---
description: How to make appropriate and safe faceguards made from bioplastics
---

# DIY Faceguards - Thijs Uffen



![My DIY bioplastic faceguard - Thijs Uffen](https://2472482582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LzaCPWnWmmX17D0w0O3%2F-MAGd--spBW4a7wxo_0s%2F-MAGhdeOuvwxmeaP8MbX%2Fthijs_project_coverfoto.png?alt=media\&token=39597a32-0aeb-45b7-ad41-5d6d8e19a9b4)

## Summary

#### Why would we seek for the best care for ourselves, but not the planet? Let's change that.&#x20;

In times of great fear and uncertainties, we tend to use familiar and easy solutions for our problems. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people and companies use plastics to make protection gear; like cashier protection screens and faceguards. These solutions are not environmental friendly because they make use of complex production processes and long supply chains. This adds up to the negative effect on the environment. Additionally, it is almost impossible to make such items by yourself at home.

Here comes my project in place : DIY Faceguards. I want to show that anybody can fabricate appropriate and safe protection gear with everyday ingredients. It only takes 3 ingredients to become a maker of your own faceguard. Faceguards are a good addition to the regular face masks, because it protects the eyes and it will prevent you from scratching/touching your face.

## Research Zine

[https://issuu.com/makingasresearch/docs/thijsu\_researchzine\_diy\_faceguard](https://issuu.com/makingasresearch/docs/thijsu_researchzine_diy_faceguard)

## Bio

My name is Thijs Uffen, 25 years old and studying Communication & Multimedia Design at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.\
I am an UX Designer and UI Designer. I enjoy making tech and web accessible and aesthetic. With this project, I hope to inspire people to become a maker themselves, just as I did during the Makerslab minor.

{% embed url="https://www.thijsuffen.nl" %}

## Product photographs&#x20;

![Tools you need for your own DIY Faceguard - Thijs Uffen](https://2472482582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LzaCPWnWmmX17D0w0O3%2F-MAPtYDKK23ReYth6Dqo%2F-MAQ5zezr2OjZhUoCAEk%2Fingredienten.png?alt=media\&token=a95b7602-076c-4c23-9505-1da749b522bc)

![Silicon kit on mirror to create castng mold - Thijs Uffen](https://2472482582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LzaCPWnWmmX17D0w0O3%2F-MAPtYDKK23ReYth6Dqo%2F-MAQ6ZF0u54cNQMkGAuy%2Fspiegel.png?alt=media\&token=e9e687d3-1d7f-4300-9095-e08fca2ba304)

![The mixture is poured on the mirror and dried for 2 days - Thijs Uffen](https://2472482582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LzaCPWnWmmX17D0w0O3%2F-MAPtYDKK23ReYth6Dqo%2F-MAQ6vy0Vckykt3RGnrj%2Fgegoten.png?alt=media\&token=b7d7ab20-e006-46cf-afb9-7e840d57b36a)

![The final product - Thijs Uffen](https://2472482582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LzaCPWnWmmX17D0w0O3%2F-MAPtYDKK23ReYth6Dqo%2F-MAQ8RZMqjazMbr8v3RJ%2Fthe%20final%20product.png?alt=media\&token=1b65d243-76ed-4540-9402-0c700bb57465)



