Page 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Plasters
Concrete
Wax
Polymer Clay
Plastics 1 2 3
Rubber
Ceramics
Chocolate & Ice

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

Polyester:
Polyester is a transparent or translucent resin which is also mixed with a catalyst to create a solid. Frequently this type of plastic is used for "floating" coins, sea shells, etc. in solid geometric shapes as coffee table artifacts or tourist collectables.
This is also the type of plastic that is used to simulate marble (by filling the resin with calcium carbonate) and the so called "cold" cast bronzes that have become popular (by filling the resin with bronze or copper powder).It can make some very interesting LifeCasts™ which refract light through their shapes and simulate more exotic mediums.

Silicone:
– Silicone is an amazing element which constitutes more than one quarter of the planet's crust. It can be fluid, resinous, rubbery, solid, water repellent and very stable at high temperatures. It is widely used for molds and casts where durability is crucial. As expected silicone sculpture mediums are very expensive but, worth every penny when the need arises. Many plastic supply companies have a variety of silicones appropriate for LifeCasting™ and we offer silicone molds or casts in our Services section.
PolyArt™ silicone is specifically formulated for use with ArtFORM™ and Earthium™ (f/x) and creates castings or molds with a soft, flesh-like feel and extreme detail. It sets fast and can be tinted to resemble any shade of the human color spectrum. It is also completely safe when cured for nearly any use imaginable. Like most silicones it is highly resistant to other chemicals and can withstand high temperatures.

Epoxy:
– Epoxies of various components are extremely strong, though expensive. Many of them work very well with our mold mediums.
The putty versions can be used for repair of cast bubbles, in slush casting and many other sculpture applications.

Preparation & Use of Thermoset Resins:
The mixing of thermoset resins (components which harden by chemical reaction) can be a challanging process without the right equipment. Not only are the ratio measurements very critical but they must be completely blended for predictable results.
Some are so sensitive that even mixing them in an absorbent container or with a porous stirring tool, like a wooden paint stick will ruin a batch.
Air bubbles (see LifeCast™ Basics Chapter 3) are also especially difficult to control without using a vacuum chamber. Once again our versatile BlendBag™ has proven itself uniquely useful with most plastics.
The following procedure minimizes or eliminates many of the typical problems associated with using thermoset plastics.
A note about the BlendBag™ cap: Although we provide caps for this technique in the WebStore you can cut the end off any plastic bottle that suits your application and use that.
It is best to find one with a pull up, "Sports Nozzle" end to have greater control over flow. Be sure to use one with a large enough opening for the viscousity of the material you will be using. Other types of caps would alter this process slightly but you should have the idea.
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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