Video Tag
Every video tagged “Monster Lab” in the library — a focused slice of the Halloween archive.
28 videos
In this installment of the Monster Lab series, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through making a plaster mold from a sculpted Halloween mask. The tutorial covers the mold-making step in the broader process of building monster masks the Distortions way. It's part of an ongoing series that also touches on sculpting, painting, and casting.
In this installment of Distortions Unlimited's Monster Lab series, Ed Edmunds demonstrates how to create a latex Halloween mask from start to finish. The episode walks through pouring latex and painting the finished mask, which can be worn as part of a costume or used as a display piece. It draws on Distortions' professional background in haunt props, masks, and animatronics.
In this extended Monster Lab episode, Distortions Unlimited founder Ed Edmunds walks viewers through the complete process of creating a latex gremlin character from scratch. The tutorial covers three major stages: sculpting the creature in clay, constructing a two-piece plaster mold, and painting the finished latex pull for a professional SFX result. Running at nearly an hour, the video provides a thorough, professional-level breakdown of techniques used in the Halloween manufacturing industry. It serves as a valuable reference for anyone looking to move beyond basic prop-making into full creature fabrication.
In this episode of Distortions Unlimited's Monster Lab series, Ed Edmunds demonstrates how to paint a Halloween mask using only a brush. It serves as an alternative to a prior airbrush-focused episode, making the technique accessible to those without spray equipment. The walkthrough covers hand-painting methods for achieving a finished monster mask look.
Industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited leads this comprehensive tutorial on creating a form-fitting, moveable latex zombie face mask from start to finish. Drawing from multiple Monster Lab sessions, the video walks through every major stage of professional mask production: clay sculpting, mold making, latex casting, airbrushing, finishing, and hairing. With over 40 years in the Halloween manufacturing industry, Edmunds brings professional-grade techniques to a DIY-accessible format. The result is a wearable, flexible zombie mask built using the same foundational methods used in commercial prop production.
In this 33-minute episode of Monster Lab, industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks through the process of creating a plaster mold from a clay-sculpted zombie mask — a critical step between sculpting and final latex casting. The tutorial is part of a structured multi-episode series designed to teach professional mask-making skills to DIY creators. Viewers see how a finished clay sculpture is transformed into a reusable mold ready for latex pulling. The episode sits within a broader arc that includes a prior sculpting video and an upcoming painting tutorial.
In this episode of Monster Lab, Distortions Unlimited founder Ed Edmunds makes the case for WED clay as his preferred medium for sculpting monster masks and large Halloween props. Originally developed for Disney animatronics, WED clay is a water-based, air-dry material prized for its smooth, pliable working properties and slower drying time — qualities Ed demonstrates hands-on with a monster mask sculpt. He also honestly addresses when oil-based clays may be the better choice, such as for SFX appliances or small figurines. The episode is part of a long-running tutorial series aimed at bringing professional prop-house knowledge to DIY builders.
In Monster Lab Episode 20, industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks through the complete painting and hairing process for a fitted latex zombie mask that moves with the wearer's face. The tutorial covers airbrushing techniques and hair application to achieve a realistic, wearable zombie look suitable for haunts, zombie walks, and Halloween events. As part of a broader DIY mask-making series, the episode focuses specifically on the finishing stages that bring a latex mask to life.
Industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through sculpting a custom-fit zombie mask from clay as part of the Monster Lab instructional series. The tutorial covers building an armature, working with clay, and applying sculpting techniques to create a form-fitting, moveable latex mask. The video is part of a multi-part series that will continue with mold-making, painting, and full costume assembly. The techniques taught are transferable beyond zombies and can be applied to sculpting virtually any character.
In this entry of Distortions Unlimited's Monster Lab series, sculptor Mikey Rotella walks through choosing and using sculpting tools for creature and mask work. Filmed in the studio, the roughly 8-minute tutorial focuses on the basics of working in water-based clay and which tools suit different stages of a sculpt. It's a foundational look at the craft behind professional Halloween creatures and masks.
Distortions Unlimited's Ed Edmunds walks through multiple fake blood formulas in this Monster Lab episode — one using kitchen staples like Karo syrup and red food coloring for SFX makeup (referencing the classic Dick Smith approach), and a separate prop-only formula built around Liquitex gel medium. Ed then demonstrates how the prop blood is applied and painted onto finished Halloween pieces. The episode reinforces a key creative philosophy: blood adds narrative and character to any monster or prop.
Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks through how to mix the base paint used for finishing latex masks and haunt props in this first Monster Lab segment. He explains the prep step before color and detail work, noting the mixed paint can be laid down with either a quart sprayer or an airbrush. It's a short, foundational tutorial aimed at painting masks and props consistently.
