Showing posts with label Plaster gauze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plaster gauze. Show all posts

Upcycle Like an Artist: Give Everyday Objects New Life with Plaster Crafting

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Tuesday, December 12, 2023 10:36 PM

If you think plaster bandages are reserved solely for broken bones or dull medical uses, it's time to expand your imagination! These versatile plaster cloth strips open worlds of creative possibilities for crafters and hobbyists. Learn how plaster gauze rolls enable you to make stunning home accents, wall art, jewelry, and more when you unleash your inner artist.

Shape Custom Coat Racks That Wow


Tired of fumbling through a heap of jackets piled haphazardly on the floor whenever you're rushing out the door? Bring organization and style to your entryway by crafting custom coat racks using plaster bandages. Start out by bending common metal hangers into fun new shapes - try swooping curlicues that mimic ocean waves, a series of sloped triangular arms reminiscent of mountain peaks, or asymmetric zig-zag arcs for a modern abstract look.

Secure your newly formed wire hangers upside down against a protected work surface using clumps of sticky modeling clay. This keeps everything in place for plastering. Next, dip strips of plaster gauze into warm water to activate the plaster coating. Then, apply the moistened strips over your shaped wire forms, smoothing with your fingers as you go to meld seams. Once dry, pop off your handmade sculpted racks and attach them to the wall with heavy-duty anchors according to your unique space. Then drape coats, scarves and hats over the vivid swoops and peaks, bringing an artistic touch toorganization.



Upcycle Ordinary Candles into Bold Works of Art


Don't discard half-melted candles or toss out that chipped glass vase gathering dust in the corner. With versatile plaster of Paris bandages from ArtMolds, you can give worn candles, vases, bottles, jars, and household items new life as one-of-a-kind candle holders. Start by inserting short candle stubs into glass containers and vessels with interesting shapes. For candle holders without solid bottoms, use wads of modeling clay secured inside to hold each candle upright as you work.

Next, dip strips of plaster gauze to thoroughly soak the plaster coating. Then artfully apply the moist strips over the outside of the candles and containers, covering completely to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. While the plaster is still wet and malleable, texture it by imprinting designs with your fingers, homemade tools like combs or forks, or by sculpting free-form swirls. Once fully hardened and rigid, carefully remove the glass or peel away clay to reveal your hand-crafted artistic candle displays. When the carved, nature-inspired holders are lit with the glowing flicker of candle flames, dancing firelight casts intriguing shadows to complete your customized set and ambiance.

The possibilities are endless when you let creativity lead the way. Gather inspiration from items already at home, roll out versatile plaster strips, and shape your unique vision. Visit Artmold’s website at https://www.artmolds.com/explore our selection of plaster gauze rolls today!

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Exploring the Versatility of Plaster Bandages

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Sunday, July 2, 2023 11:02 PM

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.

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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Creating, Recreating and Reinforcing with Plaster

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Thursday, March 9, 2023 9:18 PM

Plaster is an adaptable material that has been commonly used since time immemorial. Therefore, many traditional as well as contemporary works owe their existence to the ever-versatile plaster!

Plaster is a simple powder made of gypsum, sand and lime. Simply adding water to the material will form a paste that can be used in many different ways. The very first thought is obviously in construction works, not just for plastering walls but also to create frescoes and other reliefs.

In direct contrast to this are the plaster bandages which are used to form shell molds that will reinforce the original mold and help it retain its shape. Then there are other varied uses like making original sculptures and other decorative elements apart from casting in molds to make replica casts and even life casts. Plaster can be carved after drying, which further increases its utility.



Getting into plaster casting


Making a plaster cast is as simple a task as anything can be. All it requires is mixing the plaster powder with water to get the desired consistency before pouring it into the mold. Once it has hardened, the mold can be removed to reveal an exact replica of the original model. What’s more, numerous replicas can be made in quick succession in the same mold as the plaster will set and cure pretty quickly.

However, alginate body molds tend to shrink on exposure to air and cannot be reused. Moreover, plaster also tends to give off heat while curing and therefore, should be used with caution.


Getting into plaster shell molds


Using plaster of Paris bandages to form a mother mold is another story altogether. This is nothing but thin gauze that has been impregnated with plaster powder and is available in the form of rolls. The usual method is to cut long strips of the gauze before wetting them with water. Gently squeeze out the excess water and apply it over the mold to form a covering. The bandages should be applied in an overlapping manner with each layer being smoothed out with a gentle hand to ensure that air does not get trapped in between and warp the mother mold.

