Page 1
1 2 3
Displacement
Matrix Marks
Using A
BlendBag™
Powders
Liguids
Other Media

Chapter 2: Waste Not, Want Not
Systems of Measurement & Conservation

After deciding on a project design (LifeCast™ Basics: Chapter 4) and selecting a matrix (Advanced: Chapter 1), the next step is to determine how much stuff you need to do it.
This can be done by weight or volume as discussed in LifeCast™ Basics: Chapter 2.
The main points of that section bear repeating here:
•, Do Not Mix Volume & Weight Measures in one project!
•, To measure powders by volume fluff them up first!
We use volume as the most practical for our purposes except in large projects where weight is easier and more accurate.

Displacement Measuring:
If you intend to use just a portion of a kit or, to create more advanced sculpture, there are three things to measure:
•, Water is the basis of all other measurements since it alone determines how much volume you can make.
•, ArtFORM™ or Earthium(f/x)™, depending on which medium you are using.
•, ArtCAST™, PolyART™ or some other Casting medium: To pour the finished sculpture.
Displacement: This is by far the easiest and most accurate way of doing this with complex shapes like the human anatomy. This example uses an already calibrated measuring cup but you can do the same with any matrix after marking it off.
1. Put the object (in this case - hands) you intend to duplicate into your matrix and fill it with water. Mark the container at this water level (A).
2. Take the object back out and mark the matrix at the new, lower water level (B).
3. The distance up from the bottom of the container is the total volume of mold medium and water you will need (C). (Since neither ArtFORM™ nor Earthium™ increase the volume of the water significantly, you use this direct measurement to determine how much powder you'll need in your ratio (see LifeCast™ Basics).
In this case C = 2 & 1/2 cups. If we wanted to use a ratio of 2:1 that means we would need half (1 & 1/4 cups) of mold powder. Remember to fluff up the powder before all volume measurements.
4. Measurement (D) is the distance between the marks (A & B) that you made in step one. That is the volume of casting medium you will need to fill the mold. In this case it is about 2 & 1/4 cups. This does not include any volume you may need for a cast base.
How you measure the particular casting medium you are using depends on the medium. See Measuring Other Mediums later in this chapter.
You can also fill the mold with water, pour it back out and measure the casting medium from that. This should not be done if you are using a moisture sensitive medium such as some plastics for the final cast.
Copyright © 1987 through 2003 by MSWinn. Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net!
ToP
1/18/03

LifeCast™ & MSW Creative Works Legal Information:

Contents of this web site (lifecast.net) and all life cast materials and other art and sculpture products or lifecast kit packaging, art techniques and sculpture instructions copyright © 1986-2002 by Mark S. Winn. All rights reserved. The terms BODY PARTS™, LifeCast™, ChildCast™, StudioPack™, ArtForm™, ArtCast™, Earthium™, Earthium(f/x)™, ShrinKast™, PolyART™, WaterTrap™, BlendBag™, Successful Creativity Guarantee™, LifeMask™, FastMask™ as well as the phrase "Make YourSelf Immortal!™" and any other art materials product or craft item denoted by a small 'TM' (such as in LifeCast™) are trademarks. The phrases life cast and life casting or the words lifecast and lifecasting are generic.
Our LifeCast™ products or other sculpture, mold making and art materials products are are entirely safe within the context of arts & crafts when used as directed. Other arts & crafts materials shown here each carry their own warnings and degrees of safety. They are available for use as creative mediums AT YOUR OWN RISK and since we cannot control the actual use of these art products, we disclaim any responsibility for damage or injury caused by incorrect or experimental life cast, sculpture, life mask, erotic art or other mold making or creative applications.
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