Molding my dragon?

[juno]

Okay, I really want to mold my dragon, but having limited 2-part molding and casting experience, I'm at a bit of a loss.

Is a two-part mold the best way? Maybe a glove mold?

Hellllppp...

Here's the dragon (he now has wings on the sides as well that aren't pictured):

 

[blufive]

It'll be a lot easier to mold if the arms and legs are removable. Can you take them off?

 

[Hellbilly1965]

With a piece like this multiple molds will be needed. this was sculpted using super sculpey, correct? and have you heated this sculpt yet? I have some back ground in this area, i may have some info that will help you out. good luck, DB.

 

[juno]

Not heated yet (except the head and upper neck) -- so I can remove parts, but I was hoping to cast the final version in translucent rubber rather than resin. Could I still adhere them to it and have it look good?

Do you think the wings will be a problem?

Picture with wings:

 

[wilysteve]

I think blufive is right. Most people would remove all of the appendages (including the wings) before moulding something like this.

If you are worried about sticking them back together a neat idea might be to make a skeleton out of sculpey that fits inside the mould. That way you could make little male/female joints to glue them in place afterwards and you might be able to see some of the skeleton through the translucent rubber?? You would probably have to make the joints on the main sculpt before you moulded it. For example a small piece of additional clay on the end of the arm and a socket in the torso for it to fit into. You could then cast these joints from the moulds and use them in the skeleton, making sure it fits perfectly into the mould. Then you would suspend it inside and pour the rubber around it. You would have about 7 different moulds and a section of skeleton for each. It sounds a bit fiddly but it shouldn't be too difficult.

It wouldn't have to be a perfect skeleton because you probably wouldn't be able to see it very clearly, but it would do the job and add a nice effect. It would mean extra work though :rolleyes

Just a thought....

 

[juno]

Hmm. . . well I know if I use resin I can use something like white putty to hide the seams, if I use silicone what would I use?

 

[blufive]

Are you wanting to cast the dragon in silicone?

I want to make sure I understand the question.

 

[exoray]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(juno @ Nov 20 2006, 08:00 PM) [snapback]1362364[/snapback]</div>

Hmm. . . well I know if I use resin I can use something like white putty to hide the seams, if I use silicone what would I use?
[/b]

Silicone Use the same stuff you cast in as a glue and seam filler... A thickening agent as well as a setting accelerator for the silicone would probably help in making it more glue like...

 

[Hellbilly1965]

Juno, received your pm concerning this. sorry for the delay. I'm a bit confused as to the final result your shooting for, are looking to cast your pieces in clear resin, silicone, latex, or another? what your final model will be cast in determines mold technique. What do you want your final model to be made of?


"until next time , create someTHING you'll be glad you did". Hellbilly1965 out................

 

[Robot Monster]

In the new issuse of Make is a casting tutorial by Mythbuster and RPFer Adam Savage. It's worth a read.

Tek

 

[juno]

Yeah, I saw the article. Make is a great magazine. I'm wanting to cast it in silicone (I think) I just think resin will look to inorganic (even with a nice paint job).