Clay, Plaster and Wax Moulding: An introduction to good mould principles.

The simplest of mould materials, clay can take up impressions of objects, surfaces and actions. Plaster will quickly set and remain hard. These in turn allow wax editions to be taken. Each step in a mould process depends on the degree to which the properties of each material interact. For example; plaster/wax (water/oil).

Useful techniques, especially for the reproduction of models from one material to the next in the casting process.

Rubber Moulds
Vinamould Rubber compound can be melted with heat and poured, while silicone liquid rubber is combined with a hardener. Each of these makes a mould for wax, plaster, resin/plastic etc. Silicone especially reproduces fine detail but is most expensive. Vinamould is reusable but less durable.

This could be included or combined with the first mould principles in a week long module

Life Casting Plaster
Bandage and/or alginate rubber can be used in taking impressions from fine surfaces and objects, notably the body and parts thereof. Often used by artists to reproduce life detail in wax and then bronze and stainless steel.

Direct Wax
As an alternative to the copying function of the wax in the casting process, the wax can be freely constructed, using various softening, welding and paint-on techniques. Expanded Polystyrene can be usefully combined with wax, tin foil and other fibre and organic materials to build up surfaces and volumes. An experimental and exploratory approach has been successful in the past.