New Courses coming soon

I will be teaching new courses starting in May 2010. As there has been a lot of interest expressed in learning how to cast your sculptures, I am offering a mold making and casting workshop which will give you a hands on approach to learning this valuable skill. Hope to see you there.

An Introduction to Molding Making and Casting

Objective

Students will learn the basics for making molds and castings, through demonstration and a hands on approach.
1. Make a simple block mold, and then make castings in plaster and clay.
2. Learn the terminology in demonstrations and lectures.
3. Learn safety practices and proper preparations.
4. Introduction to 2 part mold making.
5. Introduction to making mother molds.
6. Advanced mold making approaches will be discussed with the aid of samples brought by the instructor.

Materials

A description of the various different material types will be discussed. As there are a vast number of different materials for mold making and casting, we will be focusing on just a few. We will be using the materials best suited for a home based casting process with the least toxic concerns and take into consideration compatibility issues between various materials.
• Plaster
• Silicones
• Urethanes
• Mold Releases
• Additives

Procedures

1. Discussion of Safety Practices, Materials and Compatibility.
2. Work Prep
• Laying up clay walls and dams.
• When and how to seal the model, pattern or sculpture.
• Applying mold release. Release compatibility issues and necessities.
• Portioning or weighing the liquid mold materials.
• Mixing and Pouring
• Curing
• Releasing original from mold
• Cleaning and prepping mold for casting.
• Applying release agent
• Pre measuring and weighing casting compounds.
• Casting, curing and removal.
• Cleaning of part to prep for finishing.