Head Portrait Casting Kit

A head portrait is perhaps the most classic of all works of art. Also called a 'bust' it is the epitome of three-dimensional portrait art. Some experience is required in using our kit for the best results. We recommend that you try several face casts first. Casting the a head can be challenging as both the front and the rear of the head are cast at once.

The rewards are extremely satisfactory, however. The head portrait will be a lifetime treasure and a rewarding project. Though we do suggest some life casting practice before you take on this advanced project, none-the-less,with care,satisfactory results can be achieved even for a first timer. The procedure is similar to the Face Casting Kit. However, in this instance the entire head is covered with two layers of MoldGel. Mohair fiber is embedded in the second layer. Then a shell of plaster bandages is applied to the front of the head ending at the ears. The edge of the shell is coated with petroleum jelly and the back half of the shell is applied overlapping on to the petroleum jelly. Once dray the two bandage halves are removed. A zigzag seam is then made down the back of the head so that the MoldGel mold can be removed.

When the MoldGel mold is removed it is carefully placed back into the two halves of the bandage mold. The bandage mold is held together by duct tape and readied for casting. A face coat of CastRite is painted into the mold with special care to insure that the nose and ears are well coated. A second backup coat of CastRite is applied followed by a third coat of CastRite reinforced with chopped fiber glass. When the CastRite is dried the mold is removed. The finished cast is cleaned up and is readied for display.

Highest Quality Materials Available 

As with all of kits they are assembled to be used by both the beginner as well as the accomplished artist. A major reason is that we use the highest quality molding and casting materials available. This is important for both the novice and the advanced artist because it provides insurance against material failure. By using studio quality materials you can concentrate on your art and not be concerned with substandard material that may create more air bubbles, molding gaps, and tears. Our molding material is MoldGel our own special formula of alginate (what the dentist use to take impressions of your teeth). It is a slower set than dental alginate (3-5 minutes) and resists slumping and tearing better than dental alginate. It is completely safe and hypoallergenic, too. The casting material - CastRite is a highly dense gypsum and plaster of Paris material that when properly mixed and cured is chip and chalk resistance. It is the same material that is used for lamp bases in commercial casting. Most important we think, is the materials ability to capture the finest detail. It does this better than most gypsum-based material we know.

Each Kit Contains:

• MoldGel alginate-based mold powder ;
• CastRite casting stone ;
• Clay to plug nose holes when casting ;
• Plaster Bandages ;
• Faux mohair to bond MoldGel to plaster bandage ;
• 2.5 gallon plastic mixing containers - reusable
• Cotton swabs to keep the nose clear ;
• Drop cloth ;
• Instructions