How to Make a Paper Mache Mask – Easiest Methods

Learning how to make a paper mache mask starts with choosing a base that will give the mask its shape. A balloon is the easiest option for a simple rounded mask, while wire mesh gives you more control over the contours, fit, and facial features. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a paper mache mask using both methods, from building the base and applying the paper strips to cutting, painting, and decorating the finished mask. You’ll also learn how to make paper mache clay for adding raised features such as noses, brows, ears, and other 3D details.

How to Make a Paper Mache Mask (Quick Guide)

Here’s a quick overview of how to make a paper mache mask from start to finish.

1. Choose Your Mask Base: Use a balloon for a simple shape or wire mesh for a more contoured design.
2. Prepare the Paper Mache: Mix your chosen paste and prepare the paper strips.
3. Cover the Base: Apply the paper strips in layers over the balloon or shaped wire mesh.
4. Let the Mask Dry: Allow the paper mache to dry completely before removing or finishing the base.
5. Cut and Shape the Mask: Trim the edges and create the eye, mouth, and attachment holes as needed.
6. Add Details: Build up raised features with additional paper mache or paper mache clay.
7. Decorate and Finish: Prime, paint, decorate, and seal the completed mask.

Which Paper Mache Mask Method Is Best?

The best method depends on the shape and fit you want. A balloon mask is the easiest choice for beginners and works well for simple rounded masks, character masks, and decorative projects. A wire mesh mask takes more preparation but allows you to shape the forehead, cheeks, nose, and edges more precisely. Choose a balloon if you want a quick, simple base. Choose wire mesh if you want a more sculpted or closely fitted mask.

Supplies for Making a Paper Mache Mask

The supplies you need will depend on whether you use the balloon or wire mesh method and how you plan to decorate the finished mask.

• Paper: Use newspaper, printer paper, or another lightweight paper torn or cut into strips. The strips form the layers of the mask.
• Adhesive: All-purpose white glue or wood glue can be diluted with water to make paper mache paste. Choose a glue that dries clear. You can also mix all-purpose flour with water as an alternative paper mache paste for the balloon method.
• Mixing Bowl: Use this to prepare your flour or glue mixture.
• Balloon: For the balloon method, inflate one to approximately the size needed for your mask.
• Wire Sculpting Mesh: Required for the wire method, use flexible sculpting mesh that you can shape to the contours of the face.
• Scissors: Use these to cut the dried mask, eye and mouth openings, paper template, and other details.
• String, Twine, or Elastic: Add this to the sides if you want to wear the finished mask.
• Decorating Supplies: Use paint, pens, and other embellishments to finish your design.
• Primer and Sealant: Primer prepares the dried paper mache for painting, while a suitable sealant helps protect the finished surface.

How to Make a Paper Mache Mask With a Balloon

Step 1: Cover the Balloon With Paper Mache

1. Inflate the balloon to the desired size and set it aside.
2. Next, prepare your flour and water mixture by mixing 1 part flour with 2 parts water.
3. Then, cut your paper into strips, and dip them into your flour mixture.
4. Once done, start covering the balloon in even layers: dip your paper strip into the flour mixture without oversaturating it, then place it on the balloon. Repeat until the entire balloon is covered. This is your first layer.
5. Once your first layer is dry, you can add another layer of paper strips on top. Add about 7-8 layers to make sure your mask has structural integrity, as this one won’t have the wire mesh supporting it.
6. Depending on the number of layers you add, leave the balloon to dry for a few hours.

TIP: Alternate the direction of the paper strips as you build the layers. This makes it easier to see where you’ve already worked and helps create an evenly covered shell.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Mask

1. Once the paper mache is completely dry, carefully pop and remove the balloon.
2. Next, cut the paper mache shell in half, then trim it into your desired mask shape.
3. Mark and cut the openings for the eyes and mouth as needed. If the mask will be worn, make two small holes at the sides for string or elastic.
4. Trim any uneven edges before moving on to the finishing details.

Step 3: Decorate and Seal the Mask

Once the basic mask is finished, you can add raised details using paper mache clay or additional paper strips. Let these additions dry completely before decorating.

Simply prime the surface, then add your desired paint colors and decorations. Once everything is completely dry, finish with a suitable sealant to help protect the surface.

How to Make a Paper Mache Mask With Wire Mesh

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Mask Shape

1. With your tape measure, measure the distance from the top of the forehead to the tip of the chin. Also, measure the distance from ear to ear and make a grid on paper with these measurements.
2. Once you have your grid, you can start sketching the outline of the shape you want your mask to have.
3. Cut around the shape and use that as a guide for your wire mesh. Leave a slight difference in the paper and the wire mesh measurements to give you room to smooth down the edges better in the next steps.
4. Shape the mesh gradually to create the curves needed for the forehead, cheeks, and other facial contours. Check the fit carefully before moving to the next step.

