Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 20:08:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Gregory Ballora <gregballora-AT-sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Foam Latex...room temp cure
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org



Daniel, I would agree with your advice. Especially if
you sculpt in some lines around the mouth to let it
fold naturally rather than just try to stretch the
latex and foam at the corners. Also, do yourself a
favor and sculpt the mouth a bit open, so that you do
a little of your work closing the mouth. That will
allow you to perform much longer, with better
manipulation, and it will add to the life of your
puppet. 

The one place I will disagree with Daniel is in the
quality of Foam Latex vs. Polyurethane Foam. 2 part
casting Polyfoam is MUCH easier to cast, and has great
variability, but I have never seen any poly foam that
has the same flesh-like squash and stretch as foam
latex. There is a reason   they still use it
extensively in film and TV. But, Foam Latex has such a
dismal life span, I would never recommend it for a
Live Show. A few weeks ago, I saw some of the puppets
I worked on Team America, and the faces are already
visibly wrinkling would probably tear instantly if the
servos were turned on.


--- Kismet <kismet-AT-bigpond.net.au> wrote:

> If your going to go with experimentation Id get some
> #1potting plaster, a 
> tub of latex and a 2 part non skinning foaming
> urethane kit. Make the mold, 
> slush cast a skin of latex and back it up with the
> foam. Most of my puppets 
> for kids use are made in this manner and are robust,
> harmless (if some one 
> whacks some one with it) and with a bit of design
> thought can be manipulated 
> for wonderful expressions. you can pre tint the
> latex to make painting 
> easier.
> I dont have the chemicals with me but we add about
> 2.5-5% more part B than 
> recommended for a great consistency...remember BLEND
> well BEFORE pouring or 
> you end up with big rock hard clumps!
> Great stuff!
> 
> Daniel
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