A/b Foam Or Hot Foam?

[Predatoj]

I'm planning my P1 mask but I don't actually know what to cast it in. What are people using?? I was gonna go with foam latex, but then there is two part cold foam as an option.

I know which is easier to use but I want to know which is the most 'suitable', not which is cheaper etc, money isn't an issue. I'm interested in which foam is better in terms of longevity and especially painting and holding it's form after casting. I don't plan on wearing it often maybe the occasional fancy dress.

So which is the more suitable?

I'm not interested in liquid latex by the way it isn't suitable due to shrinkage etc and I just don't like the stuff.

Thanks

 

[xdmray]

for the cold foam you would need a self skinning foam and you would most likely need a core.  Or you would be just putting in small amounts at a time.  Im not sure thats a good way to make a mask.  this foam is usually hard after cured.  
For the foam latex you need an oven to bake it in, and you will still need a core.  the foam latex will be very soft and require an under structure since the pred head is so much bigger than a human's.
 the cold foam i guess is better for what you describe, but it will be harder to make it so you can stick your head in without a core.  

Honestly, slush latex is really the best route in terms of cost, materials, and skill required.  that's why most everyone uses it here.

 

[Predatoj]

Mmm, I'll look into it again. But I just don't like the look and feel of liquid latex its not too bad when first cured but when it starts to age and yellow it starts to shrink. I've used it for molding and the molds are in a horrible state and they're not even a year old.

 

[seahunterr]

If money is no object, and you dont like latex, silicone seems your best option.

 

[xdmray]

well, when you are sculpting just take into account the shrinkage and sculpt it a little bigger.  Seahunterr is right,  silicone will look and feel the best,  it just has a bit more of a learning curve and is quite a bit more expensive.

 

[Predatoj]

Ok after doing a bit more research I've decided to go with a slush latex, cold foam combo. Slush latex for the beauty coat and polyurethane foam for the support. its a method Mask makers use. I agree silicone and hot foam would require an under structure, its all a bit too technical.

 

[monsterroom]

if you key the sculpting bust you can use it as a core to cast the foam after the latex dries, makes for a nice fit
Jay

 

[frosty]

the latex and polyfoam combo is your best bet, i've made plenty of masks using this method without a problem, self skinning polyfoams especially the ones available here in the uk are no good for capturing detail, they skin with an orange peel effect, a few coats of latex beforehand will capture your detail