Chapter 1:
Common Sense & Lifecasting Materials:

1. Materials and Safety
2. Terms & Measurements
3. The Physics of Fluids
4. Basic LifeCastâ„¢ Design
5. BODY PARTSâ„¢ Videos

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Water:

Water is hydrogen and oxygen, period.

Anything else that's in the water, is not water, and can change the behavior of any chemical reaction that requires only water. Most typical tap water is pure enough to use in LifeCastingâ„¢. However, there are many water sources that contain significant amounts of other chemicals. "Hard" water for example contains high levels of calcium and magnesium and other non-water elements. To "soften" it we frequently pass it through rock salt (sodium) or some other chemical to absorb or "sequester" the excess metals and minerals. And of course there are lots of other pollutants these days.

Water:

The bottom line is that none of these things are water.

If, during the practice exercise, the mediums don't seem to behave correctly and you doubt the purity of the water, use a bottled or distilled water to do the exercise again. Then if it behaves, fine, go on to the main project. If not, double check your measurements and temperatures (Chapter 2).

You can do up to 3 or 4 practice exercises without affecting the outcome of a basic project. If you simply can't get it to work then please, don't hesitate to contact us.

ArtFormâ„¢ and Earthium(f/x)â„¢:

The LifeCastâ„¢ molding powders which come in contact with the skin are non toxic, non allergenic and biodegradable. They are extremely safe when used as directed. The components are food grade, pharmaceutical or inert chemicals, clays and other thickeners which may be used without concern on any area of the body.

The dry powders are hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture aggressively, even from the atmosphere. Do not ever swallow the dry powder since it will suck the water out of your body and could cause intestinal blockage. If the dry powder is swallowed, drink large amounts of water immediately get medical attention.

Swallowing small amounts (while doing a LifeMaskâ„¢ for example) is no cause for concern.

Single Part Convenience

2 Part Precise Control

ArtForm

Also if you work with the dry powders frequently they may act to dry your skin. You can use rubber gloves and apply a good skin moisturizer. Simply as a matter of good hygiene wash your skin after exposure to any art material.

Avoid prolonged breathing of large amounts of the dust such as visible airborne quantities in an unventilated, enclosed space.

See the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in Support for more technical information.

ArtCastâ„¢ Statuary Cement:

This statuary cement is also non toxic, biodegradable and quite safe when used as directed. It is primarily calcium, one of the elementary components of most biological organisms. Indeed, that's where it comes from – the remains of eons of life on planet Earth!

Cements harden by a chemical process called hydration – not by drying out but by getting wet. This reaction generates large amounts of heat. If allowed to harden in contact with the skin ArtCast™ cause burns.

Never apply the ArtCastâ„¢ directly to the skin or submerge your skin into it! It will trap and burn you!

Pure White, Easy to Use.

ArtCast

ArtCastâ„¢ is also hygroscopic (absorbs water) so accidental swallowing could be very serious. It would harden inside! Never under any circumstances put the ArtCastâ„¢ cement, wet or dry into any orifice of the body. Dispose of these materials in the trash. Do not pour any of these materials in your drains or toilet.

See the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in Support for more technical information.

PolyArtâ„¢ Silicone Elastomer:

Copy To Be Done

PolyArt

See the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in Support for more technical information.

WaterTrapâ„¢:

Copy To Be Done

Other Sculpture Mediums:

There are many other mediums that can be used in the art of lifecasting. Wax, plasters, plastics, clay, rubber and even chocolate for edible body parts or water for ice castingscan be used.

Always follow the manufacturer guidelines, the product's MSDS and be carefull!

Other Sculpture

Most sculpture materials are far more hazardous than our LifeCastâ„¢ mediums. This is especially true for human engineered materials such as plastics.

These are explored in the Advanced Methods section of this Library when you're ready. But, for now let's stick to the basics, OK?

Go To Chapter 2: The Facts of Life(Casting):
Comparing apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

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