How to Make a Life Cast Sculpture

Life casting is the process of creating a sculpture of a person while they're still alive to produce the most accurate representation of that person. Creating a life cast sculpture requires a little patience, preparedness and caution.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Gloves
• Mold material
• Scissors
• Casting material

Instructions

1. Gather the ingredients to make a life casting and have them at the ready. A well-organized project results in the best life casting and reduces the chance of harm or injury.

2. Put on a pair of vinyl gloves for this project. Latex gloves are acceptable if the person being cast is not allergic to latex.

3. Apply a thin film of petroleum jelly product over the life cast area. The jelly allows for easy removal of the life casting material. Place a swim cap over the poser's head to prevent material from sticking to their hair.

4. Spread a generous amount of alginate or commercially available plaster coated bandages over the casting area. Allow complete drying.

5. De-mold the model from the casting material. Gently and carefully cut away the mold from the model using a pair of very sharp scissors.

6. Fill the life-casting mold with the material the artist has chosen for the final casting, which commonly includes plaster, liquid metal or even clay.

Tips & Warnings

• If casting the face, place small straws into the poser's nostrils to allow for proper breathing.

• Use props to hold the model in a particular pose while life casting.

• Ensure that the model is not allergic to the casting material, latex or other materials used.

• Make certain the model does not suffer from claustrophobia before beginning the life cast.