Hello! Sorry to introduce myself with a question - I swear if I ever read anything I'm actually qualified to answer I'll give it a shot! I'm quite good at failing at casting, but I'm a bit in love with it, which makes it a bit expensive and frustrating... SO I wanted to ask for pointers before I go too far with this one!
This is the latest problem I set myself - it's basically a u-shaped snake (the side you don't see is similar to the one you do). A poured box mould would use more latex than I can really justify in that negative space so having stared at some tutorials I think I should use a split mould with a plaster shell to support it. It is made of cured super sculpey and I've built up potters clay to what I think is the mid line all the way round.
This is what I plan to do - can somebody with some experience please critique it and tell me what I'm certainly doing wrong and how to avoid it?!
1) paint on a thin layer of latex (currently have Tiranti T20)
2) when cured, slap on some thicker layers until it's bulked up
3) build up a wider rim of clay and then layer up some plaster on top of the latex
4) flip the lot, dig out the clay and clean it off as best I can
5) blast the lot with mould release or vaseline
6) repeat painting then layering silicone
7) repeat plaster case
8) remove the original
9) ...profit
As I was typing that I realise I've not made any pouring channels or air vents in the clay at this first stage - see what I mean?! I'd really appreciate any advice along those lines that might save the day! Enormous gratitude if you can help in any way