How to Make Monster Mud & Monster Mud Alternatives
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Some would say it’s every Home Haunter’s rite of passage to create a statue or to coat a prop with Monster Mud, but there’s often a question about what it is, how it’s made, how it’s used or how to protect it from the weather.
In this Halloween How to, I’m going to answer all of those questions as well as show you a new Monster Mud alternative called Monster Mud 2.0 or Morbid Mortar. Great for painting tombstone props, graveyard statues and reapers, coating mausoleums, creating texture on props and more.
THANK YOUS:
Davis Graveyard and Shingle Creek Manor for being a constant source of inspiration.
A very special thank you to Gravely MacCabre, of Castle Blood, for validating the details of the haunter history portion of this tutorial and for creating, along with Sarah Black, one of the most iconic (and often replicated) tombstones in all of haunting, "Beloved."
SUPPORT OUR VIDEOS!
Enjoying our episodes? Do you want a behind the scenes look and more? Consider supporting us on Patreon and helping us keep all these tutorials going!
/ vanoaksprops
MATERIALS*:
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Joint Compound - amzn.to/2Yd90a4
Exterior Latex Paint
Mapei Thin-Set - www.lowes.com/pd/MAPEI-Floor-...
Critter Spray Gun - amzn.to/327OA3p
Chip Brushes - amzn.to/3eHvcyK
Follow us:
INSTAGRAM: @vanoaksprops
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
DISCLOSURE: Please be advised that Plaid Enterprises, Inc. has compensated the artist by furnishing Plaid product at no charge in connection with this video.
#Halloween #tutorial #halloweenhowto #VanOaksCemetery #VanOaksProps #plaidcrafts #plaidfx
Пікірлер: 155
This is a definite save video. Thanks so much for some great information.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@fennec7906
Жыл бұрын
Do these mud materials get ruined by rainy Halloweens? I guess you have to use water seal?
Monster mud 2.0 is perfect for outdoor stone items, like gravestones. And it holds up to the weather very well.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely.
Thanks for mentioning Steve Hickman of Terror Syndicate. So many folks who created many of the methods we use are being forgotten.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
It’s always important to give proper credit.
@gregtracy9322
3 жыл бұрын
I was going to say the same thing. I followed Steve's work years and years ago. I learned so much from his early haunts... my brother and I created several monster mud statues in 2000 - 2001 that were neighborhood favorites for years.
@teridemola2386
11 ай бұрын
Terror syndicate is one of the best haunted house sites ever.
I love ❤ the monster mud with joint compound. I used it on a paper mache tombstone and other projects last year..it worked perfectly...even held up in the Florida rain 🙃😆.I'm making more projects & tombstones this year. Thank you 😊 👍🏽👏🏾
The educational film is fantastic! Love these details you add to your videos.
I’ve never used Monster Mud. Now I want to try. Thank you for the tutorial 👍🏼
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome 😊
I love the Coronet Film style interlude! Haha. Made me laugh!!!
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!!
GASP...thin set...GENIUS!!!
I never knew about the 2.0 recipe! Excited to try it. 999
Great video! Monster mud is amazingly versatile and has such great results for the cost.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely!
I love your videos yet I'd enjoy to see them longer with more detail on instructions with handling of the projects...please! And Thank you for what we do get of you time and skills.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the feedback. I’m always afraid of the videos running too long. Good to know that’s not the case.
@pikachen
3 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps I agree. You're really knowledgeable and I'd love to see longer-length videos from you. I've watched a lot of videos where people do DIY Haunt props and such that are long - but they either don't have the same level of knowledge or don't describe it as well - or there is an audio/camera problem (none of which are an issue with your channel). Please consider longer videos if you're able!
Very interesting!!
I use something similar with my props but incorporate latex caulk in too with the latex paint and joint compound.
That's an awesome tutorial and suggestion! I haven't done a traditional monster mud project due to the expense of the joint compound. I'm real interested in the mortar suggestion - THANKS 👍
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much! Just...thank you
Thanks for explaining. In how to make this. I was wondering, what they used and what I need to buy this year for my haunt. I'm doing at my house this year.
Another great video thanks for making it 999
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
Good stuff. I am glad I found it
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome aboard!
I have a few snakes and I’ve made backgrounds for them using foam boards, unsanded grout and just hitting it with a polycrylic, should work great for a tombstone
Awesome.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Would love to see a video of you using this with a texture sprayer. Curious as to the result on a wall panel. Great stuff as always.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for sharing! I'll be trying the 2.0 in my project next month! 😊
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
You bet! Good luck on your project.
