Leather as a wearable fabric dates back to ancient Rome, and for good reason.  It's strong, yet flexible; breathable and incredibly long-lasting.  There are many different kinds of leather on the market today.  The kind of leather we use here at Mad Masks is called vegetable-tanned leather.  What does that mean?  Well, tanning refers to the process of making animal hides usable as a fabric.  With vegetable-tanning, only natural substances are used, such as tree bark and other organic materials; never any chemicals.  The result is a beautiful material that is environmentally-friendly and, most importantly, safe to have against your skin.

Your face is the first thing people notice, so your mask needs to be of the highest quality.  We get that, which is why we only buy grade A, premium leather.  It's probably not very surprising that most of our leather comes directly from Italy.  But even the most "pristine" leather isn't perfect.  We have to remember that leather is a natural material that once served as an animal's skin (we only use bovine, or cow, leather by the way).  As such, it is subject to natural markings such as scratches, mosquito bites, wrinkles, stretch marks, etc.  These markings are not considered "flaws" as they add to the beauty and uniqueness of the finished piece.  That being said, we strive to produce the cleanest, smoothest masks possible.  If character markings are too pronounced for our tastes, we'll either discard the mask, or offer it at a discount at one of our Cons. 

Leather Mask Care Instructions

Your handcrafted leather mask is made to withstand conventions, cosplay events, photoshoots, and years of wear. Proper care will help keep it looking its best.

Clean after use.
If you wear makeup under your mask, wipe down the inside after each use. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to gently remove makeup, sweat, and skin oils before they have a chance to build up.

Clean the outside gently.
Dust, fingerprints, and surface dirt can be removed with a soft cloth. For light cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and wipe gently. Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the finish.

Remove wig tape after each use.
If you use wig tape or double-sided fashion tape to secure your mask, remove it after every wear. Our adhesive tape is made to come off easily using light scratches with your fingernail.  

Avoid alcohol and leather cleaners.
Do not use rubbing alcohol, disinfecting wipes, leather cleaners, saddle soap, or other chemical cleaning products on your mask. These products can damage the paint, finish, and protective coatings, causing discoloration or premature wear. 

Let it air dry.
If your mask becomes damp from cleaning or wear, allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heaters, and hair dryers.

Store it properly.
Keep your mask in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid placing heavy items on top of it, as pressure can affect its shape.

Handle with care.
Clean hands help prevent oils, makeup, and dirt from transferring to the leather. The less buildup on the mask, the easier it will be to maintain.

A few minutes of care after each event can help your leather mask stay convention-ready for years to come.