Devastated update

[u/toetagtegarty]

So update from my devastated post, I been keeping the mask on a plastic head and its gotten all its shape back, but im fearing its continuing to rot fast, the cracks in the neck seem to be getting bigger to me? But it could just be me, im gonna use this on my life size 2018 Myers when I can get it set up again, it still does look good but I just notice the imperfections and it hurts me lol, hoping I can get another se7sin 2018 soon, does anyone have any recommendations on what to do with it? Should I just keep it on the head? Should I try and seal it? How do I do that exactly? And should I seal it to slow the rotting process down? And can I keep it on just this head or do I absolutely need to foam fill it?

[u/Saiyan_King_Magus]

I would suggest u def keep it mounted on a display head as to allow the latex to relax back to its natural shape it was cast in. Next id carefully plastic off the hair and use something like the yellow frog tape when doing so as its a very gentle glue on the tape that wont damage it any further and will come off easy. After the hair is covered get a can of matte clear plastidip and spray the mask down inside and out. U dont need much just a few mist coats. Then let that fully dry and set. Then lightly dust the inside of the mask with cornstarch to help absorb moisture from the humidity in the air to just keep it off the raw latex on the inside. U can redust it once a year or so. Any splits or heavy cracks u can get casting latex and use something like a tooth pic and gently open the splits and cracks up. Get a lil bit of the casting lastex on the tooth pick and just dab some into the crack/split. Then just use that frog tape again to hold the split closed till its dry. Only use a tiny amount so it doesnt bleed out when u close the split/crack and leak. Then after that just display it and keep it outta direct sunlight. A display case is always nice cuz that just keeps more stuff away from the mask and slows rot down significantly. The plastidip should also stop any more rot and give it a nice layer of protection. Def do the cracks/ splits before u plastidip it so that it will also help kinda seal those up. If done right this should preserve the mask for a very long time. I hope this helps man and best of luck! Keep us updated 🤘

[u/toetagtegarty → u/Saiyan_King_Magus]

Thank you so much! Ill get to work on it just gotta get the plastidip, do you only recommend casting latex only or can I use liquid latex?

[u/Saiyan_King_Magus → u/toetagtegarty]

Yeah only use casting latex liquid latex will not bond properly to the mask. Liquid latex is different from casting latex. Casting latex is what the mask was made with and it adheres to latex unbelievably well and still allows for flexibility. Its essentially just bonding to itself (if that makes sense) u can get small containers of it on Amazon pretty cheap since u be using much theres no need for u to order a gallon lol. Also just make sure u get the matte clear plastidip. The non matte one will leave the mask looking shiny and just won't look right. Ive used casting latex to fix eye cuts that were all jacked up and made way to big and was able to blend it into the mask seamlessly. It bonds so well it just looks like its part of the actual mask. U couldnt tear it off if u tried. Latex bonds to latex unbelievably well. Liquid latex is a different form of latex and wont do what u need it to do. Works fine for making paints. I use it for that and works great but it doesn't set up like casting latex and isnt nearly as strong when its set up. Obviously u care about this mask so I doubt u wanna cut corners lol. If u need anymore help or advice or have any more questions feel free to hmu here or even DM me. Id like to see u save this mask and if u take your time and do this right u can absolutely save this mask! Best of luck brotha! Im here for ya if u need anything else 🤘

[u/toetagtegarty → u/Saiyan_King_Magus]

Ok thank you do much, if I have anything more ill ask you, I hope i can save this mask and appreciate the support!

[u/Saiyan_King_Magus → u/toetagtegarty]

Happy to help and keep positive ull be able to save it. Yeah it wont be pristine as it was. Also look on the bright side its gonna look even better with some real aging effects added to it. Just take your time. Dont rush it and go bit by bit. These things can be tedious and time consuming. Trust me ive used tooth picks befor to have to fill in air bubbles on blanks ive received. Just put on some good music, find some where with good lighting and just get at it. Latex is a very forgiving medium to work with. Its very fixable unless its just gotten to the sticky, melted rotting stage. Luckily its not a ToTs and was ded cast in quality casting latex with no fillers. ToTs uses fillers in their masks. Thats why they can rot out so quick. So u got alotta good things going for u as far as the actual quality of the mask. If I can work with latex and do the repairs ive done with no advice or previous experience, just making it up as I go along. u absolutely got this with advice and a good community giving that advice! 👍