How to create plaster copy of an action figure

Hi all,

I've been planing to do a scale model of a human figure, or some scifi/fantasy character for some time. But as it goes my modelling skills just weren't up to the task. That's why I decided to duplicate existing one and then build and model on it. On the firs model You can see the figure i used.

Step 1 Dismantle the figure

The next step was to dismantle the figure using the screwdriver. If You are using some of the good old GI Joe figures You wont have problems with it. Just remove all the screws on the joints and that's it.

Comments

[skittlespider]

Nice idea with the liquid latex!

I tried making a copy of an action figure before, and it is tough. This idea seems to work a lot better than my attempt did. I made a plaster mold and tried to fill it with liquid plastic.

I'll have to remember to try using liquid latex for future mold making projects.

[heathbar64]

the trick with molding stuff is this: if you are going to cast with something hard, you need to use a flexible mold. if you are casting something flexible, use a hard mold.

[mrky007]

Well, filling the latex mold with plaster gave me solid object to work on with modelling clay. You just have to dip the original into latex at least 5-6 times. And getting the plaster copy out of the mold can be a little bit tricky.

But you can cut the mold with scissors and glue it back together.

The main problem is that the plaster copy can be fragile. I also wanted to ask you what type of liquid plastic did you use?

[skittlespider]

I have links in the supplies section on the first step of my Instructables.

This is the stuff I use for mold making:

http://www.smooth-on.com/Urethane-Plastic-a/c5_1120_1209/index.html

http://www.smooth-on.com/Silicone-Rubber-an/c2_1113_1136/index.html

It can be a little expensive, but it is some high quality stuff.

[mrky007]

Thanks for the info on that. I will try it out. If you will try to copy a figure with the procedure from my Instructable, take care with the figure's hands because they are simply too fragile.

My figure is missing only hands and right now I am making them for the fifth time :-(

[skittlespider]

Yeah, you have to be careful with the thin parts. Especially when dealing with plaster.

Maybe you could use your molding technique with wax instead. It is flexible and easy to cast, so it might work better for your hands.

(Of course wax does not work well with other materials, and you can't paint it. So it may not work for the parts that you will be customising.)

Your welcome for the info. I would suggest using a trial size at first. If you decide that you will be making a lot of these type of projects, the bigger sized containers will save you some money.

[mikeasaurus]

you should link to your next Instructable on how to "add new features with modelling clay and then repaint it" in the bottom of this Instructable when you're finished.

[mrky007]

The next Instructable about painting and adding new features is coming soon. I started a couple of days ago so it is still work in progres.