Plaster bandages may seem simple and even queer at times. However, they open the doors to a world of possibilities in life casting itself. Use them to form shell molds or even make body molds directly.
Plaster bandages may look like simple pieces of fabric infused with plaster. But they play an important role in the life casting process, mostly related to capturing the form of the human body in a body mold. Indeed, they work for body molds in much the same way as orthopedic casts and prosthetics.
The bandages are easy to use. Simply roll them out and soak them in water before squeezing out the excess liquid. This makes them malleable and easy to work with. All that is needed is applying the strips and allowing them harden as the moisture evaporates. This will form a rigid mold that captures the shape of the body.
Plaster bandages have dual applications in life casting. The most common usage is to form a shell mold over the alginate mold – as the latter is flexible, it needs to be reinforced to be able to retain its shape during the casting process.
The bandages are easy to use. Simply roll them out and soak them in water before squeezing out the excess liquid. This makes them malleable and easy to work with. All that is needed is applying the strips and allowing them harden as the moisture evaporates. This will form a rigid mold that captures the shape of the body.
Plaster bandages have dual applications in life casting. The most common usage is to form a shell mold over the alginate mold – as the latter is flexible, it needs to be reinforced to be able to retain its shape during the casting process.
On the other hand, some life casting artists apply the bandages directly on the body. This is especially useful for capturing the shape of the abdomen for making a life cast of pregnant belly. Keep in mind that the plaster mold will not capture intricate details and contours, therefore, it cannot be used on other parts of the body. Moreover, care is required as the plaster tends to release heat which can be uncomfortable or even cause burns on sensitive skin.
However, some artists use them even on the face to replicate the shape for making masks. Dimensional stability is a given here.
How to use?
The process is also easy and straightforward. Just roll out the bandages (cut to size if required) and wet in a bowl of water before squeezing and applying on the alginate mold or directly on the body. A couple of layers will be required to ensure that the mold is thick and sustainable.
While applying the bandages, ensure that they overlap each other and are thicker on the edges. Working in a crisscross manner is the best approach.
Once the plaster has set and dried properly, demolding is as easy as twitching the body a bit before inserting the fingers from the edges of the mold to remove it from the body.
What makes plaster bandages an attractive option is that they are easily available and cost-effective too. They can be used by beginners, hobbyists and professionals alike. They are non-toxic and lightweight; they will not cause allergic reactions on the skin either.
In sum, plaster gauze forms an essential part of life casting. And an easy option for sourcing them is EnvironMolds. The art manufacturer and supplier is renowned in the world of mold making, casting and life casting for providing top quality materials, supplies, tools and equipment at the best prices.
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