Frequently Asked Questions

General Product Questions

Can you make a mask, custom prop, animatronic, or makeup effect for me?
Absolutely! It’s what we do. When we create a mask for a customer, it’s more like a functioning piece of art. You can choose from any of our standard masks shown on this website and alter it to your heart’s content, or you could commission us to create a “fully custom mask” for you, based on your own design and specifications. See our custom alterations page for ideas and further detail! Our modified masks provide the customer a versatility in their character creation never before seen in the silicone industry. If all of our products and alterations still can’t provide you with what you’re looking for – we can design a Custom Mask for you.

Looking for something other than a mask? We have the equipment and the experience to bring almost any concept to material life! Check out our Production Services page to see the extent and range of our work.

What’s a “Fully Custom Mask”? Is there a difference between an “Altered Mask” and a “Custom Mask”?
An “altered mask” is a CFX mask that has been altered with items such as custom paint, horns, blood, hair, or other add-ons. A “fully custom mask” is a mask designed and sculpted from the ground up to meet your specifications. The mold, reproduction-rights, and character design are all entirely yours, and no other customer will be able to have a copy of YOUR custom-mask without your express permission. Custom Masks begin at roughly $7,000 for a silicone mask, and the time it takes to complete varies (minimum of 90 days in most cases). For further details, please call or email us at info@compositeeffects.com

Which items are “made-to-order” and which ones are kept in stock?
The majority of our silicone products are “made-to-order”. However we do keep stock of certain popular items, as well as discounted items. You can find them on our In Stock Items page. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask us! You never know what’s lurking in the dark corners here…

I saw a great prop/mask in your custom projects gallery that I’d like to buy. Are these items for sale?
It depends on the item. Custom projects are often commissioned by individuals who own the rights to reproduction after the project is completed. Sometimes the customer wants to have a unique product for their use only and other times they want a product that is the likeness of a licensed character (like the Pinhead mask or Davy Jones costume) and we can not legally sell reproductions to the public due to copyright & trademark regulations. However if you see an item that interests you, please contact us! If we can’t replicate it, we can work with you to create your own custom prop or mask.

Will your Pro-Silicone mask fit my head? Do I need to be fitted, or give you my head size before I place my order?
In all probability – yes. Our silicone masks are “one size fits most” and do, in fact, fit most people. There have been rare instances when a customer’s head was simply too big. All masks labeled “male fit” will accommodate anyone whose head is between 21.25 – 23.5 inches in circumference. All masks labeled “female fit” will accommodate anyone whose head is between 20.25 – 21.75 inches in circumference. While silicone is a very stretchy material, we cannot guarantee correct fit or movement to customers outside of the recommended ranges. To find out how big your head is – simply measure the circumference of your head with a seamstress’ measuring tape (start between your eyebrows, go over your ears the way sunglasses do, and around the back of your head). Should the mask be slightly too big, we strongly recommend wearing a beanie cap – as this usually remedies the problem.

Can I use glue on my mask to make it stick better to my face?
In a word – NO! While there are glues and adhesives available to bond silicone to skin, they are intended for use with appliances which are by design much thinner than a mask. As a result, it will not stay stuck to your face for very long, also the glue will be permanently bonded to the inside of the mask – so every time you use glue you will increase the thickness of the mask – making it less comfortable.

I’ve seen other silicone mask that do not have ear spaces or holes. Do yours?
Yes. Our masks are cast with spaces for your ears to fit into and have ear holes cut in discretely. We know that when you’re wearing a mask in a production or haunt, you need to be aware of your environment in every way possible.

How long will my CFX mask really last?
The most accurate answer is ‘several years’. Silicone rubber has been rated for chemical and physical stability for well over 20 years without dry-rot, discoloration, or loss of elasticity. As long as moderate care is taken and no purposeful damage is done to the mask – it should last you 20 some-odd years, if not a lifetime. Please note that abrasion to the silicone product, such as from costuming or prop work, can wear at the paint over time. We do offer paint touchup services in these instances.

