Page 3
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!

Setting or Curing Time: ArtForm™
Setting Time is from the end of working time (above) to the point when the medium has reached its final strength or hardness. This is the minimum time the model(s) or object being duplicated must remain in the mold before being released. The medium will continue to get firmer for awhile after that. It is
also the minimum time the casting medium must remain in the mold after being poured.
With the ArtFORM™ the set time is proportional to the working time. The longer the working time, the longer the set time. The following table summarizes the basic Work & Set Times.
Ratios In English
RATIO
Water:Powder
40 degree
Mix / Set
70 degree
Mix / Set
100 degree
Mix / Set
Equal Parts Water & Powder
 1 : 1
3:00 / 5:00
2:00 / 4:00
1:00 / 1:30
Twice The Water to Powder
 2 : 1
6:00 / 10:00
3:00 / 5:00
1:30 / 2:00
Thrice The Water to Powder
 3 : 1
8:00 / 14:00
4:00 / 9:00
2:00 / 3:00

Setting or Curing Time: ArtCast™
Setting or "curing" time for the ArtCAST™ cement is very different than for the ArtForm™. First, all the ratios are reversed. You typically use more powder than water. Another very important thing to understand is a simple fact of physics: the more energy you put into the system, the harder the final result will be (see graph).
 If the ArtCAST™ cement is not mixed well the sculpture will be weak, easy to break with lots of cast bubbles and poor detail.
In other words:
the more vigorously you mix the water and ArtCAST™, the stronger your sculpture will end up.
This is why, in our instructions we insist that you soak the ArtCAST™ for 2 minutes (to completely wet it and allow the air to escape) and then actively blend it for 2 more minutes before pouring (to add lots of energy to the system).
Graph data courtesy USG
Ratios In English
RATIO
Water:Powder
40 degree
Mix / Set
70 degree
Mix / Set
100 degree
Mix / Set
One Third the Water to Powder
 1 : 3
3:00 / 15:00
2:00 / 10:00
1:00 / 5:00
One Half the Water to Powder
 1 : 2
8:00 / 60:00
6:00 / 45:00
4:00 / 30:00
Equal Parts Water & Powder
 1 : 1
10:00 / 60:00
8:00 / 45:00
7:00 / 30:00
Graph data courtesy USG
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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