@calvinpell6204
2 жыл бұрын
Hey. Did u have to add water? I mixed equally the powdered thin set and latex paint and I couldn’t mix it, it got way to dry as soon as I mixed the two
Ugh, I *knew* we had the ratios wrong; no wonder it came out so...gloopy. And great tip on using Thin-Set, definitely gonna give that a try.
Thanks for the history lesson! That was fun! I’ve seen several recipes through the years for monster mud- have you seen or looked into Hypertufa? I think it’s my next test - there’s also several recipes but it’s 1:1:1 usually Portland cement, vermiculite and sand (or peat) +water - you can dunk fabric, lay it on what you want and it ends up a concrete-like finish- or less water and it’s sort of scuptable. Your Monster mud 2.0 kinda reminds me of that! Wonder what the cost difference is... 🤔 keep making vids for sure!!
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. I haven't looked into hypertufa, but I will now!
Great job!
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@costumesforalloccasions
3 жыл бұрын
Your welcome!
I would love to see how you apply it to fabric for draping. Some say to dip the fabric some say to brush on.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
It can be done both ways. It all depends on the application. For our monster mud statue, “Charlotte,” we dressed the body form in a shirt and painted it on. But for the cape and dress we submerged the bedsheets, wrung out the excess and then draped it on the body.
My first thoughts about 2.0 Monster Mud was to use it as a replacement for Dry-Loc on tombstones. If you're using Thompson's though, that's just another step and may be better to just stay with the dry-loc for a one coat time savings. Thanks for the video! I know as Halloween is just around the corner, making these and prepping for the haunt is probably a real juggle. Tutorial Request: How to Haunted Radio Prop (I'm dying to know)
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Drylok is definitely my goto, but ever since they changed formulas it’s been harder to find “Drylok Original.”
The history lesson in the old timey style was so fun! Of the 2 types that brushed on the paper, which is heavier? I know original MM when full dry on a prop weighs the prop down, which you may or may not want. Thanks for the ceramic powder tip. Do they sell in smaller quantities? I only see the premixed mortar in smaller quantity.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Brushed on, I’d say original monster mud is heavier. As for dry thinset, I think it’s only 25 or 50lbs bags.
Love the 2.0 version defiantly going to have to give it a try. I wasn't sure I understood at the end, do you spray the 2.0 on with the critter spray gun or is that only for the water sealer?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
The Critter spray gun is just for the Thompson's Water Seal or if you needed to paint a large surface. It's not for the monster mud.
I'll have to try thin set next time!
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Go for it!
I can think of 999 uses for Monster Mud!!!
Hey there again big man. Would Thompsons water sealer need to be thinner berore going into a sprayer?
@VanOaksProps
5 ай бұрын
Nope. It's thin like water right out of the can.
Not $5 for 50lb bag of thin set in Canada. $15 at Home Depot and $25 at Lowe’s. But still inexpensive compared to alternatives. Never heard of this, looking forward to trying it out.
Has anyone tried using regular thinset? I was at HD looking at the recommend surfaces 😂 Regular thinset good over masonry products whereas the modified thinset for masonry, plywood etc. Like to know how well regular thinset would hold up as it’s much cheaper than modified
I just found this video. I am just starting out in making exterior props for Halloween and learning so much about everything. I knew about DryLock. I have access to all the materials to make either Monster Mud or the 2.0 version. Going to first try upgrading cheap foam tombstones with a better finish and to perfect my skills. Then on to making my own from scratch. As for the protective coating, I am guessing you can use any that are exterior rated (Thompsons, Cabot, Flood, Ready Seal, Behr, or Olympic). Is water-based preferred to oil based?
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
That's correct. We've had good luck with Thompson's Water Seal. As for water vs oil, I chose water since everything else is water-based.
So I have a question is there a certain cloth you recommend because I can't wait to try this
@VanOaksProps
9 ай бұрын
We used cotton bedsheets that we found at a second hand store. You’ll want to stay away from synthetic fabrics.
i enjoy your channel, and look foward to your prop build videos every week. i have a question for you? i would like to make a version of the angel of death cemetery statue in Cleveland,ohio. how do i get that weathered green/teal l00k? if anybody could help it would be greatly appreciated
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
Try this: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hJ6dssyrociYepM.html
Great video! Is drylok the same thing? Can you use them interchangeably? Thanks
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!! Drylok and monster mud are not interchangeable. Drylok is a commercially available masonry sealer that has a gritty texture that look stone-like, but it’s not rigid like monster mud.
