Q&A for How to Make a Papier Mâché Mask (for Kids)

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does it matter what flour I use?
    Community Answer
    You may use any type of flour to create a papier mache mask.
  • Question
    How much water do I mix in with the flour?
    Ryan Prior
    Community Answer
    You should use an equal amount of water and flour (1 cup flour + 1 cup water).
  • Question
    How do I make extra stuff such as animal ears for an animal mask?
    Community Answer
    Tissues dipped in the paste mix is very malleable. Aluminum foil is very common. There are foam and wood molds available as well.
  • Question
    What kind of paint should I use?
    Community Answer
    Tempura or acrylic would be the best options.
  • Question
    What is the best see-through material for a paper mache mask's eyes?
    Community Answer
    The best thing to use would best be mesh, lace, or sheer fabric.
  • Question
    Can I use any balloon?
    Community Answer
    It is suggested to use a balloon that is round, but you can use any balloon that you wish.
  • Question
    What is a good way to form the nose?
    Community Answer
    If you add torn up tissues and mix it up, it becomes pliable. Then you can shape the nose. You could also start the mask by taking double the amount of tinfoil you need to cover your face. Fold it in half, and cover your face with it. Press it in to all the nooks and crannies. Then cover it with papier mache, letting it dry between layers. I would do three or four layers.
  • Question
    How do I make an alien mask?
    Community Answer
    Use the balloon method. Cut it in half from top to bottom and cut out all the holes you wish. To make it scarier I suggest not making a mouth hole, just the eyes and a nose. Paint it a nice, unnatural green; you could even go the distance and get glow-in-the-dark paint.
  • Question
    Is there another way to get a round mask besides using a balloon?
    Community Answer
    Try using other round objects around your household, such as balls, a bowl, or anything else you can find! Keep in mind to cover only half of it, since you can't pop it like a balloon. Also, note the irregular indents in some of these objects could affect the texture of your mask.
  • Question
    Can I use a basketball if I don't have a balloon?
    Community Answer
    Sure! Be sure to take note, though, that the rigid parts of the basketball will make indents into the mask, so try using multiple layers. And, since you can't pop basketballs, only cover half of it so you can easily take the shell mask off.
  • Question
    Can the paste be made with corn starch?
    Community Answer
    While most papier-mache recipes call for all-purpose flour, but you can make it using corn starch instead. A mixture of water, sugar, vinegar and corn starch will produce a sticky papier-mache paste that functions the same as a flour-based paste.
  • Question
    Can I use tissue instead of printer paper?
    Ak_007
    Community Answer
    Tissue paper is not recommended since it will easily get soggy with the glue and won't hold its shape when you pop your balloon.
  • Question
    How many days will all this take?
    Community Answer
    It won’t even take a day; usually it will take a few hours. Just plan on how it’s going to look like, get the materials make it and you’ll be done in a couple of hours or less.
  • Question
    What kind of flour do we need?
    Da genius
    Community Answer
    Standard nonbleached flour would work best for the mask. Gluten free or bread flour are not as effective and the mask doesn't stick together as well with these types of flours.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article