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Measurement
Working Time
Setting Time 1 2
The Matrix
Blending 1 2

Chapter 2: The Facts of Life(Casting)
The Matrix (Mother Mold)

The Matrix
The word 'matrix' is defined as something within which something else grows or is contained. In lifecasting the Matrix is any semi-rigid container which holds the liquids until they turn solid. The matrix also determines the amount of water and therefore, water-based powder(s) a particular project will need. The cylinder itself is the matrix for the ChildCast™ and LifeCast™ kits.
For this reason you should not use other containers for the BODY PARTS™ kits unless the alternate matrix holds the same volume of water.
Also, a good matrix should have some "tooth" to it. It should not be completely smooth on the inside or the mold will be able to move around, distorting in the process.
One method of making a smooth container suitable for lifecasting is to firmly adhere hook & loop (ie; Velcro®) strips around the inside for the mold to grip on to. If you have done a life cast where the bottom area, finger tips for example appear flattened then you have used a matrix which was too slippery.
More about this in the "Slip & Slide" section of Alternative and Advanced Techniques.
"Mother Mold" is another term for the matrix but this term usually refers to a free form, rigid casing or wrapping (also called a "shell") that conforms to the shape of an interior, flexible mold (the "daughter" mold). These are discussed in Alternative & Advanced Techniques.

The BODY PARTS™ Kit Matrix:
Our new, larger crystal clear LifeCast™ container is designed to solve some problems which beginners (and even experienced lifecasters) have from time to time. Nemely; that their model is not positioned correctly or their skin is touching the sides of the matrix.
Since our materials duplicate even the finest details this can result in flattened areas where they are in contact - just as the skin actually is. This frequently happens with children and in situations where the model can't feel that their skin is actually in contact with the sides for some reason.
Being transparent our packaging cylinders allow the life cast artist to actually see what the model is doing, even after they are submerged in the liduid ArtForm.
The trade-off is that the container is a slippery plastic which will not grip the mold, creating a potential for distortion problems in the final casting as described above.
We have included self adhesive hook & loop to cut into 1" pieces and stick inside the cylinder to avoid those issues. However you must be careful that they are firmly attached to the clean and dry plastic.
During manufacture, packaging, transport and opening for use there is frequently a fine layer of dust from the componants deposited inside the package. Be very sure to wipe this fine dust completely off before trying to adhere the hook & loop strips or filling it with measurement water. If the strips don't stick they will not do their job of supporting the ArtForm™ mold.
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.
Contact MSW Creative Works by mail, eMail, telephone or fax via the Company Information shown by clicking our logo on any page.
Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net.