April 3, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
How do I make a plaster cast of my hand or arm?
I’ve never made a plaster mould type of thing before and I need to know all the details. Like what to put over my hand to get the shape then like what to do next and what to pour into the mould to get it and then how to get it out.
I’d also like to know what plaster to use, where I can get it and what sort of price it would be.
with plaster you only want to use plaster bandages not solid plaster as the latter will get hot and can burn you. The plaster in plaster bandages is not as thick, so won’t produce as much heat. You can get plaster bandages in some art supply places as well as in medical supply places.
If you just want to make a mold of your hand I would recommend using alginate (dental supply or art stores), should be about $10 for a pound. First play around with small amounts so you know what it does. Mix enough to fill a large soft drink bottle as high as you want your mold. Stick your hand inside the alginate, don’t move for about 3-5 mins, then it should be set. Gently remove your hand – alginate is like jello, so it is flexible. It needs to be used soon after you made the mold as like jello it changes shape when it dries out. You could pour plaster into it. The drawback of alginate is that you only get one cast out of your mold. The advantage is that it is nontoxic, safe and produces great surface detail.
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Posted by paige
February 10, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
do not put plaster on your skin. it will not come off!
References :
Posted by mysticjane2z
February 10, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
In my sculpture class, we learned the use of plaster tape. You make sure whatever you wish to use has some oil on it (Your hand and arm ) if you wish. You then moisten the tape and wrap it around your arm and hand to the desired thickness. I would say at least one half an inch and let it dry. Then cut it off and patch where you cut it then sand. A full service art store should carry the tape. One girl got best of show by wrapping another girl who was pregnant from her neck to right above her legs. This would provide you with the basic sculpture. The molding of it is another subject which I dont have any knowledge. This type of plaster is plaster of Paris which WILL come off your skin and is inexpensive.
References :
A sculpture class I took
Posted by Juan J
February 10, 2010 @ 8:28 pm
use vaseline or petroleum jelly anything thats not watter based and kinda oily and thick, make sure you get the little hairs well covered (ouch!) i know they sell kits on some hobby stores or some artsy stores and they are not too expensive, probably about 20 to 30 bucks, w all u need, if u dont find them plaster of paris will work but it will get hot when it dryes, not too hot but mee, u can do a two part mold too, just get a box, a shoe box may do, and have some help, fill it till half and then put in half your hand, dont let the plaster go over your hand, whait till it dryes and put some more release agent arround the entire thing (the top of the plaster thats dry too, very important,) keep ur hand there dont be excesive as it will increase the curing time,then pour some more plaster on top make sure u are well lubed, let that dry, and u have a two piece mold, separete get hand out, lube the two pieces, put them toghether u can use tape or rubber bands, fill the hole tru the wrist hole thats left, let it dry and then separate it carefully and there u have it ta ta!
dont mix the plaster untill u are about to use it, ull need help to do this
good luck
References :
Posted by tigris
February 10, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
with plaster you only want to use plaster bandages not solid plaster as the latter will get hot and can burn you. The plaster in plaster bandages is not as thick, so won’t produce as much heat. You can get plaster bandages in some art supply places as well as in medical supply places.
If you just want to make a mold of your hand I would recommend using alginate (dental supply or art stores), should be about $10 for a pound. First play around with small amounts so you know what it does. Mix enough to fill a large soft drink bottle as high as you want your mold. Stick your hand inside the alginate, don’t move for about 3-5 mins, then it should be set. Gently remove your hand – alginate is like jello, so it is flexible. It needs to be used soon after you made the mold as like jello it changes shape when it dries out. You could pour plaster into it. The drawback of alginate is that you only get one cast out of your mold. The advantage is that it is nontoxic, safe and produces great surface detail.
References :
Posted by gr8rt1
February 10, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
get a make a mold kit
References :
http://www.dickblick.com/zz335/34/
Posted by Shinibunny<3
February 10, 2010 @ 10:06 pm
im not sure what kind of plaster you should use, cos in my sculpture class, we just use plaster. no specific one. you can always use a glove as a mold to cast a shape of you hand.
References :
Posted by Ric K
February 10, 2010 @ 10:20 pm
You can get it from
http://www.orthotape.com
just buy the padding and plaster and stockinette
References :