Page 1
1 2 3 4 5 6
Viscousity
Gravity Casting
Air Bubbles
Air Traps
Air Paths
Suction

Chapter 3: Go With The Flow
The physics of fluid behavior in lifecasting.

The techniques of life casting are primarily governed by the scientific principals of fluid behavior.
Anything that flows into the shape of the container that holds it is called a fluid.
Technically this includes liquids and gasses but, fine powders could also be called "fluid" since they too can conform to their container's shape.
Fluids have certain characteristic behaviors and these are the topic of this chapter.

Thickness, Viscosity And Flow:
The Thickness of a fluid is also called viscosity. With our mediums the more powder that is used in relation to the water, the higher the viscosity. High viscosity also results in stronger molds and casts but, there are always trade-offs.
A lifecast artist learns to work with natural law, not fight it.
•, High viscosity (paste) will not allow fluids to flow as quickly around or into the shape of your artifact. But, they also don't run off as easily so you can spread these fluids as a paste onto someone's face or torso for example or into the mold to create hollow "slush" castings which are much lighter than solid ones.
•, Medium viscosity (batter) is the one used for the basic project. It is ideal for "dipping" methods where you put your hands or feet into a container of the fluid and pour the casting into the resulting mold.
•, Low viscosity (creamy) fluids are somewhat weak but easy to pour and economical. They are ideal for shallow "relief" sculptures (see Alternative & Advanced Techniques) which are not completely 3 dimensional.
You must be extra careful to avoid bubbles with thin fluids like these and mix the powders extremely well, meaning you should use very cold water to extend the working time as much as possible. Then let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute so the bubbles can float up before dunking into it.

ArtForm™

ArtCast™
•, A thick ratio for ArtFORM™ is 1:1 (equal water and powder by volume)
•, A medium viscosity ratio for ArtFORM™ is 2:1 (2 parts water to 1 part powder by volume)
•, A thin ratio for the ArtFORM™ is 3:1 (3 parts water to one part powder by volume).
•, A thick ratio for ArtCAST™ cement is 1:3 (one part water to 3 parts powder by volume)
•, A medium viscosity ratio for ArtCAST™ cement is 1:2 (one part water to 2 parts powder by volume)
•, A thin ratio for ArtCAST™ cement is 1:1 (equal parts water and powder by volume).
•, Easy to remember: Notice that the thickness the ratios for these two materials are exactly opposite!
In our basic, kit projects the thickness of the ArtFORM™ will vary slightly depending on the models' hand size. Those with large hands or with multiple hands in the can all at once will use less water than those doing a single small hand.
Since the premeasured amount of ArtFORM™ powder remains the same, some variation in working and setting time is to be expected in those kits. Stick with the exact instructions and you should have no problems.
NOTE:
Ratios for Earthium(f/x), PolyArt™ and other advanced media are beyond the scope of this basic lifecasting tutorial.
NOTE:
Please refer to their instructions or to the Advanced LifeCast™ Techniques book in the library.
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.