I wanted a cast of my face: a 3D positive, as closely resembling my real face as possible. I considered using 123D Catch to model my face and then print it out on our fancy 3D printers. But that's needlessly expensive and inaccessible (except for 123D Catch, which you should look up if you haven't heard of it). This method is messy and fun, and can be done in your home.
So I got some materials online, a (mostly) willing volunteer, and some helpers, and we set about things.
I got a lot of help from this instructable, but we modified the process enough that I think it deserves its own step-by-step.
Why did I want a cast of my face? It will all be explained in time. But rest assured, I have further plans for it.
So I got some materials online, a (mostly) willing volunteer, and some helpers, and we set about things.
I got a lot of help from this instructable, but we modified the process enough that I think it deserves its own step-by-step.
Why did I want a cast of my face? It will all be explained in time. But rest assured, I have further plans for it.
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
You will need:
plastercloth (it comes in rolls- get a couple of rolls)
alginate* (a 1lb jar of dermagel is plenty for casting a face or two)
plaster powder (I used something like three cups per face? I didn't really measure.)
^
the above things can be bought at Douglas and Sturgess online.
Vaseline
water
a mixing vessel- I used a biggish yogurt cup (see pictures later)
scissors you don't care too much about
a cardboard box or sheet of cardboard
ideally, a box-cutting knife (for cutting the cardboard)
old newspapers
a shirt you don't mind ruining (to wear while getting your face cast)
straws
a couple of bowls for water
*A note on the alginate: I've plaster cast my face and those of others before, but I always just used plastercloth with some Vaseline on the eyebrows. So why use alginate? Two good reasons. Firstly, the internet now warns me that people have lost bits of themselves to plaster molding themselves- plaster heats as it sets, and can get quite warm. It can burn you right to pieces, apparently. I think this is more of an issue if you're pouring mounds of plaster on something that if you're just using plastercloth, but good to keep in mind. The second reason is more important to me: you get wonderful detail with the alginate. Plastercloth is going to make you a mask that fits nicely to your face. Alginate is going to give you a mold that really looks like you.
plastercloth (it comes in rolls- get a couple of rolls)
alginate* (a 1lb jar of dermagel is plenty for casting a face or two)
plaster powder (I used something like three cups per face? I didn't really measure.)
^
the above things can be bought at Douglas and Sturgess online.
Vaseline
water
a mixing vessel- I used a biggish yogurt cup (see pictures later)
scissors you don't care too much about
a cardboard box or sheet of cardboard
ideally, a box-cutting knife (for cutting the cardboard)
old newspapers
a shirt you don't mind ruining (to wear while getting your face cast)
straws
a couple of bowls for water
*A note on the alginate: I've plaster cast my face and those of others before, but I always just used plastercloth with some Vaseline on the eyebrows. So why use alginate? Two good reasons. Firstly, the internet now warns me that people have lost bits of themselves to plaster molding themselves- plaster heats as it sets, and can get quite warm. It can burn you right to pieces, apparently. I think this is more of an issue if you're pouring mounds of plaster on something that if you're just using plastercloth, but good to keep in mind. The second reason is more important to me: you get wonderful detail with the alginate. Plastercloth is going to make you a mask that fits nicely to your face. Alginate is going to give you a mold that really looks like you.
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That means whipe, (as in clean) eveything :)
Even though as an art teacher, I appreciate the face mask, I wouldn't do with a class of students, but then again I teach middle school/ pre-teenagers and this would be..messy and panic stricken with drama to say the least. BUT casting an arm or hand or foot is much the same process without the fear factor about breathing.
I'm giving this a 5 stars.
As far as ratings, you go to the sidebar where you see the stars, and click on the number of stars you want to give. Thanks, and glad you liked it!
If you do panic, it's pretty easy to get off. Just sit up. Most of it will fall off, and you can wipe away the rest with your hands.
If it seems like a long time under the mask, I think the papier mache + a layer of alginate would work, though I haven't actually tried it (see Step 9).
Hope this helps!
Thanks. We did end up thickening the alginate significantly; my pictures include some too-runny and some too-thick as well as the right level of mixed alginate.
The alginate begins to break down in about an hour after curing, so the subsequent casting process should begin immediately. The alginate is good for only one casting.
The cardboard splash guard appears to distort the face because it it so tight. It's a good idea, but maybe allow a little more space between the mold and the skin. The void space could be sealed with adhesive tape.
The face is also distorted when the subject is lying down, especially as the subjects get older, or if the subject is overweight. A sitting position may be better.
The Smooth-on website recommends a thicker mix of the alginate, so that it can be poured onto the subject without falling completely off. The site also recommends several layers of alginate.
The splash guard is a great idea, if left loose.
sunshiine