Subject: PUPT: Re: Molds, casting & reproducing
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 08:13:58 -0800


My two favorites are Flexible slip (also called mannequin rubber--I get it
from Douglas and Sturgis in San Francisco) and thermo plastic.  The thermo
plastic takes detail fairly well and has the advantage of being done and
ready to paint almost instantly.  I press it hot into a hot plaster mold,
then hold it in place as best I can while running cold water on it.  The
Flexible Slip is a latex mixed with clay (I have been told).  You pour it
into a dry (not just cured) plaster mold, the mold absorbs the water out of
the liquid, leaving a skin build up on the inside of the mold (don't use a
mold release, or you can lightly dust with talcum).  Pour out the remainder
of the liquid when you have the thickness you want and let it dry.  Open and
let it dry more..it shrinks about 10%, then you have a slightly flexible,
extremely light, durable cast.  It takes detail extremely well, and when
cured, you can throw it down on a cement floor without damage.  I have
puppets that are over 20 years old made from it that are fine.  Just to test
it, I have left casts outside in direct sun.  Over many months (years?) they
will degrade, but so will most other things.  Doublas and Sturgis has a
website and does mail order.  Also, the stuff is fairly cheap.  1 gallon
will make many hand puppet heads.  Make sure you buy enough to fill the mold
(and top it off as the liquid is absorbed.)
Michael Nelson




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