creating molds for casting giraffe skeletons

[Bone Daddy]

I've been sitting on a disarticulated giraffe skeleton for a number of years and I'd love to make some money off it. Unfortunately whoever prepped this skeleton used bleach to whiten and then used some kind of what I guess was low quality polyurethane to coat some of the bones. When I got the skeleton the stuff had allready turned yellow and the prep person apparently just kinda dribbled the bones randomly rather than coating them completly one by one. The bones look a little strange.  Anyway I've tried solvents and sanding to try to get this stuff off but to no avail. The bleach also has made the bones a little chalky. So my question to you molders and casters is- what would it take money-wise to make molds and cast each bone to create a complete skeleton? I'm 100% sure I have every bone.  I'd love to think it was something I could do myself if I had the time and knowledge, but I'm also curious to know what it would cost me to have someone do the work for me. I would think the skull would be the hardest to cast seeing that it's hollow. I figure it would be easier to just cast the bones and buy a resin skull from bone-clones  I think bone-clones sell their cast giraffe skeletons for like 20 grand so I've had this in the back of my mind a while.  Any ideas are appreciated    

[Ravenson]

PM sent

[jermh1]

hello
I would speculate, the molds would cost thousands, in materials alone, figure 3/8 thickness minimum around every bone. Plat silicone would have to be the molding material to give a longer library life by at least a year. most of the bones would require at least a 2 pc fiberglass jacket, thats alot of work. I would say unless you could move alot of giraffe, it may not be worth it. I would say some parts may be worth molding, maybe a leg or two, the skull with a few vertebra. for stripping of crappy clear coat I use DADS EASY SPRAY(brush it on), it should not hurt the bone, but test first. for sealing I water down elmers white glue 50/50, brush it in, wet rag off, a few times to fill deep cracks but not make it shiney, basicly any surface that is somewhat smooth , the wet rag will take most ofl the glue off. (got that from raven in old forum, the white glue part). then mold away.

[Bone Daddy]

 Thanks to Ravenson and Jermh1 for the information given to me. Casting and molding is not something I have any real experience in, other than watching shows on dinosaur digs, and casting things on the the show Mythbusters. I understand now it's no easy process, financially and time wise. If this project ever gets started I'll share the process if anyones interested. Hey, anyone interested in cast giraffe bones down the road? I have no idea what kind of market there is for such things. Does anyone like giraffes and have 19 foot vaulted ceilings? LOL   

[Bone Daddy]

Damn, I just read my post and noticed I missed a word and maybe wasn't clear. I tried to say- I have no real knowledge in casting. I'll be the first to admit my ignorance in this forum. I don't want anyone blasting me for whatever...  I appreciate any, and all the help:)

[Ravenson]

LOL no problem We have all been there.

Jeff

[Leaf-art]

I would treat the bones with some of that sealer you can use on concrete. Its clear and will stablize the chalkiness. Then I'd paint them some plain old color. Somebody out there would love to have this skeleton, even if the bones don't look 'natural'. Interesting problem.

[bill@hogheaven]

I would have some gaurenteed sales with deposits before starting. This project is going to be  so expensive you wont believe it. Time involved will make you quit your day job.