Ok, here's how i go about molding one of my busts in silicone in order to get a resin cast of it.
MOLDING.
1: the finished WED sculpt covered with clear acrylic spray for easyer and cleaner release from the silicone.
2: The first layer of silicone(100ml) ( RTV silicone rubber for molds). I used a soft brush to apply it and blowed air to it with the airbrush to eliminate any airbubbles. Also added a small piece of elastic cloth mesh to the forehead so that the silicone wouldn't tear while trying to get the cast out.
3: Second layer 100ml and another piece of mesh. I colored the second layer so that i have control of the thickness of the silicone.
3: Third and fourth layer(200ml each).Just to give the mold more thickness and durability. i used thixotropic agent to make the silicone paste like and applyed it with a spatoula.
4:Front half piece of plaster for support (mother mold). I then added vaseline to the edge and applyed the back half. When it was dry i separated the 2 plaster pieces started cutting the silicone to remove the clay sculpt from inside.
5: Here you can see how and where the silicone was cut. (The sculpt was removed here).
6: Another view of the closed mold.
CASTING.
1:Filling the bucket with 850ml of translucent poyester resin.It's called MPAL and that's it's original color before i add white oil color and catalyst to it.
2: I add that amount of white oil color in the resin. The oppacity or translucency of the cast depends on the ammount of color in the mix. I found out that this is a good ratio.
3:Mixing the color good first and then adding the catalyst. (10-12g per kg).
4: After the catalyst is mixed very well i hold the mold in that position and start pouring very small ammounts on the face area while guiding the resin with the back of a small brush so that i'm sure that there aren't any major airbubbles traped inside. Especially the ears and facial features.
5:Then i close the mold carefully and start pouring larger ammounts while rotating the mold with my other hand. I ususally see the bubbles coming up to the surface when i'm doing that and it feels good! :)
The filed mold waiting to set.
I also fill these molds with the same batch of resin for the bases.
Here's the resin's color after about 2 hours from casting. It's now ready to come out of the mold.
And this is the raw cast right out of the mold and mounted on it's base. First i pull the ears off carefully and the rest of it comes out with no effort.I needed both my hands for that so there are no pics:)
Next time i'll post the process of the painting on a piece like that.
