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Plasters
Concrete
Wax
Polymer Clay
Plastics 1 2 3
Rubber
Ceramics
Chocolate & Ice

Chapter 4: Sculpture & Casting Media
An overview of contemporary choices.

Medium Transfer is the term for various methods of changing the material a LifeCast™ is made of into another material, from plaster to wax for example. Earthium™ excels at this type of application since it is fast, accurate and intended to be temporary.
One such use would be to make a LifeMask™ and cast it with more Earthium™ instead of anything permanent. This will give you a quick, positive LifeCast™ which can be covered with ArtCAST™ or some type of plaster, resulting in a mold which can be used for ceramics (below). Or, pour the LifeCast™ in wax, a temporary but highly detailed medium.
Then cover that with latex for a permanent mold which will produce dozens of copies from a variety of media. A wax original can also be used for making a fine art metal cast without the major cost of extensive foundry work.
The following general information on casting media will provide you with an array of choices. There is no attempt here to be comprehensive on any of these mediums, merely descriptive. We can supply most of these materials or refer you to sources for items you need. Please contact us for pricing on any special order items, services or referrals that you may need.

Plasters:
These are some of the easiest and safest permanent sculpture mediums there are. Plaster is prepared by heating or 'calcining' gypsum (calcium sulfate). The basic difference in strengths depends on how this is done and what it is then mixed with, usually some form of lime (calcium oxide) which combines with water to form calcium hydroxide (hydro means to get wet). The smaller and more regular the crystal shape, the tighter and stronger they pack in the final casting.
The process was originally discovered by alchemists searching for the fabled "Philosopher's Stone" which would transmute baser metals into gold. What they actually accomplished was much more important, they laid the foundations of the science of chemistry and all sciences derived from that.
Other additives such as lime, Portland cement, water based glues, acrylic and bone emulsions, fibers, coloring, and so on have generated dozens of different product names with unique performance characteristics. Our ArtCAST™ statuary cement is one of the most versatile in this group.
The reader should already be familiar with its basic uses for pouring final sculptures, slush castings and shell or "mother molds" (see Chapter 3). In addition;
Burlap or hemp fiber may be run through a mixture or "slurry" of ArtCAST™ and water. These are then shaped or applied over a rough structure which approximates your design (also called an armature). This reduces the amount of material needed and reduces the weight of your work while increasing its strength.
ArtCAST™ may be mixed in batches, each with a little water based or dry pigment to give them separate colors. When alternately poured or spread the effect is one of natural stone with striations of color. (see Tips, Tricks and Finish)
The setting time may be speeded up by a small addition of common table salt (sodium chloride). This is very useful in LifeCasting™ for shells where you want to get your model out as quickly as possible. You should not use salt in final castings since it causes a reaction called efflorescence which will eventually damage the surface of the sculpture.
Setting time can also be hastened by the addition of terra alba (literally, "white earth") which is a common name for calcium sulfate or gypsum, an inexpensive and harmless chemical. This will however weaken the cast slightly.
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.
NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN: These arts & crafts materials may be used with children of any age but should never be used by an unsupervised child. A "child" is defined by law as anyone under the age of 18 years. Our art, lifecast or sculpture product prohibitions against unsupervised use by children therefore applies to all persons under that age. "Supervised" by definition means at all times, through each step of any use of our life cast or other art materials. Such supervision must be by an adult over the age of 18 years while using the BODY PARTS™ LifeCast™ kits or other life cast, sculpture and art materials.
Our life cast, sculpture and other art materials should never be used by anyone who cannot read, understand and apply the language in which the lifecast, sculpture or art materials' instructions appear. The terms of said language are exclusively defined in any standard, widely accepted and comprehensive dictionary of that language and are meant to be construed in no other manner.
Purchase and/or use of our life cast, sculpture or other art materials implies your understanding and acceptance of these reasonable terms. If you do not agree, for any reason, please do not purchase or use our lifecast, sculpture, mold making or other arts & crafts products.
The information contained in this document is given in good faith based on our current knowledge. It is only an indication and is in no way binding, particularly as regards infringement d or prejudice to third party rights through the use of our products. MSW GUARANTEES THAT ITS PRODUCTS COMPLY WITH ITS SALES SPECIFICATIONS. This information must on no account be used as a substitute for necessary prior tests which alone can ensure that a product is suitable for a given use. Users are responsible for ensuing compliance with local legislations and for obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Users are requested to check that they are in possession of the latest version of this document.
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