Molding and Casting Artificial Bird Heads

I just tryd my first one the other night I didnt use the release I had to cut down to the bill I had to twist alittle to get the teeth and nosterl out didnt look to bad details on the tip of the beak not as sharp as I wantd and also the bottom jaw was also croockd and I usd rtv mold maybe I cas use a cast head I bought to get better detail?

 

excellent tutorial, just what i was looking for. some of the materials you used are not named as such in the UK, but I'm going to give it a go any way, the principles are very sound. and your tutorial clear.

I make full body forms for small mammals, using sculpted clay, and plaster moulds, with boot polish as the mould release, then filled with gungrade polyfoam, they work very well, (i may post a foto or two later) but Ive just restarted bird taxidermy, after a 30year gap, and so much has changed.
and in that time the UK seems to have lost its suppliers, at least all the ones i knew, and the ones left, haven't really kept apace with newer ideas as far as i can tell.

i look forward to more of your posts in the new year

 

Very helpfull, Thank you!

 

Re: Molding and Casting Artificial Bird Heads

Can't wait to try this on a ring neck duck I was gifted!


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Looks like this same process will work for Turkey heads too,I'll try it and see, using for decoys.

 

ive got a quicker methoth. spray duck head with wd-40 and coat in bondo. let dry 15mins. take a dremel with a cutoff wheel and go vertically around the cast, pull apart and remove duck head. take a few pins and pin the two pieces back together. spray inside with wd-40, pour bondo into bondo mold,let dr 8mins and cut very shallow around the cast vertically and pull the two pieces apart. wala! presto! similar method just a couple days fater with same great results!

 

Does anyone know where to find a release agent at a normal store outside of a taxidermy supplier?

 

Hobby Lobby ..........

Hobby Lobby or any other craft store.



Kerby...

 

Thanks for the quick response

 

This is a very informative topic and I am glad that I found it! Thank you jemery for posting it and all who have replied. Most of the questions that I was having were answered as the pages unfolded except one question that I hope you can answer, here it is . What is the ratio of silicone and acrilic paint for the final coating of the mold ? I read twice and either over looked it or ? Any way I would appreciate the answer. Thanks to all ... Phillip Hall

 

The ...........

The water based acrylic paint acts as a catalyst for the silicone and makes it set up faster. So the water in in the paint is the catalyst and the color allows you to see that it is mixed well with the silicone. The more you use, the faster it kicks.



Kerby...

 

Thanks Kerby, that's helps to understand how it works. Would you recommend using maybe 50/50 or more or less . I am to take a guess that more like 25 to 35 percent acrylic paint should be about right or am I off base? Thank you for your explanation of the acrylic paint mixture makeup and how it works .

 

I prefer .............

I prefer to use Innovative Polymer GI 1100 silicone, so I am not sure on your percentage.



Kerby...

 

Thanks Kerby. I maybe someone else can tell me what the ratio of silicone and acrilic paint for the final coating of the mold would be ? I read twice and either over looked it or ? Any way I would appreciate the answer. Thanks

 

Thank you Kerby , I tried this method and used just enough to add a good color base and it turned out really good !! I used this method to form a male mallard head and I was really pleased with the results!! And by the way , I don't believe you when you say that you just "play" like a taxidermist on the internet, you are far to knodlegeable for that !! Thanks again, Phillip Hall

 

So how do you get the real head out of the Silicone? Does it just simply slide out?

 

It does when using GI 1100. Sometimes you have to make a relief cut..... but not necessary if you are pulling it out from the back.



Kerby...

 

ok, Thanks. I am definitely going to try this out. Been reading these tips on this forum for hours now. OMG there is so much new information. Very cool site and very knowledgeable people

 

Excellent post!

 

If they are too heavy you can Dremel them out at the neck joint.