@denisekatsabanis2590
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Awesome information. One problem though. Thompson’s states that it isn’t to be Applied over paint. If you’re using exterior paint in the mix, technically that should be enough.
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
Good to know!
What if you use powder joint compound instead of the premix with latex paint? Would we get the same results as the premix joint compound?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Good question. I assume it would work but have never tried it.
Awesome video! Love the editing style! Giving me old lifestyle video vibes lol. This is the most “to the point” tutorial on Monster mud. These videos can get really long on this subject. We use the 2.0 recipe Awesome job! Ugh always jealous of how awesome Charlotte came out! Your wife did a brilliant job. Giving your skills a run for your money lol😉
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! That's exactly what I was going for. I'm glad it came across. Monster Mud is one of those subjects that lots of people know about but seems to be having a resurgence of interest from unfamiliar haunters, so it only seemed appropriate to make a primer for the new batch that wasn't too long, covered the major points, and most importantly didn't tell them what to make with it. Charlotte is great, I'm glad we refreshed her paint last year. She looks better than ever and is really protected from the elements. My wife is 100% my secret weapon.
What other thin set or mortar mix could you use that doesn't come in such a big bag? 50 lb is a lot. Thank you.
@VanOaksProps
5 ай бұрын
Most, if not all, come in bags that size, unfortunately.
Don’t know if this is a stupid question or not, but I am making two entry cemetery pillars for my haunt this year and I’m a little strapped for cash, do I have to hardcoat my pillars before I add monster mud? Or can monster mud with a waterseal withstand the elements on its own?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
No. The monster mud is your hard coat and it will absolutely withstand the elements.
@thicxcsticcy8570
3 жыл бұрын
VanOaksProps Thanks so much for responding! I really appreciate it.
Do you use regular non-modified thinset mortar or do you need to to mix with hardener , I was going to buy Home Depot custom blend economical non - modified thin set mortar
@VanOaksProps
8 ай бұрын
non-modified.
Do you know if this would stick if plastered onto a plastic surface such as polypropylene?
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
Yes. I've used it to cover plastic garden urns and have had no issues.
For monster mud 2.0 is that ratio volume or weight?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
I do it by volume.
I'm guessing this mixture hardens. Is there a more flexible mixture, so a prop stone statue can be animated?
@VanOaksProps
8 ай бұрын
That's correct. You'd probably want to go with something like Plastidip and then faux paint the stone coloring over it with acrylic paint.
@roncrandall
8 ай бұрын
@@VanOaksProps excellent idea! Thank you!
For the ratios are we talking by weight or volume?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Great question. It’s by volume.
Can modified thinset be used for 2.0 verson?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
The thinset I used is a modified thinset, so yes.
Nice presentation. What you're calling Monster Mud 2.0 is sometimes known as Morbid Mortar.
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Love that! Much better than 2.0.
@cowboycalebsteven
3 жыл бұрын
I know the 2.0 as "scenic goop" from the theatrical world
So, could you mix this all in a big tub and soak your cloth in it? Then, pull it out and drape it how you want it?
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, although you’ll need to squeeze off the excess after you’ve dunked all the fabric.
@natashabarney2554
2 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps OK. Great, thanks!😊👍
Will polyurethane work instead of Thompson water seal?
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
It should.
How does the 2.0 hold up to extreme temperatures? I'm going to store my props in a sea can when not in use. Our summers get to 35-40°C and -40°C for winters.
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
Great question. It's fine in the heat, but I'm not sure about -40°C. It never gets anywhere near that cold in Los Angeles.
@davidmartin4041
Жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps thanks for the speedy response. I will test it and let you know after our cold winter
When you mix all 3, does the fabric become weather resistant?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Yes. The fibers in the fabric absorb the mixture, which is weather resistant and will stiffen as it dries.
@elkarelkar8208
3 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps thank you so much
Hello, I am making some outdoor animatronic props, is there a flexible waterproof version?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Not that I'm aware of.
@johnniewoodard648
3 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps yeah, I was afraid of that. Looks like I will have to build a shelter of some sort for them. Thanks for the reply.
For Monster Mud 2.0, does Thin-Set also go by "Thin-Set Mortar"? Thank you!
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
Yes. Same product.
@VeganBattleBot
Жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps Thank you!