Plaster gauze is generally used with alginate, silicone rubber and latex rubber molds. As these molds are flexible; they tend to flop over during the casting process which can distort the casting. The plaster in the gauze will harden to form a rigid covering which encases the flexible mold and helps it retain its shape.

In sum, plaster is a relatively inexpensive material. It is easy to use and does not take much time to set, thus giving quick results. The beauty of this simple material is that it has been an intrinsic part of many artistic movements of the olden days and yet manages to retain its utility till date! In fact, there’s so much more that can be done with plaster – the only limit is the imagination for sure!

 

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Making Body Molds with Plaster Bandages

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:53 AM

Who says plaster bandages can only be used to make a mother mold? The plaster infused gauze can also be applied directly on some parts of the body to make form molds that are later used for life casting.

Plaster bandages are normally used to make a shell mold to reinforce the flexible alginate or silicone body molds. The plaster in the bandages sets to form a rigid structure that encases the flexible mold and helps it retain its shape.

However, the plaster bandages can directly be applied on the skin to make form molds as well. This is used on areas like the stomach, back, thighs and arms which do not have much contours or undercuts. The bandages are most common for making pregnancy molds of the abdomen to capture the shape of an expecting mother for posterity.
 
 


Following is a look at what goes into making a body mold with plaster bandages:

  • The model has to be prepped for the session – the artist should inform him or her about the process, like what to expect and how much time it will take. Discuss the pose and ensure that the model can stay in the position for half an hour or so. Props or support may be required.
  • Prepare the area for the session by lining the floor with a waterproof covering as the dried plaster can prove difficult to remove. The artist should also wear a protective apron or old clothing that can be discarded later.
  • An appropriate mold release – like petroleum jelly or olive oil – should be applied on the body as this will make it easy to remove the mold without pulling on the body hair.
  • The bandages have to be rolled out and wet before applying. Here it is better to use warm water as the wet bandage can chill the skin and become uncomfortable for the model.
  • Lay the strips on the body one at a time starting from the top and moving towards the bottom. Make sure to overlap them to form a strong mold. It is better to keep changing the direction of the bandages when building the layers and make them thicker at the edges. This will serve as a good grip when it comes to demolding.
  • Work out the air bubbles when applying the bandages. However, do not press down too hard as this will form dents and can even deform the mold.
  • Once done, let the mold set and dry before demolding. Carefully run a finger under the edges to break the seal from the skin. The mold can then be lifted off easily from the body.
  • Place it on a soft surface with the hollow side down and let it cure properly. It can then be varnished for some extra protection.

Plaster gauze bandages and other materials and supplies needed for making a life cast can be easily sourced at EnvironMolds. The art supplier manufactures and stocks top quality products and tools and is more than willing to assist with tips and instructions as well.
 

 

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The Ins and Outs of Plaster Bandages

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Monday, May 17, 2021 5:59 AM

 Plaster of Paris is a common material that finds usage in construction sites, orthopedic chambers and art studios. When plaster is infused into gauze, it forms the very resourceful plaster bandages.


Plaster of Paris is a quick-setting gypsum plaster that comes in the form of a fine white powder. It forms a paste when mixed with water and when allowed to dry, it will take a solid form. The name plaster of Paris comes from the abundant gypsum found near Paris that is used for the preparation.

This is commonly used as a building material to form a protective coating on walls and ceilings apart from giving aesthetic finishing touches. The same plaster powder can be used to immobilize joint or limb fractures. In the medical field, it is applied as a slab, splint or full cylindrical cast on broken bones by orthopaedics. It dries to form a rigid cast that will hold the broken pieces of the bones in place and help them to heal. Dentists also often use plaster to make molds of the teeth to be replaced.

But not many people may be aware that woven fiber material (like gauze) can be soaked in a plaster solution and then dried to produce Plaster of Paris bandages.




Usage


Plaster bandages are usually used to form shell molds over flexible molds – like those made of alginate or silicone rubber. It forms a stiff covering that helps the mold retain its shape and the firm mold can then be used for casting purposes.

