I started the mold making process today. This is the first coat of latex rubber. It takes about 20 coats plus a cellulose thickener. Depending on the temperature I can usually do two coats a day. Then I’ll need to make a cradle to hold the empty rubber mold in place when I use it to make a casting. The cradle for this one is going to be tricky. I’ve used plaster in the past, but this one might have to be part foam. I’ve ten days to figure it out.
I tried out the new cement on the new “pug head tilt” molds last night. After 90 minutes I was able to take them out of the mold. The Portland cement took at least 4 days. I had trouble getting to sleep because I just kept thinking about fast curing cement and which mold to do next. Never in my life would I have thought I’d be this excited about cement. Then today the newly cast pugs decide to take a trip to Easter Island.
These are the first hydrostone castings from the two new “pug head tilt” molds I finished yesterday. Like the others their heads tilt left or right or rest in the center. I’m not sure what to call these two. Right now I just refer to them as “Ooo, look!” Any suggestions?
Second time’s the charm. I couldn’t get the first casting out of the plaster cradle I made to hold the mold without breaking off an ear and the tongue, but after some modification to the cradle, this one turned out fine. Note the biscuit above his head that will be attached to his nose.
Gnawing the Bone 