirk using the lifecast. It’s called neoprene (creature cast rubber) the stuff is a synthetic made rubber,not natural rubber like latex(natural products rot unless cared for very well) it’s supposed to last pretty much forever and can be tinted to match the older latex used. The regular color it comes in is basically the color of latex,here’s some tests I’ve done with it using an h5 nose appliance mold I made. Really would love to see more artists start using different rubbers,maybe even urethane like cosplayers use to make Batman cowls.latex is great and will last,but each batch of latex is different and I’ve seen high end masks ,never worn still rot while on display. In no way am I downing anyone who uses latex,it’s great and accurate and I’ll still always have use for it,but for $300-600 dollar masks should be made to last if possible.
well, “Latex Masks” have their own charm and history of being a Halloween mask. To many a latex mask is a “real” halloween mask because halloween masks are historically made out of latex. They have a certain feel and smell that a lot of people want in a mask.
Personally I’d like to see prices of latex Myers masks be more realistic though, I think paying $600. and up for an Indy Myers mask is crazy.
Prices were crazy 20 years ago and they’ve continued to get crazier.
I used to hate seeing people selling $350. recasts of NightOwl masks and getting away with it,… but the hobby seems to allow it… sometimes… when it’s convenient.
Very much agree,the prices are the main gripe I have. There’s more complicated masks then Myers that sell at less then half the price. Any latex mask (Myers) over $300-400 is too much imo,the money and work put into them just is not there and you’ll never get your money back trying to sell them. And speaking of smell I’ve also been experimenting with that as well lol!,the neoprene has a basic rubber smell to it,but I thought it may be cool to try and embed scented oils into the rubber, similar to how funworld used to put vanilla scent in their scream masks.just don’t know what scents to use,I’ve owned a few vintage masks in the past,made out of the "claytex"latex they used to use and they have a very vintage smell that’s hard to explain.
That’s pretty damn cool!!
Thank you! Hopefully something good will come out of it,don’t have any plans yet to start the sculpt as I have a few other projects to finish.still fun to experiment!
I have a mask I got from a drugstore back in the mid-‘80’s and it’s a little degraded, but not much. I did paint it with makeup back then, so maybe the makeup preserved it! Ha
I cosplay my DT buried mask. And probably will shorten its lifespan but what the heck it looks 
Awesome in those coveralls
that looks fantastic!! ////\
Seven feet fucking tall.
Haha I think the measure wall is generous! I’m definitely under 7ft.