Apart from this, the bandages are also directly applied on both living and non-living models to make form molds. This will capture the basic shape without the finer details. Therefore, it is usually used for making belly molds (like pregnancy casting) and other basic shaped figures.

How to use?


Plaster bandages are fast and practical to use. The reverse process comes into play here – just soak the bandages in water and the moistened bandage will be ready to use. The bandages will harden rapidly, to form a resistant structure which does not lose shape.

Roll out the bandage and cut into the required lengths. Take a bowl of water and soak each bandage for a couple of seconds before squeezing it gently. Then apply on the required surface. Smooth it out with the fingers while ensuring that air bubbles do not get trapped inside.

Where to find?


EnvironMolds offers a complete array of materials, supplies and tools for making molds, casts and life casts. This includes top quality plaster bandages at very reasonable prices. The bandages are skin friendly and smooth. They offer rapid plaster immobilization with quick water absorption that enables faster application on the molds or even the body. There is appreciable mold ability which allows it to conform properly to where it is applied, thus facilitating easy and accurate molding.

What’s more, the same bandages can also be used in the medical arena to form plaster for bone and joint fractures.

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Varied Uses of Plaster

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Wednesday, January 27, 2021 6:24 AM

 Plaster is a simple powder that is mixed with water before use. The material cures slowly to capture the shape in a solid form. This plaster can be used in varied ways to suit different purposes in the arts.

Plaster is a humble white powder made with a combination of lime or gypsum with sand and water. It is mixed with water to form a stiff paste before application. It dries to a solid form in some time. It is usually known as plaster of Paris as the gypsum was mined in abundant quantities in Paris.

The most common use of plaster mix is to coat walls and partitions to make the surface smooth. It is used to make false ceilings apart from stucco work and rendering. It also lends itself well for decorative architectural moldings like cornices and corbels.

Plaster is also used in the medical field to make casts for immobilizing broken bones and supporting the fracture till the bones can set properly once again.

A variation of the regular plaster also finds its way into the world of mold making and casting. This is different from the regular plaster of Paris which tends to become chalky and flaky over time, does not hold detail well and is hydroscopic in nature.

The art variant of plaster is harder which allows it to capture crisp details and set to a smooth solid. Yet it can be carved or tooled as desired. This is used in mold making and latex slush molds while plaster bandages are used to make shell molds or even form molds.

Plaster can be used for general mold making, but care should be taken as the material tends to emit heat due to the chemical reaction. Therefore, it can damage the product or harm the model when applied directly on the body. Some people have been known to get burns when plaster is used in large volumes!

A better application of plaster is for making the life castings. The plaster mix is poured into the alginate or silicone body mold and allowed to cure. After demolding, it turns out a bright white life cast that is a spitting replica of the original body part. It can then be finished as required before being put up for display.

Plaster is coated over gauze to form plaster bandages that can be used to make shell or mother molds. The wet bandages are smoothed out over alginate or rubber molds. They dry to a rigid form and thus lend the required stiffness to the flexible molds that would otherwise flop over themselves making it difficult to cast properly. The same bandages can also be used on the skin to make rough body part molds like the abdomen as they do not have much detail. Artists also use the same technique for making a face mold for making masks.

EnvironMolds offers a range of plaster options for pottery, casting and the ever-popular Plaster of Paris bandages.
 

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How Many Plaster Bandages Will You Need?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Monday, November 16, 2020 8:44 AM

 Use too few plaster of Paris bandages for making a shell mold and you will be left with a distorted mold on your hands. Tips on how to calculate the requisite amount of rolls will prove helpful.


Plaster of Paris bandages are a versatile accessory when making molds, and especially body molds. The most common use of plaster bandages is for making shell molds. Also known as mother molds, they provide rigid support so that flexible molds made of alginate, latex rubber and silicone rubber can retain their shape. The shell mold is made over the original mold so that it can house the mold and ease the casting process.

 


Apart from this, the bandages are also directly used to make form molds like the torso, belly and legs in body casting. They are also useful in mask making.

This brings us to the question – how many plaster bandages will an artist need for making a shell mold or even a form mold? Keeping sufficient rolls of bandages handy is imperative. In case you fall short during the mold making process, the mold is most likely to distort and collapse into a useless mess.

This is especially important as the bandages are built up in overlapping layers to ensure that the mold become sturdy enough after drying. Therefore, eyeball estimates by newbies can easily go haywire.

