File puptcrit/puptcrit.0912, message 176


Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:53:16 -0500
From: Paul Lecuyer <drawbridgepuppets-AT-gmail.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] neoprene problems


Hi Elizabeth:

It is true, that weather can affect the process, however, since we're in New
England and can't wait for warm weather to proceed with puppet making, I
place my plaster molds on radiators to warm them prior to pouring the slip.
Also, after the excess has poured out, I keep the molds in a very warm area.
The heat gets to the inside of the molds and dries them nicely.  I make sure
that they have dried adequately before pulling the mold apart, otherwise the
neoprene could stick and cause indentations.  I hope you have a radiator!
Paul

On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 1:45 PM, Charles Taylor <cecetaylor-AT-verizon.net>wrote:

>
> =93I'm having an unexpected problem with my neoprene slip casting, and
> am hoping someone can help.
>
> I am working with two part plaster molds which I have used before
> with good results. I've always pulled really nice neoprene heads from
> these exact molds. Now however, when I pull the mold apart, the
> casting is stretching along the seam line. This happens no matter how
> careful I am, or whether the slip cast is thicker or thinner. When
> I've finished extracting the casting from the mold, an indentation
> remains where the stretching occurred, about 1/4 inch wide down to
> nothing, and of course this doesn't go away upon drying.
>
> I'll be able to fill the gully and sand away all signs, but I really
> don't want this to happen in the first place since it is a mild
> distortion in the face. I'm completely baffled and really hope
> somebody has the answer.
>
> Let me know! Thank you.=94
>
> -Elizabeth Luce
>
>
> Elizabeth,  Is this occurring during this wet weather?  If so, that is  the
> problem. It works best if you work with neoprene during warm, dry weather.
> The dampness prevents the plaster mold from working as well.  The whole
> process is dependent on the plaster mold absorbing moisture from the
> neoprene.  My advice is to wait until warm weather returns before working
> with neoprene.
>
> Charles Taylor
>
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