Silicone Casting Process
The process of silicone casting starts by surrounding the sculpting in the same type of clay. This is called flashing. It is then further surrounded by a wall of water-based clay creating a seal that will contain the silicone.
Using equal parts of A and B of Platsil FS-20 silicone. This should be calculated so it completely covers the original sculpt with minimum wastage.
Once the silicone has been poured evenly over the sculpt, any air bubbles should be removed from the silicone before it cures, this can be done by banging your fist or a small hammer on the underside of the counter or table. Once any bubbles have been removed the now casted piece can be placed to one side to cure.
Once cured, all the clay can then be removed and the mould you have just created can then be cleaned by IPA to remove any smaller parts of clay
Encapsulation Process
The encapsulation process starts by prepping the mould with petroleum jelly. This will stop any products from seeping into the mould. After waiting 30 minutes the next step is to airbrush cap plastic onto the mould in varying directions, this is created by mixing 1 part baldies with 8 part acetone. To check the plastic is thick enough and hasn't got any holes you carefully pull the edge of it up by using a plastic pin in multiple places.
Leave this to one side to cure.
While the bald cap is curing you can prep your silicone. This is done by pouring equal parts of Platsil Gel 10 A, B and D silicone into separate containers. Once these parts are measured you can then colour the silicone with fletching and some silicone dye making sure not to make it too opaque.
Once the bald cap is cured you can mix all the separate parts of silicone together thoroughly but quickly as it immediately starts to cure. This can be immediately poured into the model evenly. After this, you should then pick it up and drop it multiple times to eliminate any air bubbles.
The next step is to scrap off any excess silicone making sure to get an even layer along the top. After that, clean up any other excess silicone with cotton buds and leave the silicone to cure, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
Once this is cured it can be carefully removed from its mould starting by lifting up an edge and slowly pulling it out the mould while dusting underneath with talcum powder or setting powder.
Once it is completely removed it should be slightly stretched and pinned onto a board for safekeeping until the application.
All information came from knowledge gained during lectures and demonstrations by Natasha Jordan and Cristina Romano
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