Making an Arm Lifecast with Smooth-on Body Double

Temperance of Komickrazi studios shows the process of making a life cast using Smooth-on Body double.
Materials required:
-Smooth-on Body double
-Plaster bandages
-mixing cups
-popsicle sticks for mixing and application
-petroleum jelly
-paper towels
other handy materials:
-plastic sheeting
-neoprene gloves
-duct tape
-assistants for mixing and measuring
-supervisor kitty :3
Project time from start to finish: approximately 2 hours.
I make costumes and cosplays on commission! www.komickrazi.com

[@amys7561]

Perfect demo. Thanks so much!!

[@smoothon]

Great video!

[@Julia-ru9ms]

What type of plaster did you use to create the final arm that you show at the end of the video? Also do you remember what plaster bandages you used?

[@Komickrazi]

The cast arms at the end of the video were made from Urethane resin. Resin was slush cast inside the arm molds in several small batches to make a hollow arm, then filled with a rigid expanding foam. This makes them extra durable, but super light in comparison with plaster. I cannot remember the brand of plaster bandages I used, but they were purchased at my local plastics store with the body double. You can also find plaster bandages at your local hobby shop or model train store.

[@ltapia4918]

Can I cast silicone dragon skyn with this mold?

[@Komickrazi]

You can, but you absolutely NEED to apply a release agent. Normally it is recommended to cast silicone in plaster or resin molds

[@saykaman773]

How os the plaster has cuts already? What did u use?

[@Komickrazi]

I plastered half the arm, then added petroleum jelly to the edge of the plaster, then plastered the other half. There is no need to cut the plaster jacket.

[@saykaman773]

@@Komickrazi OMG! THAT'S WAY TOO CLEVER! THANKS SO MUCH!

[@Ybee5]

How many layers did you apply?

[@Komickrazi]

I honestly don't remember. It's better to ensure a thick even coverage more than ensuring you have X number of layers on. Your model can usually feel areas that may require thickness, so be sure to communicate with them through the process

[@tishamanda36]

Did you use a release agent for this?

[@Komickrazi]

Tisha petroleum jelly was used on the hand, but no other release agent was needed. If my client had a large amount of arm hair it would be recommended to apply some along the whole arm as well. Smooth-on also makes a product called body double silk, which has the release agent mixed right in the silicone so none is required.

[@tishamanda36]

@@Komickrazi Thank you so much. Im getting ready to do some head and torso casts using Double Silk and my Smooth on rep insists that you dont need a release agent for material. My model will be wearing a bra. Have you used this over material? did it stick on you if you did?

[@Komickrazi]

Tisha I have never cast over a bra or other clothing before so I’m not sure how that would work. You may need to wrap the bra area in cling wrap otherwise I would expect the silicone would just soak through the bra and become one with your mold.

[@tishamanda36]

@@Komickrazi This is what happened to me when I just used Alginate. I am looking at starting hyperealistic sculptures an so I am feeling it out with other lifecasters prior to putting it all together. Thanks for the quick responses. Ill prolly pick your brain again in the future.