The process of making latex casts involves depositing a layer of the rubber on the interior or exterior of the mold. The former works better as the casts are more detailed and uniform in every aspect.
Liquid latex rubber is commonly used to make thin-skinned, hollow and highly elastic products, especially props and masks. The method is known as casting and casting artists use various techniques to make latex casts.
Dipping – This is a very easy system. The mold has to be simply dipped in the latex a couple of times to build up a layer of the desired thickness. It is slowly dipped while allowing sufficient time for the rubber to flow into the indentations and undercuts. It is allowed to air dry for a few minutes before dipping again. Finally, it is allowed to cure properly before being peeled from the mold.
Slush Molding – This method of also quite easy. Just fill the hollow mold with latex rubber till the top and allow it to stand for some time. The spell should be sufficient for the latex to deposit in a sufficient thickness inside the mold. Then the excessliquid is poured back into its receptacle while a thin layer will remain inside. This cast is allowed to cure further before it is peeled off and is ready for use.
Rotational Molding – In a variation of the above technique, only sufficient amount of latex is poured into the mold and it is rotated using rotational casting equipment. This will ensure that the thickness of the deposit is uniform all across the cast. Moreover, controlling the thickness of the cast is also easy here.
Where dipping falls short is that the latex cast so formed may fail to capture minute details of the mold while the slush cast will reproduce the surface details to perfection.
This is why casting artists prefer to make slush latex casts, especially when making masks. The dipping technique is mostly reserved for coating latex on tools as a protective layer that will not only make then easy to use but also insulate them from electric hazards.
Either way, keep in mind that latex rubber does not need a release agent. It will peel off easily once it has cured. In fact, using regular release agents like petroleum jelly or other oil-based products will make the cast soft and mushy. In case the mold is porous, a thin coating of paste wax or silicone spray can be applied before making the cast.
Where to buy?
The leading art supplier, EnvironMolds offers a complete range of mold making, casting and life casting materials along with the requisite supplies, tools and equipment on its website https://www.artmolds.com/. There are various options in liquid latex casting rubber apart from special formulations for making masks and props. Colored latex is also available. The same latex can also be used for special effects makeup for theatrical use, video shoots, television and movies.
Liquid latex rubber is commonly used to make thin-skinned, hollow and highly elastic products, especially props and masks. The method is known as casting and casting artists use various techniques to make latex casts.
Dipping – This is a very easy system. The mold has to be simply dipped in the latex a couple of times to build up a layer of the desired thickness. It is slowly dipped while allowing sufficient time for the rubber to flow into the indentations and undercuts. It is allowed to air dry for a few minutes before dipping again. Finally, it is allowed to cure properly before being peeled from the mold.
Slush Molding – This method of also quite easy. Just fill the hollow mold with latex rubber till the top and allow it to stand for some time. The spell should be sufficient for the latex to deposit in a sufficient thickness inside the mold. Then the excessliquid is poured back into its receptacle while a thin layer will remain inside. This cast is allowed to cure further before it is peeled off and is ready for use.
Rotational Molding – In a variation of the above technique, only sufficient amount of latex is poured into the mold and it is rotated using rotational casting equipment. This will ensure that the thickness of the deposit is uniform all across the cast. Moreover, controlling the thickness of the cast is also easy here.
Where dipping falls short is that the latex cast so formed may fail to capture minute details of the mold while the slush cast will reproduce the surface details to perfection.
This is why casting artists prefer to make slush latex casts, especially when making masks. The dipping technique is mostly reserved for coating latex on tools as a protective layer that will not only make then easy to use but also insulate them from electric hazards.
Either way, keep in mind that latex rubber does not need a release agent. It will peel off easily once it has cured. In fact, using regular release agents like petroleum jelly or other oil-based products will make the cast soft and mushy. In case the mold is porous, a thin coating of paste wax or silicone spray can be applied before making the cast.
Where to buy?
The leading art supplier, EnvironMolds offers a complete range of mold making, casting and life casting materials along with the requisite supplies, tools and equipment on its website https://www.artmolds.com/. There are various options in liquid latex casting rubber apart from special formulations for making masks and props. Colored latex is also available. The same latex can also be used for special effects makeup for theatrical use, video shoots, television and movies.