Portrait Busts -- an original technique

Step 6 The First Layer of Grout

Wet grout is fairly heavy and sags, so you can't do too much at first without a rigid core.  These prepared cores let me sit down with the model and start in on the facial features right away, saving the model's time in the initial stages.  Since the core is already hard, it supports the weight of any added grout during the sculpting process. 

Rub the first layer on with your gloved hand, or mini-trowel, such as a palette knife.  It's quick and easy.  I do a layer on the bottom of the core first and then set it down on a flat, non-stick plastic sheet to finish coating it.  That way the bottom is plastered and out of the way.  It has a flat and smooth surface when hard. 

The plastic I work on is moisture barrier material used underneath cement slab floors in house construction.