File spoon-archives/puptcrit.archive/puptcrit_1997/puptcrit.9706, message 198


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


                                                                  
                                            



                                                                 
                           
                          
 


   



  


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