Life-like Body Casting

Step 1

Steps:

1. Cut plaster bandages into approximately 6-inch long strips.

Steps 2-4

2. Apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly to exposed skin of the model to ensure the casting comes off easily. Have the model wear a shower cap.

3. Set plaster bandages and a bowl of water next to where the casting will take place. Set the model's pose, one that the model can hold for about 20 minutes.

4. Mix alginate with water, according to manufacturer's directions. Pour alginate over the model's face, making sure it does not obstruct the nostrils.

Step 5

5. Apply a light layer of fiber (dryer lint or medical grade cotton) over the alginate.

Step 6

6. Dip plaster bandages in warm water and apply them to the model's face and shoulders over the fiber and alginate. It's important to work quickly, as alginate sets within 3-8 minutes. Allow plaster bandages to set, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 7

7. When the plaster bandages are dry, gently remove the casting from the model's face.

Step 8

8. Mix gypsum with water according to manufacturer's directions and pour it into casting. Allow it to set for anywhere from six hours to one day.

Step 9

9. Pull the casting out of the mold. It will be necessary to tear the plaster bandages away from the mold. Scrape away bits of the plaster that stick to the gypsum with a small knife.

Step 11

10. Grind edges and smooth out any imperfections around the edges and on the face with a rotary grinding tool.

11. Spray the front and back of the piece with primer. Let dry.

Step 12

12. Paint the life-like body casting with bronze metallic paint. Let dry.

Terry McGuirt is a born and bred Texan and a self-taught artist. He is a respiratory therapist by day and "life-caster" in his free time. Life casting is the art of taking molds directly from a human body.

Website: facetofacestudio.com