EnvironMolds Mold Making Latex
The above image shows examples of masks using KazTex mask-making latex. The image on the right is the raw latex after curing. The two images on the right are masks that have been painted using latex-based paint. Latex paints will stretch a bit, whereas or paint types such as acrylic will tend to crack as the latex masks move.
EnvironMolds KazTex Premium Liquid Latex Casting Rubber formula is an industry standard for pre-vulcanized casting latex. It is most commonly used for the production of hollow molded rubber articles, toys, hot-water bottles, rubber balls, imitation pottery, masks, puppet heads, and display articles. It is also useful for coating polystyrene, texturing, and general special effects for theater work.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Creating the gypsum mold over the clay modelIn the above photo, a two-part gypsum plaster shell is being built up over a clay model of a stylized monster (see photo on the right). The gypsum plaster being used here is ArtMolds CastRite plaster. |
Pouring in LazTex into the gypsum moldWhen the plaster mold is completed, it is removed from the model and cleaned. It is allowed to dry overnight. Then KazTex is poured in to completely fill the mold. It is left in for 30-45 minutes and then poured back into its container. A skin of LazTex is left behind on the inside surface of the mold. |
Opeonin he mold to reveal the rubber maskAfter 12 to 24 hours the mold is separated and the newly formed LazTex rubber mask is carefully removed. Note another mask in the rear of the photo. This same method is used in making fake food, props, and other prosthetics. |
A few minutes prior to using LazTex remove the lid and allow the ammonia odor to dissipate. LazTexd is usually used in a plaster mold because of the porous nature of plaster. When this casting latex is poured into plaster, the plaster sucks the water out of the latex which in turn cures the latex leaving a thin skin. Silicone and urethane molds can be used, but the results can be inferior as they do not have the same curing properties. Making a latex mold is a simple process just pour in the LazTex and let it stand for about 30-45 minutes or so. (Leaving it longer will produce thicker skin, shorter a thinner skin.) Then pour it out. Often you may achieve better results by slush casting or rolling the latex around in the mold before you pour the excess out. Latex can be tinted in advance by adding acrylic-based paints. When tinting latex note that colors tend to dry darker than they initially appear.
You can use the following formulas for adjusting the appropriate rubber hardness. The formulas can be mixed either by volume or weight: