How to Repair a Latex Halloween Mask

Halloween masks are usually made of either latex or vinyl. Both materials are flexible, but over time, they can become brittle and tear. Once a mask has torn, the tear will continue to get worse unless the mask is repaired. You will fix the mask using cheesecloth and industrial-strength contact cement, which is available at your local hardware store, and bonds well to both latex and vinyl.

Wash the inside of the mask with warm, soapy water on a clean cloth. This will remove any dirt, dried sweat and other contaminants that will interfere with the repair. Dry the mask thoroughly.

Hold the torn section of the mask together and secure it with masking tape. The tighter you can hold the tear together, the less it will show once the repair is complete.

Place the mask on a newspaper-covered table with the tear facing down.

Cut a piece of cheesecloth 2 inches wider and 2 inches longer than the tear.

Brush a layer if industrial-strength contact cement onto the inside of the mask, extending it an inch around the tear on all sides.

Brush contact cement onto one side of the cheesecloth.

Allow the cement on both surfaces to dry.

Press the cheesecloth onto the mask firmly, covering the tear. Begin at one end of the tear and work your way to the other. The cement will bond on contact, so ensure that you have the placement correct before allowing the cheesecloth to touch the mask.

Remove the masking tape from the outside of the mask.