Why is a head armature often used when creating latex masks?
A human head form, also known as a head armature is used as a base upon which to create your character in clay. If your armature is a lifecast or premade headform created from a lifecast, you know that the mask will fit an average size human when it is complete (unless of course you use the lifecast of a child, women (smaller head on average) or a person with a smaller than average head or short neck) The best armatures are those made from a person with a long neck, like Doug Jones or an artificially elongated neck. This is because latex masks shrink as they dry. A longer neck on your head form will help offset the shrinkage factor. An added benefit to using an armature is that helps the eye holes of the mask line up better too. In addition to lifecasts, a wigblock, mannequin head or other kinds premade headforms can also work well. Why does mask latex shrink? The reason is simple: liquid latex is not 100% solids. Mask compounds average about 58-62% solids including filler, vulcanizers
