Body Casting

[TheElfGirl]

Hi, Im focusing on my A-level Fine Art exam work at the moment and was wondering if anyone could asses the way Id like to make the casts for my work. As I have very little time this work and to a high standard, if you would point out any flaws etc in my plan that would be fantastic, and also if there is a quicker and more cost effective way.

Im going to cast both of my arms to just above the elbows:
1) In seperate containers to make the molds I will submerge my arms in Alginate modelling material to make the molds.
2) I will then pour casting plaster into the molds until set and then *try* to take the newly formed casts out of the Alginate.
3) I will then use liquid latex + thickener to layer a skin which hopefully will looks realistic on the casts.
4) Hopefully then I will be able to open up and peel back the skin enough to fill or line the under layer with various materials to represent the subject matter (beneath the skin)

If you can find flaws or a most cost effective way of doing this it would be fantastic as my exam is looming ever nearer. Thankyou.

[JAZ]

Hi ElfGirl,
I'm sure others who have done casting will respond to your question with more information. Although I have not, I have seen casts others have made and I believe that the skin surface that the alginate itself picks up is very detailed, showing pores, tiny wrinkles and all, so I wonder if you need the latex?
JAZ

[fritchie]

ElfGirl - I've never used alginate myself, though I do figurative work, and I’ve read about it here fairly often. A couple of people at my art school have used it, and their experience seems to mirror what’s been posted here. Most people I’ve heard about simply use plaster casts from the alginate, or waxes which they reproduce in bronze.

If you want a latex skin as your outer surface, I’d suggest pouring the latex into the alginate mold itself, and then add plaster later for a strengthening background. That way, the alginate surface will be reflected directly in your cast. With your method, the latex might “dull” your surface a bit.

A couple of possible problems with my suggestion - I’m not sure if latex will need a separation agent on alginate, or whether it will bind properly to plaster added afterward. Still another problem to keep in mind: People say alginate molds shrink badly very fast, or after only a few uses. They seem to give the best reproduction of surface detail, but to be delicate.

Good luck, and please comment on your experiences for others’ benefit.

[TheElfGirl]

Thankyou both for your comments, hopefully some other people will give some imput as well. Both of you have given me some really good feedback and some ideas to think about. Thankyou again

[mtd]

Hi
I come from a special effects background and have doen a ton of life casting. The best alginate I have used is from a company called Pink House.

With most alginates, when they start to kick the go instantly but this stuff sets slowly and gives you the chance to bond more material on for a thicker coat before it completely sets. You should also get alginate bonding agent, this allows a second coat to stick to the first. You should also use extra fast set plaster bandages for the mother mold.

Good luck.
MD

You can get it through Alcone ( an make up company in NYC)(718) 361-8373
http://www.alconeco.com/
http://www.alconeco.com/product_desc...2.cfm?pid=4294

[mtd]

I have a couple more thought regarding the technique you have planned.



Im going to cast both of my arms to just above the elbows:
1) In seperate containers to make the molds I will submerge my arms in Alginate modelling material to make the molds.

This method will require a ton of alginate, you should consider doing a layer of alginate about a 1/2 inch thick the n covering that with 3 layers of plaster bandage in two parts (top and bottom half, make sure to relase the two parts with vasaline).


2) I will then pour casting plaster into the molds until set and then *try* to take the newly formed casts out of the Alginate.

use hydrocal, it's slight expansion will compensate fore the slight shrinkage of the alginate.


3) I will then use liquid latex + thickener to layer a skin which hopefully will looks realistic on the casts.

you might want to consider eurethane or silicoe for a better skin look. Thought they are more expensive and slightly harder to use that latex.

4) Hopefully then I will be able to open up and peel back the skin enough to fill or line the under layer with various materials to represent the subject matter (beneath the skin)

If you use latex don't forget to powder it before you peel and as you peel, with baby powder.

[TheElfGirl]

Sadly I really can't afford the best special effect materials. Im a student who get's £30 a week and does not work and has to pay out on my art materials and english materials so I really need cheap alternatives that can give me the look I need.

[iron ant]

Elfgirl,If you have to go low budget you can cast directly with plaster.Don't forget to use a mold release,like vasalene.Also, if you put alum,buy at spice rack in store,you can add a pinch to plaster at it will really speed up the curing time.Also the plaster bandages are a good idea for makinging thin strong molds.Plaster gets hot when it set up too,might get somebody to help you out.Good luck.........

[mtd]

I understand about cost. What if you layered latex over a manaquin arm?
MD

[k10whosun]

www.orthotape.com

I have seen bandages here.
Post your results at www.plasterlinks.com

I'm sure others would love to hear how to do the same.