Testing out creating a final product

I decided that as I had made the mounds for two pieces I would do a trial of creating the pieces in silicone so I could check to see if there are any potential issues before the last minute.

I began by making sure that my mounds were clean by thoroughly wiping them over by 99% Isopropyl alcohol, I thin left this to dry and sprayed the mounds with Petrolease which is a mold release spray. After this had dried I mixed super baldiez with Isopropyl alcohol to thin it down. I used 10g of super baldiez to 18g of Ipa. I then brushed this over the mounds ensuring there was an even coating over the mould with no air bubbles.

I made three layers of the super baldiez before mixing up my silicone.

The silicone I am using is plastic Gel25 and I am deadening this with plastic deadener of which is specifically for the silicone. The deadener softens the silicone so it moves more like skin.

I mixed up 28g each of parts a and b, then added 50g of deadener as I wanted my mix to be 90% deadened. I then added the silicone pigment before mixing thoroughly and pouring into the molds. I scraped away any excess and left to set overnight.

Applying the Super Baldiez/IPA mix

After adding three thin layers of Super Baldiez

After applying the mixed, coloured and deadened silicone and scraping away excess

In this image you can see how the molds I originally made are not completely flat. This was a slight concern as I was worried the silicone would not sit properly and this could have had something to do with the following results. I will be making the molds again on harder plastic to ensure they are completely flat.

The next morning I was excited to see the results. I coated the backs of the pieces with baby powder as the fresh silicone can be extremely sticky and if not powdered it could stick to itself and rip. Then I found an edge to lift the silicone with, which was rather difficult, before carefully peeling back the silicone and baldiez from the mold, powdering underneath as I went.

In this image you can see the texture of the piece. I think this may still be a little too subtle and not raised enough so I will be making alterations to these designs.

Unfortunately the pieces ripped as soon as I got near to the detailed silicone bits which I think could b to do with making the super baldiez mix too thin, and possibly deadening the silicone down too much.

I am glad that I have done this now as it would have been extremely stressful if I was making these discoveries a week before beginning shooting, and also I find that if everything goes right first time I do not have the opportunities to learn and grow as an artist.

I will try again with a harder silicone mix and a more concentrated mix of super baldiez to give it more structure and strength.