Life Casting Techniques

The most frequent complaint we receive from life casting beginners is the lack of written material on the subject of life casting techniques. True, there is very little on the subject -- perhaps because it is such an individual art form. Though there are some excellent video tapes available and hands-on workshops, we have gathered together or written descriptive technical material to share with all our life casting friends. We encourage others to submit articles on the subject so that we can post them here for all of us to benefit.

1. The Forton MG Casting System. The use of modified gypsum as a casting alternative is described in detail complete with supply sources and mixing techniques.

2. The Holtmann Paper Clay Method. This Australian sculptor demonstrates an interesting alternative to casting using a special clay instead of more traditional materials.

3. Lifecasting the Face. Here you will find two different sets of life casting directions. One for simple low budget casts and one set for more expensive casting.

4. Facial Lifecasting. An excellent UK instructional site with clearly drawn diagrams on the making of a life casting facial mask from Sylak Special Effects.

5. Pregnancy Lifecasting. Three methods of pregnancy casting explained with their pros and cons by FXSupply. It also lists recommended amounts of materials required for each method.

6. Lifecasting Basics. Though a very commercial site, (sale of kits, etc.) this is an excellent site of basic life casting techniques complete with illustrations.

7. Advanced Lifecasting Techniques. This site explains a number of excellent techniques. The illustrations and drawings provide a clear picture of what to do.

8. Molding a Torso. Here is a brief article on the molding of a female torso.

9. An Example of the Molding Process. An excellent demonstrate and explanation for casting a torso from life.

10. Molding a Face Part 1. This article with excellent graphics provides a step-by-step procedure for molding a life casting of a face.

11. Molding a Face Part 2. The continuation of the  molding a life casting of a face.

12. Molding a Face Part 3. The completion of the instructions for molding a life casting of a face.

13. Finishes. The site is slightly off the mark as it is devoted to finishing scale models. Surprise-surprise-- it presents some outstanding finishing techniques on airbrushing and colorizing on a detailed scale model nude statue that can be directly applied to life casts.

14. Making a Latex Mold. This is commercial site that provides very detailed photographs and instructions on making of a reusable latex mold -- techniques that can be helpful to life casters.

15. Building A Star Wars Storm Trooper-huh? I know the life casting purists will chide me on this one, but it is a surprising site on building a replica Star Wars storm trooper. It provides a very detailed step-by-step detail of making a full body mold using plaster bandages-- plus it is fun, too.