A simple rule of thumb is that the bigger the mold, the thicker should be the shell mold to ensure that it does not distort during the casting. Following is an estimate of the number of layers of plaster bandages required during life casting:

  • Face mold - 4 layers
  • Head mold - 5 layers
  • Half torso - 5 layers
  • Full torso – 6 to 8 layers


Now, a standard 5-inch roll of 5 yards plaster bandage yields around 900 square inches of bandage therefore, a single roll of plaster bandage will easily suffice for a typical face mold. A head mold will require 4 to 5 rolls and half torsos can be covered with 4 rolls. Full torso will take about 5 to 6 rolls for proper and thick coverage.

Environmolds (https://www.artmolds.com) offers a broad range of top quality plaster of Paris bandages. The creamy and smooth PopArt Plaster Bandages are available in 5 inches, 8 inches and 12 inches by 5 yards length. These are superior quality quick-setting bandages that are formulated to wet out creamy with a thick plaster consistency. They set quickly within 5-minutes itself.

Then there is the ArtBands Plaster Of Paris gauze bandages (5 inches * 5 yards) with a modern formulation that produces a consistent fast-setting plaster coat that adheres to the gauze cloth uniformly. It yields a smooth, creamy surface, is fast setting, resists delamination and gives excellent strength. The Gypsona Plaster Bandage is another premium bandage (6 inches * 5 yards) that has been the first choice of mold makers and life casting artists for over a decade.

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Plaster Bandages in Body Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Thursday, July 2, 2020 2:47 AM

Life casting artists commonly use plaster of Paris bandages to reinforce the body molds. This keeps the otherwise flexible mold from flopping over itself and losing its shape, thus allowing for proper life casts.

Alginate is the most preferred material for making body molds. It is safe for the skin and captures minute details well. These molds have the making for excellent life casts.

However, alginate molds are flexible and cannot retain their shape after being demolded from the body. They tend to flop over themselves making casting difficult.

This is why life casting artists always reinforce the alginate body molds with Plaster of Paris bandages. This is known as a shell mold as it forms a rigid covering that supports the mold and facilitates easy casting.


The plaster bandages are in the form of long rolls of gauze that is infused with plaster powder. The technique is to wet the bandage and apply it over the mold. The plaster in the bandage will dry to form a rigid mold that helps the inner mold to retain its shape.

When making a shell mold, first cut out long strips of the plaster bandage. Take a bowl of warm water and dip one strip until it is saturated. Gently lift it out and squeeze the excess water. Apply on the mold surface while taking care to remove air bubbles by smoothing out the surface with the fingers. Repeat the process with each bandage while ensuring that each successive layer overlaps the earlier one until the entire mold is covered.

It is advisable to change the water once it starts getting milky. This is because some of the plaster is shed while wetting. Continuing to use the same may cause the bandages to delaminate after they have dried.

Once the mold is dry, demold from the body and continue casting as usual.

The same plaster bandages are sometimes used directly on the body as well. This is preferred for making molds of the abdomen, especially for pregnancy molds. It makes form molds of the shape as details are not required.


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Making Body Molds with Silicone Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Friday, October 14, 2016 3:47 AM

Think body molds; think alginates! Indeed, alginate is the material of choice for capturing molds from the live human body as it is completely safe for the skin. This natural organic material sets quickly and the level of detail is also superior.

However, alginate comes with its own set of drawbacks. For instance, alginate can easily tear during demolding. Even if you manage to demold properly, the molds tend to shrink on contact with air as the water evaporates. They will start losing details within a few hours itself and are mostly unusable after 24 hours or so. Therefore, you have to cast them quickly; within an hour or two at best. Again, these are waste molds as you cannot even consider using them for making multiple castings.

Moreover, you cannot cast resins or polyurethanes in alginate molds. They are mostly suitable for plaster casting only.

Another option

Not many people may be aware that silicone rubber can also be used for making body molds! Indeed, skin-safe silicone is available in the market and LifeRite Skin Safe Silicone from the house of EnvironMolds is a good option.

This 2-part RTV silicone rubber is suitable for life casting and can be easily sourced from Artmolds.com. The body molds will turn out tear-resistant and have a long life.

They can be used again and again for making resin, polyurethane or plaster casting, making it possible to replicate multiple copies using the very same mold!

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