There are many different types of casting materials available to suit many different types of projects.



If you are creative with jewelry then you may wish to look at the various resins for casting unique resin jewelry pieces. If you are after a fun and creative party activity for children then you may want to investigate the casting of plaster ornaments and plaques for them to paint. Plaster is the most ideal casting material for this purpose. Every project has its own requirements and here we will look at the most popular casting materials and their uses.

GYPSUM PLASTERS

Gypsum plaster is a versatile, cheap and safe casting material to use for many different types of applications. This material only requires an inexpensive latex mold rather than more expensive silicone rubber mold making materials which are generally needed for resin castings.

Casting plasters are best suited for general purpose art casting such as for children's plaster painting ornaments. Casting plasters have a harder surface which prevents chipping and provides a good surface for painting. Whereas, plaster of Paris, is hydroscopic, chalky and too soft for casting; it is best used for its intended purposes – wall patching.

For projects that require a harder and more durable plaster casting material you might want to look at one of the stone plasters. These are more expensive but the strength is superior.

Life Casting With Alginate

Alginate is easy to use, non-toxic and OK for body and face casts. It reproduces extremely fine detail and has high strength as soon as it sets so you can de-mould fairly quickly. Even though alginate releases very easily from skin, some people choose to apply petroleum jelly to their skin for that added reassurance of an easy release. However, such a procedure prevents the alginate from adequately adhering to the model and should be avoided.

We offer two families of alginates. Our silica-free food grade alginates provide the healthiest and greenest mold making material you can purchase anywhere. They actually yield 50% more mixed impression material per pound than competing formulas making them extremely economical. The material initially sets a bit softer than the traditional formulas, but a two-three minute wait after gelling will provide the strength you expect. The second formula is the more traditional formula which uses the more common clay filler for extra firmness. It has a quicker snap set and more immediate gel strength.

Alginate comes in a variety of setting times. It is used extensively in the movies and TV to create castings of actors for creating facial appliance, makeup, masks and even fake heads and body parts that match the actors almost perfectly. It captures every detail in the skin, including pores, wrinkles and even finger prints. It comes in a powder form and is simply mixed with water and it is not reusable. It's rigid enough to make a mold of a hand or foot in one piece but flexible enough to get your hand out without breaking the mould. And the other great advantage is that it only takes a few minutes to make a mold of a hand or foot.

Environ Molds has been manufacturing and distributing superior quality art supplies throughout the world. http://www.artmolds.com