Page 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Measurement
Working Time
Setting Time 1 2
The Matrix
Blending 1 2

Chapter 2: The Facts of Life(Casting)
Timing is everything!

Working Time:
Working Time is the amount of time a medium remains fluid or able to be manipulated. In a LifeCast™ kit it is the time from mixing the powder and water together until the time that mixture begins to turn solid.
When that happens it will no longer flow around or into the shape your are attempting to duplicate, leaving gaps or poorly defined areas of detail in either the mold or the cast. Or if mixing continues the fluid will turn solid but, be broken up into pieces which can't then make a single solid for a mold or cast.
Working Time = Blending Time + Positioning Time
The model or object must be completely in the fluid before the end of the Working Time. For example, if the Working Time is 3 minutes the actual mixing time should be only about 2 minutes to allow enough time for the model to get into position.
The working times of the ArtFORM™ mold compound and the ArtCAST™ statuary cement which come in our kits are controlled by only two factors.
Remember we are useing volume measurements. We always place the water volume first in the ratios shown on the following pages of the LifeCast™ Library. Also remember that the powders must always be fluffed up before measuring by volume.
The more equal this ratio with the ArtForm™, the shorter is your working time. Equal parts (1:1) mix easiest but also begin to turn solid fastest and are more like a thick paste than a batter. The exact opposite is true of the ArtCast™.
This is useful for spreading applications like a LifeMask™ and you would use colder water to extend the working time. (More about this in the Chapter 3).

The Two Factors of Working Time:
1. The temperature of the materials (both the water and the powder).
•, Cold water and/or powder makes the medium react slower, giving you longer working time. This is important in larger projects.
•, Warm water and/or powder makes the medium react faster, giving you a faster setting time(below) and shorter working Time. This is important when working with infants who only require small amounts.
•, The ArtFORM™ mold compound is far more sensitive to temperature than the ArtCAST™ cement.
2. The ratio of water to powder. That means how much water compared to how much powder is mixed together. Ratio is expressed like this:
•, 1:1 which indicates and equal volume of water and powder. For example 1 cup of each.
•, 2:1 means 2 parts water to 1 part powder. In English this would read; twice as much water as powder.
•, 3:1 means 3 parts water to 1 part powder. In English this would read; thrice (or three times) as much water as powder.
•, 1:2 means one part water to 2 parts powder. In English this woulld read; half as much water as powder. Get it?
NOTE:
Since the Earthium(f/x)™ is in 2 parts (Parts A & B) it has one additional very important control factor, especially when doing Precision Lifecasting.
NOTE:
That is discussed in that medium's instructions and the "Alternative & Advanced Techniques" book. In this book we cover only the basics as they apply to the materials in a BODY PARTS™ kit.
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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