Learn to mold with plaster.
The most popular body-molding material is plaster. Its strength and ease of application make it convenient, and it is used in the molding of both inanimate and animate objects. Plaster must be nontoxic in body molding, or lifecasting, and all steps of the mold must be planned before plaster is applied. This will prevent burns and ensure the person molded can sit still for that length of time.
Instructions
1. Put petroleum jelly on all areas to be molded.
Lay a thick layer of petroleum jelly over all parts of the model who will be molded. This prevents body hair from being pulled when the mold is removed. It will make the plaster easier to pull apart by providing a smooth surface and preventing it from cracking and breaking. It also serves as a buffer between the skin and plaster, lessening the heat as the plaster dries and molds to the body.
2. Fill a bowl with warm water.
Fill a bowl with warm water. Set it close to your chair or the area where you will be working. Move your model to the desired location and arrange them in the position you wish to mold. If possible, arrange supporting items, such as a chair, cushion or wall to keep them comfortable as they hold their pose. Let them know that they will be unable to move until the project has been finished, so if they need to go to the bathroom, scratch their leg or pull their hair up, this is their last chance.
3. Cut plaster bandages to the desired size.
Pull out your plaster bandages and set them in front of you. Take the first one and cut it to the size needed. Dip the bandage into the bowl of water until it is completely wet. Do not over soak. The bandage needs to be submerged in water, but it should not come out sopping wet or dripping excess water. If so, the bandage will be lumpy, wrongly sized and unable to smooth out.
4. Remove all lumps and creases from plaster before it dries.
Be ready to place the plaster bandage on the model immediately after it is removed from the water. Place it in the desired area and smooth it out, removing creases and lumps from all areas, and molding it to the contours of the body. Cover the entire area with bandages, making sure to remove all air bubbles when pressing down. Make three to four layers to increase the thickness and strength of the mold.
5. Cut the mold in half after it dries.
Allow plaster to fully dry before attempting removal. Find the central point of your mold and mark it. Take a pair of sharp scissors or a knife and cut evenly through the plaster layers. Try to cut the plaster into two equal halves. Be careful not to cut your model when removing the plaster, and let them know you are cutting before you begin. After all plaster has been removed, use bandages to fuse it back together.
