Hey guys, So I want to make some resin cast masks.
I was wondering, what's a good type of clay to work on to make the base?
First you have to have to basic shape before you can cast anything right?
Also anyone know any good places to get resin casting material?
I know of one, but I was thinking about local places. c:
Also anyone have any good tutorials on Resin casting fursuit masks?
kthx~
~~shadowwolf
For precisely casting face-masks, or really any precisely molded human based casting, start with alginate. It's normally used for casting dentures, but it's skin safe and nontoxic. The place I'm aware of that I buy my own supplies at is here in Surrey, called PlasticWorks. I'm not sure if they carry alginate (Frankly, the last time I had to use the stuff was seven years ago for making a head bust for an armorer in the SCA), but they do carry quite a large variety of plastics and flexible casting materials as well as coloring agents, reinforcing fiber and other supplies useful to fursuiters. It's also where Trapa and I got some of our supply of ABS plastic for making fursuit skulls. Have a look:
http://www.plasticworks.ca/catalog/index.php (http://www.plasticworks.ca/catalog/index.php)
As for material, you have a few choices, but one of the better durability choices is PVA with some form of strand filler (NOT fiberglass! For the love of Dog, do not put fiberglass fill plastic on your face!). I suppose for a less involving build, though, you could probably use polymer clay to simply sculpt the mask directly from your face. YMMV, however.
Thanks for the help Selkit, This is some really useful information. I will defiantly check this place out!
Also do you have any tips on moving jaws? c:
~~shadowwolf