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Plaster casting question

David Lantrip MCPF GCF

David Lantrip MCPF GCF

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Houston, TX
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Franchise Concepts
Ok, I know we have to have some artist types here who will have an answer...

After seeing some life masks this week (and a few death masks too) I've been inspired to try doing some. Well, life masks only. In college I learned how to create a plaster mold of a person's face and had my own done as part of the process. They were used to create ceramic positive images.

Now, my question: To use the plaster mold to create a plaster positive, what would I use as a release agent to keep the plaster from sticking to the plaster mold? I've used Vaseline to keep it from sticking to a person's face, would that work for plaster too?

And once the plaster face is made, what can I use to seal it? I don't mind if it acquires a patina, but I don't want it to get dirty from random fingerprints and dust.
 
David,
Does the mask have to be made from plaster?

Trevor Yates uses some sort of silicone product to make moulded things from. He wrote an article in Profile magazine which shows the way he made his winning entry in the 'Print' competition, so he may be able to offer some advice in that area.

A great article! One of the best I've seen! It's a shame the magazine isn't available as an online mag!
 
If I remember we used murphy's oil soap as a release agent when doing casting in college.
 
Here's a quick tip on how to make a facial 'life mask'. NEVER use bulk plaster to do that as the heat given off as the plaster sets will cause severe burns! http://www.ehow.com/how_4987949_life-mask.html

A soap solution can be used as a mold release when you are casting from a latex mold. Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is fine for plaster-to-plaster casting. You can remove any traces from the set casting and mold with mineral spirits.

For sealing plaster, I usually use a 3%-5% v/v solution of Paraloid B-72 in acetone, either brushed on or vacuum inpregnated. That's the conservation-grade acrylic resins that's widely used in conservation as an adhesive, consolidant, and coating. You could also try clear Krylon spray since the medium is also an acrylic resin. Any coating to the plaster with a solvented resin has to be done after the plaster has completely dried. In the lab, I used to put it in the oven at 100 deg. C for several hours and check the weight to see when all the available water was released, then do the consolidation.

Paul Storch
Objects Conservator
St. Paul, MN
 
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