Page Four

Removing the Mask from the mold

     The mask should be dry enough the next day to peel off the mold without tearing too much.  Now remember our rule about patience.  It's a new day.  The memories of sore backs have faded.  Test it and use your instincts.  If you used tons of glue then it might take longer to set.  Take a knife and slide it in between the mold and the mask image.  Slowly start to go around the outside of the mask and carefully pry the knife upwards and lift the mask up.  Do this evenly until it is open enough to get your fingers and hand under it.  The mask might start to tear a bit but that is okay.  (Don't start complaining, whining, or cursing ... yet.)  You can repair the tears after it is completely off the mold.  Sometimes the clay might stick inside the deeper hollows of the nose or other features which is fine.  Once you have the mask off the mold correct any changes to the features.  Push out hollows that have opened up or flattened.  Basically carefully shape the wet mask back into the shape you want it.  Repair the tears by sticking them back together or adding another piece of paper to bridge any gaps.  

     Now carefully place the mask down on a surface where it won't be disturbed and leave it to dry completely.  This is usually two or three more days.  Remember that in a couple of days it might feel dry on the surface but still be wet inside the layers.  As it hardens you can check it occasionally and dig out any clay still stuck inside any hollows or features.   

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