Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2003 00:23:00 -0500
From: Mathieu <uubald-AT-magma.ca>
Subject: PUPT: Scott Foam, latex foam, etc...


>I'd like to learn more about Scott foam, latex foam (is it latex? I don't
>think so,) and neoprene and how they hold up.  Do I mean POLY foam? What
>are the
>Muppet's made of?
>Fred Thompson


Scott Foam is another type of polyurethane foam(matress foam).
I've heard warnings about scott foam from someone in this mailing list:
>Then, in the early 80's, I found out the Muppets used the stronger, more
>industrial Scott foam.  (also called open celled foam, or reticulated
>foam, Scott is just a brand name...like Kleenex, if I'm not
>mistaken...someone talked about the two kinds of foam in an email a few
>days ago)   So, thinking that must be way cooler, I started using scott
>foam too.  Those puppets lasted about 15 years. Then all the foam turned
>to dust.  That foam was also covered with fabric.
>  --- Personal replies to: Len Levitt <levitt-AT-earthlink.net>

Hi Fred & all.

Foam latex is latex but I think they add something else to it. I know they
sometimes whip it, to introduce air bubbles, like they did for my favorite
pillow.
I once saw a "making of" for the Movie The Santa Clause. Santa's belly was
a prosthesis cast in foam latex, heated at extreme heat (3000F?), and the
result: a skin-like belly, so realistic, it even bounced back when poked!
If my pillow is any indication, a large solid prosthesis must be quite
heavy. Decay is caused by exposure to air and UV rays.
Muppets are also made of Antron Fleece, thread, paint, plastic,rubber,
feathers, glue, imagination, elbow grease, with a puppeteer thrown in just
cause they always have a surplus of those.

Neoprene is aparently latex-based. I've also heard about it decaying over
the years. Same reasons as latex. Altough I guess once painted it makes for
a good UV protection?
I avoid storing my pieces away from sunlight and heat. Sorry folks, I guess
that means no decorating your windowsill with a life-like slimy latex
alien, unless your "concept" is to have him decompose gradually for all to
see...









----------------------------------------------
Mathieu RENE, CREATURISTE
Marionnettes, masques,  etc.
Puppets, Masks, etc.

http://www.magma.ca/~uubald

uubald-AT-magma.ca
Montreal, Canada
(514) 725 - 5821
----------------------------------------------




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