Need tips on casting a Vader helmet

[Hecubus114]

So, I've spent about the past week sculpting a Vader helmet - now I need tips on how I should mold it. Theres no dome yet, my plan with that is to modify a Rubies supreme dome then mold it. So for now just the face mask. Will a plaster mold work? I am going to cast it in fiberglass. I sculpted it on its back, so its somewhat of a "vader cake" LOL. I was going to build a box around it, then pour the plaster over the top. Is plaster a bad idea? Or because its a one - sided cast should it be okay? I will get pictures up shortly - once I feel it is perfect

Any advice is much appreciated

 

[steveo]

I think plaster is a bad idea as the main mold. You will need a rubber mold first to be more flexible so that the fiberglass won't stick to it.

 

[Smiling Demon]

Here is a link that might help alot. Look on page 4.

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=10819&highlight=ghetto+casting

 

[Hecubus114]

thanks guys - this stuff isnt too thick where details in the clay will get smooshed will they? It says never layer more than 1/4" thick - does this mean let it dry in between? Do you put a certain number of layers then cover it with something else? This is my first time doing this so I just want to be sure...

 

[SgtFang]

And for the love of God, make sure the face and helmet are the right size in relation to each other before you tie up all that silicone!

(Don't ask me how I learned that...:redface)

-Sarge

 

[Hecubus114]

yeah - I'll probably wait to do the dome until I have a cast face mask...

 

[Cenobyte]

Here is a 5 part tutorial..

(First couple of topics)

http://www.proptopia.com/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=35cf194e3c010d4e87424483dd199dff

 

[Hecubus114]

would you guys recommend smooth-on for molding rubber? And if so, which kind? Because... uh... theres like a million different types, and I have no idea what is what, LOL

 

[Darth Cross]

Smooth-On is a great company to do business with. I use their products and they've got some pretty good tutorials on mold making. Also, you can call them and a technician will be more than happy to answer your questions and make suggestions on what to use for a particular project.

Richard

 

[Smiling Demon]

Here is a 5 part tutorial..

(First couple of topics)

http://www.proptopia.com/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=35cf194e3c010d4e87424483dd199dff

It asks for a log in just to let you know!!

 

[Fizbin]

Also, you can call them and a technician will be more than happy to answer your questions and make suggestions on what to use for a particular project.

Well, only if they know what you're talking about. Every time I've called their tech dept. the person I talk to has to call me back with an answer. When and if they call back, the answer is usually something like, "Nobody has done what you're trying to do, so we can't really help you". :confused

Now, usually I would understand if I was seeking a solution to a very unorthodox method, but I even gotten this reply to the question: will your silicone thinner work with OOMOO 30? :rolleyes

To me, a company having no answers to very basic questions about their own products can be quite disconcerting to any customer. So, I just shake my head, thank them for their time and go ask the fantastic members of The FX Lab forum... those people know what they're talking about and have years of experience to back up their statements!!! :thumbsup

 

[Cenobyte]

crap.

Did not realize you had to login.

Not sure if registration is open or not.

 

[Hecubus114]

Thats ok - I registered and was able to see it... however, it seems to be for making a mold of a hard helmet, not of clay. But it will help me later on.

I guess all I need now is a solid suggestion of what silicone to use, and where to get it... prices seem to be all over the place - and, like I said, I know absolutely nothing about what the differences are...