Clay, Silicone and Jesmonite

This is now the next stage of the process!

Yes! There Are More Stages!!

We now need take the original cast, which is uneven to say the least on its underside, using clay, even it out so it is level.

This is for when we pour silicone on to the cast to create the 'negative' mould from the 'positive' the positive is the 3D face shape, so the hollow silicone is a negative.

Images below explain the process better than I can,  just by writing it.

here you can see that I am in the process of stabilising the base, filling in the gaps and creating a smooth line and lip at the base. 

 here again I am creating the base, you can see that I have built a wall around the cast, this is to stop any silicone from running off. 

I think she looks like a sleeping nun, someone out of Star wars or Hell-razor 

feel free to think of many more! 

 Here you can see the moat like outer edge, the holes on the base are known as keys, they allow the 2 pieces to fit well together as well as separate, they are made with a dull rounded object and don't need to be too deep, I used the round end of a pipet (the bit you squeeze).

 The next stage is the silicone stage, for this you need some new materials; 

 1. A pot

2. Spatulas

3. Latex gloves (or others if allergic)

4. Tinsil gel 10 (part B)

5. catalyst 100b (Part A, 10 parts)

6.scales

7. Mould release Spray. 

The mix is 300g to 30. 

The reason its red is because we coloured the mixture to see that it is completely mixed

as it somewhat see through/opaque.

Begin pouring the 1st layer of silicone from a height to avoid air bubbles. 

Once it is all on, work round the eyes and mouth, nose to get detail again as at the end of all of this will be the face you will be sculpting on to.

Allow 45 min to set at least.

This here is the 2nd layer, once you let the 1st one set, its round 2!

Same process, we coloured it slightly lighter so we could see the layers!. 

Again 45 min - 1hr wait and beneath is the result.

Jesmonite!

So we ran out of plaster of paris, well almost, so we mixed Jesmonite and plaster (perfectly fine and safe!)

This stage is the jacket, this covers the silicon and gives it a sturdy jacket so you are able to pour in the plaster or Jesmonite (in my case a hybrid!) 

Because the jacket is made up of Jesmonite (mixed in the same way as plaster of paris, with water to the consistency of double cream).

I am using matting rather than burlap, the Jesmonite is made up of acrylic chemicals and the matting is plastic based so they work together to create strength.

At this point we decided to just put the Jesmonite on the silicone mould with our hands (with gloves on, though its not dangerous to the skin) as this was quicker and it began to set. 

Action shot!

After we encased and allowed to set, we repeated the original process this time with Jesmonite and created a new cast and below is the picture of the cast!

NOW SCULPTING CAN BEGIN!

EXCITING!!!

LOOK OUT FOR MY NEXT POST ENTITLED

'THE SCULPT'