PolyArt™ Elastomers: Advanced LifeCast™ Media: Step-By-Step Project Example:

NOTE: The images show the Original LifeCast™ kit package as the matrix. Step 1 (a through i) explains how the Earthium™ is used to make the mold. In Step 2 (a through i) that mold is poured with PolyArt™.

•, We have used weight to determine ratio amounts after initial displacement measurement in Step 1a.

Step 1: Making an Earthium™ Mold:

THE DESIGN: Decide with your models how they will be positioned.

•, Make sure your design will fit in the matrix you have chosen without touching the sides or bottom.

•, Make sure there will be no air traps. Our see-through can makes this easy.

Preparation: Cut hook & loop tape into as many pieces as needed. Firmly attach them to the inside of the matrix on all sides as shown.

•, Even adhesive backed hook & loop will not stick well enough on some materials, cardboard for example. In these cases you should staple the strips to the inside of the matrix to support the mold and prevent distortion when the hands are released.

1a: Finding water/mold volume:

Position the hands in the can with the fingers fairly straight.

•, Pour in cool water (65 degrees F) to cover the hand & some wrist.

•, Matrix volume minus hand volume is the mold volume needed. Use a BlendBag™ or Displacement. Here it required 8 cups.

1b: Determining The Ratio:

•, 8 cups water = 64 ounces = 100%

•, Since we wanted to get a highly detailed LifeCast™ and we were using the Dip & Dunk method we chose a 100:19 ratio for Part A.

•, Working with children limits what can be expected from a model so we chose a fast setting time which determined Part B at 2%

•, So the final ratio with 65-70 drgree water meeting all our anticipated needs is 100 : 19 : 2

1c: Hydrating Part A

•, 8 cups water = 64 ounces = 100%

•, Chosen Ratio = 100 : 19 : 2

- 19% of 64 oz. water = 12 oz. Part A

- 02% of 64 oz. water = 2 oz. Part B

Remove about 4 ounces of water (1/2 cup) from the matrix and put in a small bowl for Part B. Pour the remainder into a BlendBag™. Add 12 ounces of Part A and mix briefly. Set aside to soak & prepare Part B.

1d: Hydrating Part B:

Add the 2 ounces of Part B needed to the 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water removed from the matrix in Step 1c. Stir & let soak until no particles are visible and its a smooth consistent blue liquid.

•, This hydration process can be done in advance & stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer term storage keep them tightly sealed in a refrigerator then mix & adjust temperature prior to use.

•, Proceed when both powders are smooth with no lumps or visible particles floating in them.

1e: Blending Parts A & B

The ratio we are using allows about 4 minutes for Working Time. Since both parts are now liquid this is more than ample.

•, Mash the soaked Part A in the BlendBag™ until no lumps remain.

•, Pour all the Part B into the bag with Part A. Scrape bowl with a spatula if needed.

Burp The Blendbag™

You have about 2 minutes to complete the next 3 steps. This will allow another 1.5 minutes for positioning of the models.

•, Place the bag on a flat surface. 'Burp' out the air as shown to create as much of a vacume as possible to minimize bubbles.

•, Many other ratios, faster and slower can be used with this material to suit your preferences and the design requirements.

Blend The Liquids

Without letting more air in pinch the bag closed about 1 inch from the end.

•, Mash the liquids around to make a smooth 'mud' of consistent color.

•, With hydrated liquids this will actually require only a few seconds but make sure there are no blue streaks of unmixed Part B.

Pour Mixture Into The Matrix

Put top of bag into the matrix. Squeeze out all the Earthium™ like a toothpaste tube.

•, If it spills or overflows keep going with the project. The material is harmless to anything not damaged by water alone.

•, At this point you may want to have the models get their hands wet again.

1f: Return the hands into the liquid in the same position as before.

•, Grip any held objects firmly

•, Models should move around in the liquid for about 30 seconds to dislodge any air bubbles clnging to the skin and get good coverage.

•, Keep the wrist(s) near the center.

1g: Have model's touch the bottom then pull up very slightly.

•, Assume the pose and hold fairly still. Skin should not now be touching the matrix.

•, Earthium™ will thicken making it difficult to move in about 1 minute. At that point you can reposition the matrix for model comfort while letting it finish setting.

1h: Wait until you can push firmly on the top of the mold without making an impression.

•, This ratio and temperature will require about 3-4 minutes.

•, Blow air through the straw around the wrist areas to loosen them.

•, Be careful not to damage the mold

Ii: Press the straw against the skin and slide it deeper inside the mold.

•, Blow firmly around the fingertips.

•, Model can wiggle gently until they feel loose.

•, Slide hands out one at a time if using more than one.

STEP 2: Pouring, Unveiling & Finishing: Section Not Yet Complete