The Process
Preparation
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Before beginning the casting process, there are lots of things to prepare before the casting takes place. A material used for the mould, alginate, is carefully measured out with a ratio to hot and cold water. The substance is then mixed which creates a thick slime like texture. This ratio allows the set time of the mould to be just right and avoid having customers hold a position for too long. The set time for most moulds taken is approximately 1-3 minutes so from mixing to moulding it can be very quick!
The Mould
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Once the hands/feet are inside the mould and it has set the items being moulded need to be carefully removed. This normally involves loosening the edges and gently removing one hand/foot after the other. This process has to be extremely delicate in in order to avoid scratches and breakages. Once the hands/feet have been removed the mould is cleaned out and is then filled with a specific plaster.
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Demoulding
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Once the plaster has set the cast is demoulded, this involve taking away the alginate to leave just the moment in time that has been captured. If you ask me, it’s the most satisfying part of the process. You can’t ever guarantee how a mould is to look, when you get to finally see it, it’s wonderful! Once the cast is demoulded it must have a minimum of 4 weeks drying time before anything can be done to it.
Editing and Sealing
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Although every cast is naturally beautiful, 99% of raw demoulds will have slight errors. This could include added bubbles to the skin texture, holes in details, water veins or perhaps even a broken Pinky! Nevertheless, all casts will go through an editing phase which fixes all of these problems - you wouldn't even know if there was an issue originally. After the editing phase, all casts are sealed using our 'secret recipe'. This avoids any mould growing on the casting over time and keeping all details looking as fresh as you first receive it (minus an occasional dust)
Airbrushing and Mounting
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Finally, your cast's have been edited and sealed, now it’s time for the fun part - Airbrushing! Rather than using a gilding wax we prefer to airbrush. Airbrushing allows the cast's details to remain perfect and untouched. It is a much more delicate approach and there is smaller room for damages. By using an airbrush with an extremely fine needle as well as top rated paints, the finish always looks unbelievable. Depending on whether you are having your cast put in a frame or placed on a marble base, once the casts are completely dry this is the next step. All frames and mounts are top quality which just make your one-of-a-kind casting look that little more special. Once this is complete, your casts are ready for collection.
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