The rubber is peeled back from each section of the original. It then has the edges trimmed up with scissors and is fitted onto the surface of the corresponding plaster mold.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Cleaning the plasters.
Each section has the edges trimmed up with a knife and then a torch is run over the edge to burn away any excess hemp. They are then ready to have the rubber inner mold put into place
Taking the plaster mold apart.
Each section is worked loose and set aside to be cleaned up later.
Sometimes the sections come loose easily, and sometimes they have to be pried loose.
In order to remove the plasters from the bottom of the piece, we had to take apart the armature and lift the entire piece free from the base and lay it on the floor.
Making the plaster mold.
The first step is to make a "splash" coat of plaster. This consists of splashing a thin layer of plaster over the area in order to get a good base of plaster on the piece.
Next, the hemp is dipped into the plaster and then placed over the splash coat.
The hemp is about half done. the entire surface will be covered like this.
Once all the hemp is in place, then more plaster is added and smoothed by hand in order to create a clean surface to the mold.
The mold section is finished. Each individual section of the mold will go through this same process.
Preparing to make the plaster mold.
Each mold is comprised of two parts, a soft inner layer made out of rubber that will pick up fine detail, and a rigid outer mold that will provide support. The outer mold is made up of plaster and has hemp added to provide strength. The photo above shows Steve using plastic to protect the rest of the mold while one section is plastered.
Forming the hemp into balls.
The hemp is formed into balls and ready for use.
Mixing the plaster.
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