finishing techniques for your life cast sculpture
Ch2: Page 1 2

Chapter 2: Partial BODY PARTS™ Kit Projects
When A Whole Kit Is Just Too Big.

• Click any single artifact in the image
for its description.
• Click a tab at the top for all projects
of that difficulty level.
References to "kit" in this section are to
BODY PARTS: Original LifeCast™ Kit.
*Successful Creativity Guarantee™ applies only to the sculpture, not to any applied finishes.
Bracket life castReptile life castHeld crystal life castHeld box life castFoot lamp life castBronzed life castEar & Nose lifecastHeld hands life castTrinket life cast 2Hand vase life cast3 hands life castFlower life castBaseball life castTrinket life castTrinket life cast 3Hand shake life castFoot vase life cast3 Child life castBaby's foot lifecastApparagus life castLong nails life castExit life cast
Lizards, snakes, birds and other non-mammals have such delicate details that we wanted a firmer mold. We used 3/4 cup of ArtFORM™ powder for strength with 1 cup of ice water to extend the working time. After spreading a good coat all over it with our fingers the remaining fluid was applied. It was painted like the real animal, making a stunningly detailed LifeCast™.
life cast lizrdNote: mammals are more difficult because of the hair. The hair must be slicked down with plenty of water, oil or petroleum jelly to create a single surface which will not become entangled in the ArtFORM™.
These complex flowers and leaves are from succulents, desert type plants which have thick bodies. The mold must be made weak to allow release without pulling off pieces, leaving them stuck deep in the mold. So we mixed 3 parts water with only 1 part ArtFORM™ powder.
Blending at this high ratio must be very thorough so we used ice water to extend the working time. The flowers are mounted on small jars also made with ArtCAST™.
life cast flwrsNote: Both are the same flower in different stages of development over a few days. While sitting in the studio, in some water, the earlier one (in red) sprouted a central pod of remarkable seed arrangement (in yellow) which we again duplicated.
These types of very thin LifeCasts are best poured in wax or plastic although the cement does work, as shown here.
Our compounds can also duplicate precise, mechanical objects. This is great for many prototype and design applications as well as emergency mechanical part repair or duplication when poured or "slush" cast (Alternative & Advanced Techniques) in the new, durable epoxies.
life cast brktThis object was a complex aluminum bracket which was duplicated in just the ArtCAST™ cement, painted and shaped to make a little bottle with a removable lid.
Copyright © 1987 through 2007 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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