Page 5
1 2 3 4 5
Fingernails &
Thin Areas
Held Objects
Pedistals
Touch Up
Repair

Chapter 4: Basic Lifecast Design & Planning
Repair Materials & Their Uses.

Touch Up and Repairs to broken or flawed lifecasts must be done according to the media they are cast in. Similar techniques are used for mounting or combining a LifeCast™ with other materials for mixed media work.
This section restricts itself to work done with our BODY PARTS™ Kits specifically or to life casting in plasters or statuary cements such as our ArtCast™. For information about other mediums see Alternative & Advanced Techniques.

LifeCast™ Repair:
Broken sculptures, Air Traps & Mounting:
After recasting a missing portion due to an air trap (Chapter 3) it will be similar to a broken off piece. Reattaching can be done with several techniques.
•, Super glues (those which contain cyanoacrylate): Good for small breaks but somewhat brittle.
1. Make sure the sculpture is completely dry and the surfaces to be attached are free of dust and loose particles.
2. Apply small amount to both surfaces, it will usually soak in, forming a gloss over the surface. Allow to dry.
3. Repeat when both halves are dry but, this time press the parts carefully together. These glues harden on contact so there is little time for repositioning.
- Exception: If you use the 'gel' formulations of these glues press the parts together on the first application.
•, Goop® type flexible adhesives: Much better for larger and stronger repairs but thick and more difficult to conceal.
- Simply follow manufacturer's instructions. Use as little as possible and remove the excess which will squeeze from between the crack as you press it together.
•, Hot Melt glues: Are actually thermoplastic resins (see Alternative & Advanced Techniques) and work best when both surfaces are porous or rough textured.
- Hot melt glues work best where large surfaces are to be joined or when combining lightweight items.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions. Do not use where heat will be present, such as around incandescent lighting fixtures.
Heavy Duty repairs and mountings: For use when long or large areas are to be joined and high durability is desired. This is the same technique used in wood working (doweling) and masonry (anchors) for joining surfaces.
1. Drill or carve holes into both surfaces to accept your anchor. Try to get them to line up fairly well but, they don't have to be perfect. Holes must be deep enough for your anchor to fit into both halves when the parts are pressed together and wider than the anchor itself to allow for minor position adjustment.
2. Bond the anchor into one side of the pieces to be joined, packing the hole completely with some material such as epoxy, urethane, or cement. Make sure the other piece can fit in place but, don't bond it yet. Allow the bonded half to cure.
3. Repeat the process with the other piece, this time pressing the parts together and adjusting their positions as desired. Clamp or hold the parts together until your bonding material cures (per mfg. instructions).
Anchors may be anything from pieces of hard wire (coat hangers, etc.) to wooden dowels or concrete rebar.
It depends on the strength required.
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.