Completely new to this, few questions

[jnjoker100]

Im completely new to this whole movie prop biz. I want to make a few helmets and cast them.

Im rather versed in fiberglassing but not casting. I have a few questions for the senior residents here.

1. If I sculpt a helmet from water based clay on a human analog mannequin, can I fiberglass mold it then "slosh cast" it?

2. When making a helmet is that the best (minus vacuumforming) for having a uniform interior?

I think thats all for now...
I tried searching for these answers on this forum as well as the halo one and the mando merc dented one with no avail. I also have been watching youtube... lots and lots of youtube and none of them would give me those answers.

Best regards
-Joker

 

[IEDBOUNTYHUNTER]

Heres my two cents. i wouldnt make a fiberglass mold over water based clay. never tried it, but not sure how it would look when the fiber glass starts to exotherm on the water based clay.


Slush casting is ok, but i would rather use Epoxy glass. if your careful you can get a pretty even thickness. thats just what i prefer. im sure youll get other answers.


Al

 

[XtcofPain]

Im completely new to this whole movie prop biz. I want to make a few helmets and cast them.

Im rather versed in fiberglassing but not casting. I have a few questions for the senior residents here.

1. If I sculpt a helmet from water based clay on a human analog mannequin, can I fiberglass mold it then "slosh cast" it?

2. When making a helmet is that the best (minus vacuumforming) for having a uniform interior?

I think thats all for now...
I tried searching for these answers on this forum as well as the halo one and the mando merc dented one with no avail. I also have been watching youtube... lots and lots of youtube and none of them would give me those answers.

Best regards
-Joker

Hey man i know what you mean about getting info from places when starting out at this. It can be very hard so i hope i can help

First off you can fiberglass over water based clay but you will need to seal the clay first because if you dont the fiberglass will draw the moisture out of the clay and wont cure properly ruining your mold and sculpt. You can use shellac or even auotmotive clear primer or coloured primer for this.

Secondly you can get a fiberglass casting out of a fiberglass mold if you have a really good release agent and there are no undercuts in the mold but i do not recommend it as you'd be better off making a silicone inner mold with a fiberglass outer mold for resin castings of a clay sculpt. Slush casting wont really give you a uniform interior casting in my own experience, If you want a uniform interior i would suggest using fiberglass again for the casting. Paint a layer or 2 of gelcoat into the silicone mold of the helmet first, then reinforce that with fiberglass mat or better yet fiber cloth which is stronger and tidier than mat.

Hope this helps

Johnny