Casting and Creating Modeling Work With EnvironMolds, LLC

While wax or clay modeling materials are used as it is, most other mold making and casting materials feature two components – generally a base and a catalyst - which have to be mixed together before use. Some materials need to be mixed with water (like plaster or alginate). In either case, you have to follow the prescribed mix ratio (can be by weight or volume) to the letter, to get the proper consistency, curing and finish.

In clay modeling making an accurate mix in the specified ratio is not the only thing that is important. The two parts that are being combined also need to be mixed thoroughly to get the desired effects. In fact, many a times the two different components are of different colors and can cause an undesirable marbled effect if not mixed properly. In some cases, it can also turn out lumpy and quite unusable.

Careful and comprehensive mixing alone will ensure a uniform color and consistency throughout. Following are a few tips on the same:

•    Large volumes often end up inadequately mixed and quite ineffectual. This is why professional artists often prefer to mix small quantities of their mold making and casting materials at a time.

•    Use a firm grip and a steady hand to mix in circular motions.

•    Keep scraping the sides and bottom of the container you are mixing in so that nothing remains settled anywhere. To avoid this, many artists even pour the mixture into another container and mix again.

•    Always over mix rather than under mix!

Life casting models often get put off by hair tangles and painful tugs during demolding. No matter how much baby oil or even petroleum jelly the artist slathers on the model’s head and body, the latter’s hair still ends up getting entrapped in the body mold. In fact, life casting artists often complain that their models refuse to repeat the experience and do not come back for further assignments. 

Clay modeling or resin casting is easier as it does not involve the live human body, but life casting requires careful preparation with an effective release agent. EnvironMolds offers an excellent product called MoldEZ Hair and Mold Release. This is water soluble and washes off easily at one go without tangling the hair at all!

It’s easy to apply MoldEZ – work generous amounts into the hair on the head, underarms or pubic area right from the root to the tips before combing them into place. You can also apply this water-based release cream on all fine body hair. The mold will come off easily from the body without pulling on the hair unnecessarily. MoldEZ is made completely from natural ingredients, is safe for the skin and can be washed out very easily with water.

Apart from this, MoldEZ also comes in handy as an adhesive for binding the alginate mold to the mother mold. Apply it generously all over the separated area. You can also use it to fill any pin holes in the alginate molds prior to casting.

Life casting artists are generally familiar with the tricks of their trade. They have honed their skills to perfection – from making a mold, demolding and casting to also finishing the final sculpture so that it’s ready to display in all its magnificence.

However, life casting requires an artist to work with a living and breathing model, and alas, many people falter in this aspect. The problem gets compounded as both the quality of your model and his or her cooperation is vital for the success of your life casting project.

Therefore, finding and hiring the right model (and offering proper compensation) is half the battle won. There are various sources for locating models that do not have any inhibitions against life casting. At this stage, remember to protect your interests with an appropriate model release form.

Now comes the task of preparing the model for what lies ahead. New models need to be carefully informed about the life casting procedures and applications. Even experienced ones need to get familiar with your techniques and requirements.

Discuss the pose you have in mind and try it out to ensure that the model is comfortable. There is no harm in trying out different postures before settling on one where the model feels most relaxed. Always remember that the quality of your final life cast completely depends on how comfortable the model feels when you are making a mold!

It’s a fact that silicone and latex casts are difficult to paint on. If you stick to clay modeling, painting and finishing is easy. But when it comes to silicone rubbers, regular acrylic or oil based paints will not adhere well and they may end up chipped or cracked when painted on latex surfaces.

EnvironMolds supplies a range of specially formulated latex and silicone paints, dyes, pigments and solvents that are suitable for coloring intrinsically or painting the surface.

For example, if you have made a silicone cast and need to paint on it, EnvironMolds provides 10 different colors like red, blue, yellow, black white, purple and even Quinn Blush for perfect skin effects. Only such silicone based paints will stick to silicone surfaces.

It is best to mix the silicone paint and silicone medium on a disposable paper plate as the paint will stick to most surfaces when dry. Also be careful about how much quantity you mix. Silicone paints dry very quickly, giving you very little time to finish painting. If the paint begins to set, it will not adhere properly to the silicone surface and can cause a blotchy effect. This is known as ‘cold gap’.
Therefore, you have to be very careful and mix only tiny amounts of a single color at a time. Use it quickly before it begins to dry (can be within a minute at times). Regular practice will give you an idea of the setting times too.