From: LaughingEgg-AT-webtv.net (Stephen Weber) Date: Fri, 20 Jun 1997 15:28:59 -0700 Subject: non-toxic casting compositions Hi Mates; I discovered two remarkable casting compo- sitions while searching the last L.A. doll show for some new puppet making mediums. The first is called: Liquid Papier Mache. It is papier mache' composition in liquid slip form, and it is quite remarkable. The consis- tancy is is that of pancake batter and plaster combined. It is poured into pottery plaster or #1 hydrocal shim moulds just as latex and neoprene slip is. Allowing it to "build up" to the desired thick- ness as with any casting slip. With this medium a 3/16 " to 1/4 " wall is very sufficient. How quickly your wall developes is determined by the dryness of your mould. After your excess is drained, you must allow the casting to "sit" for at least 1 1/2 to 3 hrs before de-moulding. Your de-moulded casting will of course be wet and heavy with a light grey tone. Drying should be carried out in either a "hot box" or "cooker". This can be a plywood or particle board box, constructed with a tightly fitted door. A bank of 100 watt electric bulbs or even infrareds, are installed at the bottom. For maximum efficiency, a small fireproof fan should be installed at the top to provide "con- vection". You can also utilize a "wig drying cabinet" which are commonly used by thea- trical hair stylists. A household kitchen oven can be employed, however the door must be kept slightly "ajar" In any event the drying temperature must be kept LOW. 150 degrees F. max. This temp- erature should be maintained with BOTH of these mediums. Your casting will usually be bone dry within 1 to 3 hours (depending upon its size and thick- ness.) You will notice how beautifully detail is reproduced with the liquid papier mache . Take notice of its hardness. Its compression strength is excellent. BUT be aware it it not water proof at this point. It must be sealed with a good waterproofing sealor. This is done with the liquid wax that the company can provide but that is not practical with profes- sional puppets. The best sealor for this medium that I have found is "Verathane" a polyurethane sealor of reasonably low toxicity. (it thins with mineral spirits) If you coat the casting both inside and out with the sealor, it will last a life- time. Dolls and teddybears made of liquid papier mache' over 100 years ago are still here. The great advantage to its INITIAL lack of stability enables the user to RECYCLE the product indefinitely. Much like reclaiming clay slip before it is fired. So defective castings can be broken up and thrown back into the original batch of slip to soften and liquify again to be re-used. The second composition for slip casting is called "Doll Magic" It is a non-toxic POLYMER composition, that sort of resembles porcelain. It costs about 50% less than Liquid Papier Mache' and has a number of advantages over it: 1. Castings build up and set up very quickly. An 1/8 " wall will develope within 5 mins. or less in a dry mould. 2.You can de-mould the casting about 20 mins. after your desired build-up. 3. The reproduction of detail is really superb. Castings have a surface like glass. 4. A casting need only be 1/8" to 3/16" thick. Compression strength is enormous. It is virtually unbreakable. 5.No sealing is required. It is completely water- proof. Both of these mediums can be finished and painted easily. Although initial seaming and trimming etc. should be done before the final heat hardening. Doll Magic is exceptionally hard when cured so things like cutting out eye sockets for animated eyes should be done right after demoulding. Now for the sources of these products: Liquid Papier Mache' is manufactured by: Martin Creativ Co.- Sonneberg, Germany and distributed in the U.S.A by: BRIGITTE NOHRUDI Product -Manager 6256 Corinne Circle Buena Park, CA. 90620 Tel/Fax: (714) 995-5265 The cost for a 1 Kgm. container (about 1 1/2 gals.) is approx. $65.00 shipping not included. You can also find Ms. Nohrudi in person at all the doll shows around the country, and buy it from her there. Doll Magic is distributed in the U.S.A by: ENCHANTED PORCELAIN N' GLASS 2541 South 5th Ave. Suite C Oroville, CA. 95965 Tel: (916) 534-Doll Fax: (916) 534-8644 Price List 1-8 Gals. $23.00 ea. 9-20 Gals. $21.50 ea. 21-143 Gals. $20.00 ea. Both compositions have their own individual attributes. I would say however that Liquid Papier Mache' would be very suitable for puppets that don't require elaborate mechan- ical animation of any kind. For once the water proof surface seal is broken. any moisture at all will soften it. Doll Magic on the other hand is durable enough to construct underskulls. Liquid Papier Mache' is far lighter in weight than Doll Magic and has a beautifully delicate and organic quality about. This would be perfect for masks, hand puppets and other items manufactured for the high priced, limited edition toy and gift market. Well there should be enough information here in the moment to whet your appetites . Go out and explore, and let me know what you find. Peace Mates, Steve Weber --- Personal replies to: LaughingEgg-AT-webtv.net (Stephen Weber) --- List replies to: puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu --- Admin commands to: majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
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