replicating found wood in resin?

[Isa]

Anyone out there know about ways of reproducing found wood sculptures in resin or other medium that would not destroy the original? I would like something that would retain the character of the wood and withstand the elements in Central Texas. Thanks for any info!! :)

[Daniel]

Hi,
I've made a couple cast resin branches before. I started with a silicone mold of a real branch. I then mixed some dark brown tinted urethane resin. Just before pouring it into the mold I swirled some black and light brown tint into the resin. Don't mix it much. This created color striations in the casting similar to wood grain.

[Isa]

Daniel~Thanx! The piece I am trying to replicate has voids and deep striations, not necessarily extremely delicate, but I am concerned that sending it to a production place might damage it. It is about 3 feet long and 1 and a half feet tall..8 inches wide at the densest part. Does this sound like it would require a high level of mastery to cast this myself? I assume you weren't trying to save your original limb pieces, or did you?

[Daniel]

if you go to www.smooth-on.com you can find out a lot about moldmaking and casting. They have a how-to section. They also have woodgrain color products. Just type woodgrain in the site search.

The branch I made wasn't destroyed. I just brushed a thin layer of vaseline over it before I made the mold. The rubber came right off. If your wood is very dry and porous you might want to seal it with shellac or something first.

[Isa]

I wasn't aware you had responded..is there a way we could direct e-mail? I have a couple more questions for you if you wouldn't mind? Some forums notify when a response is made..but I guess not this one.