I need to repair my mask. What can I do?
You have one of two options available to you:
Option 1: You could send the mask back to us and we’ll happily repair it (we ask that you please send photos of the damaged mask to us before shipping it out – extensive tears may require a repair-fee). You can visit our Repairs page to submit a request.

Option 2: You could repair it yourself. Use Sil-poxy from Smooth On or Shinsetsu. DO NOT use silicone 2 or a lower priced off-brand sealant. These are often inferior rubbers and will not adhere properly. First, wash the area well with alcohol to remove any dust or oil. Then, glue the area with your sealant in a way that can be held in place for at least an hour. Give the silicone 24 hours to fully set. If you have any issues while repairing, STOP EVERYTHING and contact us! We are here to help.

Do you offer bulk discounts on your masks?
Yes, but call our office for more details, as some restrictions do apply (licensed products are excluded from bulk discounts).


Sales and Shipping

When can I expect my products? How long is the wait-time?
Our wait-times can vary depending on many factors. Typically, made to order silicone items will take 4-8 weeks in production, and in stock items 1-3 business days to ship out from the shop. An “estimated shipping date” can be found at the top of every invoice we create. Please understand that this date is an estimate for when your order will ship, and your items may in fact ship ahead of schedule – or it may ship a day or two late. If your item is running late, a member of our sales team will communicate this with you. 

Please let us know if you need your order by a specific date before you place your order! WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN YOU NEED YOUR ITEM UNLESS YOU TELL US!

Can you rush my order through production?
Depending on the time of year, we can often rush an item through production for a fee. As just about everything is influenced by our current work load, you will need to contact the sales office to see if it’s possible to rush your order, and to determine what fees are applicable given your time frames and the time of year. October is our BUSIEST month and when we get the most production rush requests. Please note we will do everything we can to accommodate these requests, but some items can’t be rushed. 

Do you ship outside the US?
We ship our products all over the globe, and traditionally use the US Postal Service for international shipments. Naturally, international shipping is considerably more costly than domestic shipments and varies in price from time to time, so please call or email us for a shipping estimate. CFX has absolutely no control over an individual nation’s customs laws. We can not and will not alter an invoice or adjust retail values as to avoid a higher customs fee.

What shipping methods do you offer?
Domestic orders typically ship via UPS. International orders generally ship via USPS, HOWEVER we are recommending UPS as they have been more reliable and consistent with their pick up and delivery schedules. We offer standard and expediting shipping methods, and can work with you in many cases. Prices will vary. Call or email for an estimate.

Can I add an item to my order after I’ve paid and it’s in the system?
Not generally to the same invoice, no. Once you’ve paid-out the balance for a current order – that order is entered into our system and put into a production queue. We’d strongly advise you to have a firm knowledge of exactly what it is you want when you place an order. If you opt to add something, the added item will have its own invoice, cost, and wait-time.

Can I get a discount?
CFX does offer bulk discounts on purchases of 10 or more silicone items! Please contact our sales office for more details. Some restrictions may apply.
Notice: These discounts may not apply between August 1st and October 31st of every year.

Do you ever have sales?
Yes! Not only do we have a permanent page dedicated to clearance items, but we also will have special deals on items from time to time. Often these are timed deals, meaning once they are gone, that is it. To make sure you never miss a deal, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and make sure you’re signed up to receive our newsletter! Newsletter subscribers will occasionally receive deeper discounts or unlisted deals!


How Can I Use Your Copyrighted Work in My Production?

Can I use your mask in my haunt / live attraction?
Absolutely! That’s what they’re designed for!

Can I use your product to promote my haunt / live attraction (printed promotional media, video media, commercials, and live televised broadcasts)?
Absolutely! We’d be honored! Please send us links – we love to see them!

Can I use your work / designs in my merchandise (calendars, t-shirts, posters, etc.)?
Additional rights, usage contracts, and permission are necessary to use our copyrighted work in any item considered merchandisable / for sale. Please contact our office for more details.

Can I use your work in my film, video, YouTube production, etc?
If you plan to just wear the mask during your streams or broadcasts, we request a link to our website in the video description. Additional rights, usage contracts, and permission are necessary for more involved usage. Please contact our office for more details.