Introduction: Halloween Project: Add Realism to a Store-Bought Werewolf Mask! {UPDATED!}

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Most low-budget Halloween masks and costumes purchased direct from a store tend to have a plastic, artificial look to them. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to add an extra touch of realism to an existing product. This werewolf outfit I put together is a prime example!

Materials needed:

  • Mask of choice (preferably something rigid, rather than the flexible latex type)
  • Airbrush
  • Paint
  • Replica eyes (taxidermy or craft-store doll eyes)
  • Window screening
  • Hot glue

Step 1: Paint!

A good paint job can drastically effect the appearance of your mask, from looking generic into something that seems much more real and ferocious!

Both the fur and plastic/latex portions of the mask can be airbrushed with success. Use acrylic paints. For added detail I also hand-painted the teeth and gums, and added a gloss finish to them.

Step 2: Add the Eyes

Adding eyes gives your mask a much more fearsome, realistic look than if you simply left the eye holes blank.

Begin by gluing a piece of black window screen mesh over the back side of each eye hole. This will hide your "real" eyes but will still be easy to see through when you wear the mask.

Next, you will need to glue artificial eyes atop the screen mesh. For this mask I used glass taxidermy coyote eyes. You can buy taxidermy eyes for many species in many different colors, depending on the look you'd like for your mask.

Optionally, you can use epoxy putty to sculpt around the eyes to make them blend more smoothly into the face.

Let all of your glue and epoxy cure thoroughly, and the mask is then ready to wear!

Step 3: Wear and Scare!

Now that your mask is finished, you can add your choice of details to the rest of your outfit to further add to its appearance. With matching synthetic fur, you can make paw gloves, a chest piece, a tail, etc. (For the tail on this one, I actually used an extra large, real fox tail!)

I also glued some extra foam padding inside the mask for a more snug and comfortable fit.

So get creative and have fun scaring those Trick-or-Treaters this year! ...And you'll scare 'em good, because now the "big bad wolf" no longer looks like he's made out of plastic!

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