Quick Question about Clay Modeling on a head

[gregthomas77]

I have a quick question, and if this is not the place for it I apologize. I made a clay model (with Monster Clay) over this (Amazon.com: 15" Tall Male Mannequin Head Durable Plastic Grey (50013): Arts, Crafts & Sewing) which I used as an armature. My intent was to make a latex mask. However, when attempting to open the mold, the clay did not pull away from the armature. Even after destroying the mold just to get inside and figure out what the problem is, I have having to SCRAPE the clay off of the head. What did I do wrong? Is it possible that using this particular manneqyin head was a mistake? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Fizbin]

Well the first thing to examine is what material the mannequin head is made of... "Durable Plastic" doesn't tell me anything. There might have been some bizarre chemical reaction that caused the clay to adhere to the surface of the armature. Oil clay normally has a bit of grab to it, so scraping it off isn't uncommon, but I thought Monster Makers pride themselves on their non-stick clay. I've never used their product, so I can't offer any experience of my own.

In general, you WANT as much of the clay to remain on the armature so you don't have to do extensive clay removal from your mold. I assume you made a 2-part mold, so I'm not really understanding what the problem is here. :confused