The ultimate in lifecasting is the full body body. The Full Body Casting Kit has all the materials need to create the classical lifecast staute. The casting is made in three pieces - head, front and rear -- then seamed. This is an advanced project that should only be attempted by an artist who has had previous experience in lifecasting. You will need the help of at least two assistants to complete your project.

You can count on the staff at ArtMolds to make certain that the materials are of the highest quality every time. The kit uses the alginate/plaster bandage technique. Two layers of MoldGel Brand alginate capture the minutest details of the torso front. A fiber is then embedded in the alginate to bond the support mold consisting of Gypsona Brand plaster bandages. This allows for an accurate mold that casts without slippage.

The rear torso is molded using only plaster bandages because it does not have the detail associated with the front. 

Finally, the head is fitted to the body and also seamed. After wet sanding, a very pleasing work of art can be created by simply sealing the finished cast with a semi-gloss polyurethane varnish. Once dry several layers of Johnson's Paste Wax can be applied. The result is a very serviceable marble look. A more classic look of foundry bronze can be created using the ArtMold's Finishing kit which contains both a faux bronze finish and a light verdis green patina finish. Used alone or in combination a number of interesting finishes can be achieved.    

When the mold is removed from the model it is prepared for casting. The kit utilizes a hard casting stone known as CastRite. A thin layer is brushed in with a paint brush to eliminate air bubbles. When that layer has begun to set, a second layer of CastRite is poured in and smoothed into the mold using rubber-gloved hands. This layer is build up to about a 1/4-inch. A third layer of CastRite and chopped fiber glass (for extra strength) is then added. The final casting is about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. The two halves are then matched with uneven edges ground away to create about a 1/4-inch seam that is held fast from the inside by fiber glass matting for strength. The seam is then filled with CastRite and sanded smooth when dry. The result is a beautiful seamless hollow casting ready for mounting.

Displaying Your Art Work The full body cast makes a beautiful stand alone work of art. Attach copper or stainless steel tube through between the legs before you close the final torso. Hold the pipe with fast with additional CastRite Let the pipe protrude from the bottom about a foot. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the marble base and fix the pipe in the hole with two-part epoxy.    

Each Kit Contains:        

• MoldGel alginate-based mold powder
• CastRite casting stone
• MoldEZ - skin and mold release
• GelStick alginate bonder
• Plaster Bandages
• Faux mohair to bond MoldGel to plaster bandage
• Fiberglass
• Spackle
• Rubber gloves
• Sand paper
• Drop cloth
• Instructions

You can view an example of a full body casting here that we did of the Illustionist David Blaine complete in a 3 piece suit.