I'm going to make a scar sheet. First I'll sculpt one out of clay, then making a one piece plaster mold and pouring it up in casting latex. You can use this method of mold making for all kinds of applications. Making slush facial prosthetics, body parts such as brains, small prop pieces. This method just shows how to pour up a layer in latex rubber. If you are doing a piece that needs to more solid you can use make your piece using this application and fill it with an A/B urethane (email me for info on using A/B foams, we will eventually have a How-To Guide on it...)

Supplies I used:
1 block Chavant LaBeau Touche' Clay
Sculpting Tools
1 pair Latex Gloves
Crystal Clear Spray
5 pounds Ultra-Cal 30
1 Chip Brush
Casting Latex
Medium Flesh Cosmetic Pigment
Latex Paint Base
Deep Red Cosmetic Pigment
Cups & Mixing Sticks
Small Cheap Paint Brush


I used a cheese slicer and sliced 9 pieces off my block of clay. Then I attached them together to make a slab and smoothed it all out. Taking extra pieces I sculpted some bullet holes and scars. I used rubbing alcohol to help smooth out the clay.


I then sprayed a layer of Crystal Clear onto my sculpt. This will help the clay come out of my mold easier without sticking to the plaster. You can use Plastic Cap Material instead, but it's a bit more expensive.


I cut a few more slices out of the clay and cut them in half to make walls for my mold. Using a sculpting tool I connected everything and smoothed it all out. I sprayed some Crystal Clear on the walls also.


Mix up a small batch of Ultra-Cal 30. I used a 32 oz. paper tub, filled it almost half way with water and then slowly added my Ultra-Cal 30 until the top looked like a dry river bed. Wear a dust mask when mixing plaster, it's not healthy to breath the stuff in.


Using a chip brush, I applied a splash coat of Ultra-Cal to start, making sure there won't be any air bubbles trapped between the clay and plaster.


I then added a few more layers with my chip brush. And then poured in the rest of the plaster. To make sure there are no air bubbles trapped I smack the table a bunch of times, you'll see the bubbles rise to the top.


It takes 30 minutes for Ultra-Cal 30 to set up. You'll feel it heat up and then cool down when it sets up. I always wait at least an hour after it sets. If you pull the mold apart too soon it will weaken the plaster.


    


If you need to clean the mold you can use some rubbing alcohol or, if there's some Crystal Clear stuck on it, acetone or a comparable solvent. I like using D-Limonene, it's made from citrus peal and is a bit less unhealthy than other solvents. Some people can be allergic to acetone or D-Limonene, be careful if you aren't used to these chemicals. Use the solvent in a well ventilated area or wear a respirator.

Using Casting Latex in a One Piece Mold

Casting Latex is different than liquid, or balloon or foam latex. It's mainly used for mask making or slip cast prosthetics and props.I colored my casting latex for these scar prosthetics. You can use any acrylic paint you pick up at a craft shop. Or you can use powdered pigment like I did with this latex. We carry some great flesh color Cosmetic Pigments and I used the Medium Flesh. Taking a small cup I mixed the pigment into a small amount of casting latex. After it is blended I add some more latex until I have enough for my piece, it's not going to take much, less than an ounce. When you mix pigment (color) into latex be conservative and test as you go. The latex will dry darker than it looks. Latex also contains ammonia so work with it in a well ventilated are or with a respirator and gloves.


I poured out some of the pigmented casting latex onto my mold and evened it out with my fingers, I wanted it fairly thin. Most times when you're pouring casting latex you will be slushing it (rolling it around in the mold).


Casting Latex works best in a plaster mold. Here's why. When you pour in your latex the porous surface of the plaster it pulls the moisture out of the latex and makes it skin. This piece will set real quick, about 15 minutes. You can force it to dry quicker by adding heat, such as a blow dryer or putting it in a slow oven. When it's cured just peel the piece off of the mold. The mold is ready to reuse immediately.

Painting With Latex Paint Base

Latex Paint Base is used by many mask makers. It is a latex formulated just for painting latex. Thin enough to go through an airbrush or just hand brushed on. It sticks to latex and it stretches too.


On this scarsheet... I'm going to paint the blood into the wounds. To do this I'm going to mix up a paint consisting of Latex Paint Base and Powder Cosmetic Pigment. You can add any water soluble paint or powdered pigment to Latex Paint Base, I'm using the Deep Red Cosmetic Pigment because it has a great blood color.


Using a small throw away brush I just colored in the interior of the bullet holes and cuts. It dries quickly and won't peel off. Just cut out the scar you want and apply it with spirit gum. Blend the edges with Old Age Stipple or mortician wax (if necessary) and then blend into the skin with makeup. Remove the cuts with spirit gum remover or Super Solv carefully and you can reuse them.







Disclaimer: FX Warehouse Inc. will not be responsible for use of misuse of any products you may buy or use from us. Most of our products are for Professional Use only. Use at your own risk.