In this Monster Lab episode, Distortions Unlimited's Ed Edmunds walks through the studio's proprietary 'magic formula' for mixing paint used on latex masks. The recipe combines indoor house paint, water, and mask-making latex to create a flexible, durable paint that adheres properly to latex surfaces. The tutorial is presented as a clear refresher of techniques covered across the Monster Lab series, making it easy for newcomers to get up to speed quickly.
In this installment of Monster Lab, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks through a "rub out" paint technique used to finish a latex gremlin mask. The method is a staple approach at the studio for building depth and realism on cast masks. As part one of the lesson, it focuses on the foundational steps of the paint job for aspiring mask makers.
In this episode of the Monster Lab instructional series, Distortions Unlimited's Ed Edmunds walks through his professional technique for painting and glossing eyes on Halloween props and masks. The tutorial reflects the industry-level craftsmanship that Distortions Unlimited is known for from their work in animatronics, props, and masks. It is part of an ongoing how-to series aimed at bringing professional haunt fabrication methods to a wider audience.
In this episode of Distortions Unlimited's Monster Lab series, professional prop maker Ed Edmunds delivers a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough for creating a two-piece plaster mold intended for casting latex monster hand gloves. Ed covers every stage of the process — building the clay dam, mixing and applying plaster, reinforcing with hemp fiber, and finally separating and cleaning the finished mold. The tutorial is part of a larger multi-episode arc, following a previous episode focused on sculpting the original hand forms. Distortions Unlimited notes that home hobbyists should create two separate molds (one per hand) rather than a combined mold, which the studio uses for high-volume production.
This behind-the-scenes Monster Lab tutorial from Distortions Unlimited walks through the complete 2-part plaster mold-making process for a Halloween prop called the Mutant Baby. Ed Edmunds seals the finished clay sculpture with spray paint, builds a clay dam to define the mold parting line, and hands off to Mondo who pours and completes the 2-piece plaster mold. The video explains how this plaster mold will be used to create a foam master, which then feeds into one-piece production molds — giving viewers a rare look at a professional prop pipeline from sculpt to production-ready tooling.
Monster Lab Episode 27 with Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through the latex pouring and painting stages of making wearable monster gloves, picking up from earlier episodes that covered sculpting and mold-making. The tutorial applies to a broad range of character builds — Halloween costumes, cosplay, theater, and SFX work. Airbrushing techniques are demonstrated to bring the finished latex gloves to life with realistic monster coloring and detail. The series reflects the professional-grade methods used inside Distortions Unlimited's own production workflow.
In this episode of the Monster Lab instructional series, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through the complete process of creating a gory latex bloody eyeball Halloween prop. The build covers every major stage — sculpting in clay, making a mold, casting in latex, airbrushing detail, and finishing with blood effects. Distortions Unlimited is a respected name in professional Halloween manufacturing, lending real industry credibility to the techniques shown. At 37 minutes, the video is detailed enough to give beginners a solid foundation while offering useful refinements for intermediate makers.
In this short Monster Lab segment, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited demonstrates a quick, effective approach to base painting latex Halloween masks and props. The focus is on building dimension by laying in highlights and shadows so a flat mask reads with depth and realism. It's a bite-sized look at the studio's mask-finishing process and part of an ongoing episode series.
Monster Lab Episode 21 features Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walking viewers through how to create a convincing zombie costume from everyday clothing. This installment is part of a broader series that previously covered sculpting, molding, painting, and hairing a zombie mask, making it a natural next step for those following along. The tutorial targets Halloween celebrations, zombie walks, and costume parties, offering practical DIY techniques suitable for most skill levels.
In this episode of the Monster Lab instructional series, industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through the essential tools and supplies needed to set up a home monster-making studio. The focus is on equipping beginners and enthusiasts with the foundational knowledge to start sculpting, molding, and painting Halloween masks and props the professional way. Drawing on Distortions Unlimited's deep manufacturing background, Ed shares practical guidance on material selection and studio organization. At 73 minutes, it's a thorough orientation for anyone serious about entering the craft.
In this Monster Lab episode, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited demonstrates a quick technique for adding a realistic gloss to latex mask and prop eyes using Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Clear. The method is drawn directly from Distortions' professional production workflow for masks, props, and animatronics. At just four minutes, it's a compact, focused tutorial that can immediately elevate the realism of any finished latex piece.
Industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through the complete process of creating a latex bloody eyeball prop from scratch. The tutorial covers every foundational stage — clay sculpting, plaster mold making, latex pouring, and painting — making it an ideal entry point for aspiring prop and mask makers. This is a re-edited repost from Distortions' Monster Lab instructional series, designed to be approachable and manageable for beginners.
