Mâché for rebuilding around skull cap?

I use a product called "FIX-IT" and mix in a little plaster. You can get FIX-IT at your local building supply

 

People have used plasters and mache's for ages, but PERSONALLY, I prefer Bondo. Still, you can't use Bondo alone. You need Cabosil - a silicone powder that adds body to Bondo. If you mix it properly, it becomes a putty that you can spatula around your horns and antlers. As soon as you do, quickly cover it with a sheet of plastic freezer wrap (Saran wrap). Once in place, move the Bondo putty around like you want it and smooth it out through the plastic. When it cures you'll have a slick and smooth surface that rasps easily before it cures completely.

 

You can also use other fillers like sawdust, fiberglass etc.
What I've been using is foam dust. I take a piece of foam and rasp it with a body file, collect the dust and add it to the bondo to the thickness I want, add the catalyst, mix and follow the steps George listed.

 

George were do you get your cabosil ?


Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

 

Some years back, I bought 5 pounds of it from Newton Supply (Epo-Grip). Do you know how much Cabosil is in 5 pounds??????????? Van Dykes carries it in quarter, half, and 10 pound containers. Half a pound is $11 and will last most people years. Still, if you want 10 pounds, it's $162.

 

Rough it in with bondo then finish it wit potters clay. Works great

 

I actually used bondo and added mache to the bondo. It worked great, it had a clay like consistency and molded nice.

 

Keep a rasp handy. Right when it starts kicking, it's a great time to shape any place that needs it.

 

I use plaster and vermiculite, works a trip

Cam
Down Under
Australia

 

I just use the clay McKenzie sells, the 25lb block, works fine and no mixing anything, just apply after the cape is on, blend into ear butts, done.

 

X-2 on bondo

 

I use bondo for reiforcing under skull cap.and critter clay for filling in everything else..thats just me though.

 

I sometimes use bondo with paper pulp mixed in to lighten it. The bondo definitely is stronger than mache. However, I usually use the fix-it all that someone mentioned. I mix paper pulp in with this as well. This is very easy to smooth out. Just spray with water and smooth before it sets. For anything that needs strength, especially elk, I never use this.

 

I guess I miss the logic of using Papier mache with a polyester. Neither product reaches its potential.

 

Whats wrong with Plaster of Paris, It's always worked great for me.

 

To me, bondo is a slam dunk. Its easy to use, kicks fast, shapes easy, hardens hard, and holds its shape if and when I need to pop off the skull from the form, and also, it holds its form well while adjusting skin around it. I cant think of any downside. I personally do not add anything to it, and to me, cabosil or microballoons scare me to death, health-wise. George is right on thickening with it, but you HAVE TO use a respirator and ventilation, and I would NOT do it in a shop attached to the home with kids around...

 

For me, it was the only thing at arms length when I thought about adding something to the bondo after I had just mixed the hardner in.