I want to add creepy cloth onto a halloween prop covered by canvas. I don't want to use monster mud or monster mud alternative because of the weight. I want to coat the creep cloth in some form of mixture which would allow it to drape over the canvas and stiffen-any thoughts?
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
That's a tough one. The benefit of monster mud or monster mud alternatives is that they protect the material and stiffen it. I think the creepy cloth is thin enough that weight won't be an issue and it'll give you the protection you're looking for.
@bobajeff1138
2 жыл бұрын
What about trying a fabric stiffener? I don't know how well it would hold up in outdoor conditions, but it would stiffen the cloth without adding a lot of weight...
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
@@bobajeff1138 Unfortunately, it wouldn't withstand the exposure to night time moisture.
@bobajeff1138
2 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps Gotcha. Even if one were to add Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield, I believe that would be more work than necessary. Thanks, Derek!
Can I spray on the 2.0 mud with the critter gun? Then, clean with acetone and use the same gun to apply the Thompson's Water Seal?
@VanOaksProps
9 ай бұрын
No. It’s too thick for the critter’s nozzle. You can, however, use it for the water seal
@603VIL
9 ай бұрын
@@VanOaksProps Thank you!
@603VIL
9 ай бұрын
What kind of gun would allow for spraying the 3 to 1 mixture?
@VanOaksProps
9 ай бұрын
@@603VIL you’d need some kind of hopper gun like the kind they use for stucco. Something like this: amzn.to/3PrcQHA
The monster mud 2.0. You have to add water to the powdered thin set, right? Do I measure equal parts thin set and paint, then add water to the thin set and then mix the paint and thin set together?
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
Nope. You mix the dry powder with the latex paint.
@calvinpell6204
2 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps then it can’t be 1 to 1. As soon as I start mixing it, it gets so pasty so quickly and I can’t mix it anymore.
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
You’re looking for pancake batter consistency. So if 1:1 is too thick, then add more paint. Also, don’t mix too much at a time since it may start to setup before you’ve been able to apply it.
@VanOaksProps
2 жыл бұрын
Also, 1:1 is for filling voids. 1:2 or 1:3 is the ratio for brush on applications
Is this similar to Rosco Foamcoat?
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
Not sure. I’ve never used it.
What about using drylok over the 2.0… making props that are gonna have to be outside year round.
@VanOaksProps
Жыл бұрын
You could absolutely do that.
@RyanLoetscher
Жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps thanks sir. I must say as a haunter that is just going pro… and a 20 year professional editor and producer… you channel is THE best. I had been toying with doing a channel as I learn more because I’m so used to seeing the amateur video work… then I saw your channel and was, welp, there ya go lol. Well done.
Would you recommend a 1-1 ratio of thin-set if I've dripping fabric into it? Like always, I really enjoyed your video and appreciate you sharing your prop knowledge!
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
I’d say 1:2 for dipping.
@danmiller7505
3 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps Thanks again. Can't wait till next Saturday
@jesseallen3981
3 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps what is the work time for the 2.0?
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
@@jesseallen3981 It's a decent amount of time, although It can shorten depending on the weather. I've had it workable for 20 minutes on an 80 degree day and 10 minutes on a 100 degree day. The working time also depends on your ratio. The more paint, the longer the working time.
@jesseallen3981
3 жыл бұрын
@@VanOaksProps Its currently 80 in Tulsa and dropping as sun sets. I want t to get my reaper done tonite. Theyre calling for low 50s tonite so should I bring it inside after I get the mud on or will it be OK left out.
I wondered if you have ever run into fabric that the monster mud won’t take to? I’m working on a piece using an old wedding dress and the MM is actually flaking off the skirt! 😳 I’m kinda shocked and am wonder if the fabric was scotch guarded or something. 🤔
@VanOaksProps
9 ай бұрын
I think natural fabrics, like cotton, do better than synthetics.
@wildehunt
9 ай бұрын
@@VanOaksProps damn. I didn’t expect to have a Teflon skirt. I hope I can salvage this. It’s some sort of satin🤣
@wildehunt
9 ай бұрын
@@VanOaksProps ok, I threw away the skirt, started over, and got the best results using the joint compound version of MM. I think the added bit of latex in that copes better with fabrics.
These are fun but nasty to make 😁
@VanOaksProps
3 жыл бұрын
Totally!
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Why do you call a monster mud if it has nothing to do with monsters
@VanOaksProps
10 ай бұрын
You’ll have to ask the person who named it.
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