Anyone know about mask-making or paper mache?

I love to draw and work on photoshop etc. But lately I've wanted to try my hand in more 3D stuff. I really wanted to make some paper mache masks, but I just don't know how to get that really shiny and most of all that really smoothe finish on it. Can anyone help me out?





http://www.venicemaskedball.co.uk/ekmps/shops/maskedball/images/dscf6273.jpg





kinda like that ^Anyone know about mask-making or paper mache?
Its hard to tell but I dont think thats paper mache. A pretty common technique uses plaster of paris. Directions:





things you need: A willing friend (with a pretty face), drinking straw, masking tape, pam cooking spray (or vasolene)





~cut the straw into 2 appox 3in lengths and wrap tape around the ends so that they fit snugly into your friends nose for breathing purposes


~grease your friends face, pay special attention to eyebrows so the plaster wont stick so bad


~insert breathing straws


~mix the plaster


~with your friend laying on her back, slowly pour the plaster working from the eyes, to the cheeks, then mouth chin, and forehead, and lastly the nose (dont plug the straws)


~wait till the plaster is firm, not dry, otherwise it will crack when you CAREFULLY remove it, then let it dry


~ you can use this mold with slip clay, or firm clay, plaster, or maybe mache, then paint it glaze it or whatever floats your boat.Anyone know about mask-making or paper mache?
Do what Brian L says, but as you go along, also smooth it as it drys. Then use about two or three coats of paint that is glossy, or two coats of paint and then paint gloss over it. It'll turn out amazing.
sure, I'll help you.