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Prop Builders Molding and Casting - Book

Quoted:

The Plug

You can't make a mold until you have a model or a pattern to work from. You can sculpt something out of clay or use an existing object. Sometimes its best to start with an existing object and then make changes by adding clay or other materials and sculpting new features
The Mold

....... latex rubber mold and plaster casting The mold forms a cavity that you fill with something else to make a part. Learn how to work with rigid and flexible molds, from simple one piece open back molds to split or multi part molds to handle undercuts. Work with the following Mold materials:Plaster - Rigid, inexpensive and fast. Many grades of plaster are available, but common "Plaster of Paris" works fine.
Alginate-

Mix powder with water and it sets up fast to form a soft rubbery material that's safe for skin contact. This picks up fine detail and is the only material for making molds from hands feet etc... This is what your dentist uses when he makes an impression of your teeth. It has a short life and must be used quickly.
Latex Rubber-

Thin liquid rubber that is brushed on in layers to build up a skin mold. This material is very stretchy and can be removed from undercuts and other features, but it also picks up fine detail. Latex is often used with a plaster back-up for larger parts.
Silicone Rubber-

More expensive, but it produces a long lasting tough rubber mold that can be poured in thicker sections to create a "Block" mold of an item. Silicone can also be used with a plaster back-up to save on cost.
Moulage-

This is similar to Alginate, but is a lumpy gelatin compound that must be heated to reach pouring consistency.
Mold Releases

Some mold materials are self releasing, but others aren't. If you want to be able to remove your finished casting, then you must use the proper mold release such as Petroleum jelly, Wax, PVA, Green soap, Talc, and sometimes even water.
Making The Castings

More well documented examples of unique casting materials. Learn how to do Absorption Casting with liquid clay in a plaster mold. The plaster absorbs water from the clay, and when you pour out the excess you have a uniform shell. You can also use Neoprene rubber for absorption casting. See how to make a reinforced Latex mold from an uncooked turkey. Learn how to make Laminated Castings with a female mold using Papier Mache, Fiberglass and Celastic which is a plastic filled plastic that's activated by soaking it in acetone.

Work with "Hot Melts and Thermoplastics". Hot Melts, are moldable when heated and solid at room temperature. Some examples are Hot melt glue sticks, Waxes, Plasticine, and hot melt PVC plastic. Again, you get to see an item cast from each material.

Learn how to make "Break Away" glass for window panes and bottles. This book even includes a simple recipe for Sugar Glass that can be mad in your kitchen. A more modern material called "Picco Resin" is more popular than sugar glassand you get detailed instructions on how to cast a window pane and make a fake glass bottle.

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