CAUTION: Cut wire mesh can have sharp edges, so it’s highly suggested to wear eye protection when cutting it, smooth or cover exposed edges, and avoid pressing sharp or unfinished wire directly against the face.

Step 2: Cover the Mesh With Paper Strips

1. Mix 1 part of glue and 2 parts water to make a paper mache mixture.
2. Then, cut up or rip your paper into roughly the same-sized strips.
3. Place your mask mesh cut-out on a flat surface and start covering it with the dipped paper strips. Don’t oversaturate your paper strips, as that can lead to breakage, but don’t skimp on it either.
4. Lay the strips as flat as possible and tear off the strips right at the edges of the mask to give it a cleaner look. Add two layers on the top of the wire mesh and let it dry completely.
5. Once the top is dry, repeat the same process on the underside of the mask and let it dry. If there are sharp edges on your mask shape, take strips of paper and seal them in.

TIP: Tear rather than cut some of your paper strips when covering curved areas. The softer torn edges overlap more smoothly and can make the finished surface easier to blend.

Step 3: Add Details, Paint and Seal

Once your mask has completely dried, you can add details and finishing touches.

• If you want to add 3D elements to your mask, use homemade or store-bought paper mache clay. Add your details and let them dry completely before sanding any rough edges.
• You may also prime the whole mask and add paint according to your design. Once your paint has dried, seal it in with a sealant and let it dry.
• Finally, add holes on either side of the mask and tie twine or elastic so it fits around your head.

How to Make Paper Mache Clay for Mask Details

Paper Mache Clay Supplies

• Shredded Paper: Forms the pulp and body of the clay
• Hot Water: Softens the paper so it can be broken down into pulp
• Flour: Helps bind and thicken the mixture
• Salt: Discourages mold growth in the flour-based mixture while it dries
• Mixing Bowl: For soaking and combining the ingredients.
• Hand Blender: Breaks the soaked paper into a fine pulp.

How to Make Paper Mache Clay for Masks

1. Take some scraps of paper and soak them in water for a few hours or overnight. Add enough water to cover the paper, but don’t overdo it.
2. Blend the paper and water mixture into a pulpy mixture with a hand blender, making sure to include every piece of paper.

3. Take handfuls of the mixture and start squeezing the water out of the paper. Squeeze gently but firmly so most of the residual water is taken out, but some still remain.
4. Make wet paper balls then break them down into smaller pieces of roughly the same size. The crumbled paper mash will turn into the clay so make them as small as possible.
5. Add a bit of salt and flour to the small paper balls and just enough water to help it form into clay. Mix and add more water if need be. Stop when the paper starts to form into clay and hold its shape.
6. Once your clay has formed, store it in the refrigerator and bring it out when you are ready to add details to your masks.

TIP: Add paper mache clay to the mask in small amounts and build up raised features gradually. This gives you more control over the shape than trying to form thick details all at once.

Tips for Better Paper Mache Masks

• Sketch Your Design First: Plan the overall mask shape, facial features, colors, and decorations before you start. This is particularly helpful for more detailed character or animal masks.
• Mark Both Sides Before Cutting: When creating matching features such as eyes, lightly mark their positions first so you can check that they are balanced before making any cuts.
• Use Smaller Paper Pieces Around Curves: Shorter, narrower strips are easier to position around the nose, edges, and other detailed areas without creating bulky folds.
• Test Paints and Finishes First: Try your primer, paint, or sealant on a scrap of dried paper mache before applying it to the finished mask, particularly if you’re combining different products.

Common Paper Mache Mask Problems

If your mask isn’t holding its shape or finishing as smoothly as expected, the problem may come from the layering or drying stage.

• The Mask Feels Soft After Drying: Thick or overly wet layers can remain damp underneath even when the surface feels dry. Give the mask more drying time before removing the base or decorating it.
• The Mask Warps As It Dries: Unevenly wet or thick areas can dry at different rates. Apply the paper strips in relatively even layers and allow the mask to dry thoroughly.
• The Surface Has Large Ridges: Thick overlaps or excess paste can leave pronounced bumps. Smooth each strip as you apply it and remove excess paste before it dries.
• Added Details Keep Falling Off: Make sure the base is dry and the added feature has enough contact with the mask to hold securely. Reinforce larger details with additional paper strips if necessary.

Paper Mache Mask FAQs

How to Make a Paper Mache Mask – In Conclusion

Once you know how to make a paper mache mask, you can adapt the basic process to create anything from a simple balloon mask to a more closely fitted wire design. Experiment with the shape, build up features with paper mache clay, and use paint and decorations to turn the basic form into a completely different character or design.

More Paper Mache Projects:

• Paper Mache Volcano
• Paper Mache Globe
• Paper Mache Balloon
• Paper Mache with PVA
• Paper Mache Pumpkin
• Paper Mache Pinata
• Paper Mache Bowls