Transform Cheap Dollar Store Plastic Skulls Into High Quality, Realistic Looking Halloween Props

In this instructable I will show you how to transform low quality Dollar store skulls into high quality, expensive looking halloween props.

I will detail two methods you can use to achieve these effects.

Materials Needed:

As many $1 halloween skulls as you wish from the dollar store or equivalent where you live

1 utility knife or exacto

1 can rubberized undercoating spray (method #1)

1 can of turpentine

1 can of dark wood stain (method #2)

1 can of grey primer

acrylic or water based airbrush paint

fine tip brushes

airbrush (you will of course need an air compressor if u use this)

rags

One of the easiest things we can do to improve the looks of our skulls is to cut out the mouth, removing the black plastic with your exacto.

Be very careful, the blade can easily slip and seriously cut you.

Alternatively you can cut the lower jaw away completely so that it sits flat as I did in image 4. Those are completed skulls.

At this point you should also take the time to sand down the lines formed where the molds connected during the manufacturing process

The first method is the faster and less labor intensive choice. If you plan on using a large amount of skulls this may be the best option.

First take the can of rubberized undercoating and spray or brush a light/medium coat onto the skull and allow it to dry.

Next take the turpentine and soak a little into a spare towel. Gently rub the skull until the rubber has thinned leaving a thin yellowish coating.

Now grab a clean dry towel and very gently rub the skull. This removes rubber in the most elevated areas creating highlights.

Repeat this process until your happy with the highlights, shadows, and overall appeance.

Method #2 involves a bit more labor and time to create. You will however be rewarded by your extra work as this method produces more realistic and visually appealing skulls.

First take your can of plastic primer and spray the entire skull. Allow time for the primer to dry.

Once dry begin applying the wood stain to the skull using foam brushes. Allow the skull to dry but not completely. Before the stain fully dries take a clean rag and gently rub the skull.

Repeat this process a number of times until your happy with the appearance.

Next take some black and brown acrylic or water based airbrush paint and darken the eye sockets. You can also use the paint to darken in between the teeth, nose, or any other areas needs shadowing. Use a fine tip paintbrush or airbrush to apply.

Here's what I was able to do using these methods.

Halloween has become very expensive, especially for those who are and are trying to build a prop collection or put on a haunted house. Don't pay the outrageous prices you find in places like the spirit halloween store.

Since I already had all the materials needed apart from the skulls, the only costs involved were the $1 skulls. That's decorating on a budget!