Fibreglassing Lifecast

 

In order to create a lifecast model that can with stand the sculpting, moulding and casting process of such a big makeup it is necessary to make the lifecast in fibreglass. This will be very strong and accurate therefore allowing for repetative use. I will need to create two lifecasts as I will need to make a face and caul piece to produce a cohesive makeup. On each cast I will sculpt the front of the face and the back on the other. These will then conjoin and create a seamless prosthetic. 

 

To create a fibreglass lifecast one must first apply the Gel Coat layer to pick up the detail layer of the sculpt, this should be applied evenly and smoothly in order to reduce the amount of air bubbles caught in the mixture and therefore make the final result smoother. Apply the gel in both halves and allow to set to tacky and place the two halves together. Then begin to lay fibreglass into the mould, this will create the tough cast of the model. 

 

To create the fibreglass core I used the techniques that I had previously learnt when creating moulds and used my common sense in order to make the core. I as unable to find research concerning the creation of a core, therefore I asked Wayne for help and completed the core to the best of my knowledge. The result worked perfectly, I was able to create a successful core that you see below. 

 

 

Wayne gave me a tutorial on how to complete the firbeglass core for the full head, suggesting techniques and tips, such as keeing the edges very neat and brushing the gel coat in so as to prevet any air bubbles from forming on the surface ruining the texture. After I had completed the core he suggested that next time I leave the matting out the sides of the core so as to prevent the folds on the inside. This will make the the adjoing edges much neater and therefore the finishing process will be reduced saving time. 

 

Here I have photographs of the process that I completed to create my fibreglass cast. I coloured the gel coat red in order that I see the sculpt more easily. It will allow me to judge the thickness of the edges to ensure that they are perfectly smooth.