Casting molding question.

[rasorbackq]

 I have searched for info but not quite sure what to search for . This casting and molding all new to me  .
 I want to  make a couple skunk head s for a couple mounts on the go.

  Can I just use silicone coated on the skull then a 2 part foam to form the skull? Or will the expanding foam deform the silicone covering? I have read alot of this but have not found the answer.

 Can I use spray in foam to form the head?

 

[CrabCrazy]

why not just make a plaster mold,wax the mold then the pour in foam....the spray foam from a hardware store ,disintegrates over time

[Doug Bridges]

Why not just carve the heads from foam. Faster and you can get them just as accurate. No need for all the mess.

[rasorbackq]

 Crab man the plaster .........is that plaster of Paris. I tried that years and years ago and had a lot of problems and have never been back. Maybe that's why I am leery about it now.

Doug...... When i first started taxidermy years and years ago  we used to carve them from eastern cedar . But I like the idea if carving from foam.


 Will have to give that a try. Thanks for the ideas.

[CrabCrazy]

razor dude....plaster works fine if done right....that means not trying to mold over a wet object......dry the head with a hairdryer or heatgun...dry it not cook it....plaster will mold fine...any moisture will cause the plaster next to the head to become or stay soft like, thus breaking off when you de-mold

[Doug Bridges]

Plaster will set up even if it's under water. That's why you never want to send uncured plaster down the sink drain. It's hard to get out of the pipe (pun intended).

Yes it still retains moisture, but you don't have to dry the subject prior to pouring on the plaster. I have never had a problem doing a carcass cast over an animal and I have never dried the subject.

[rasorbackq]

 Doug I gave it 2 tries with the foam and carving   Picked up some plaster of Paris and expanding foam is on the way.