Using Body Double® FAST SET Silicone to Make a Mold of a Head

Using Body Double® FAST SET Silicone to Make a Mold of a Head

Body Double^® Silicone Rubber is used by both professionals and hobbyists to make ultra-high definition impressions directly off the human body. In their cured state, molds made using Body Double^® Silicone Rubber exhibit virtually no shrinkage. Furthermore, Body Double^® molds will maintain their dimensional stability for many years even after being cast many times. Body Double^® is the only ACMI-rated (Non-Toxic) rubber IN THE WORLD designed specifically for lifecasting.

There are two versions of Body Double^® available - STANDARD SET & FAST SET. There are only three distinct differences between the two versions:

1. Pot Life - the amount of time you have to work with the material to get Part's A & B mixed thoroughly and applied before it gels. The STANDARD SET has a 5 minute Pot Life; the FAST SET has a 90 second Pot Life.

2. Cure Time - how long it takes for the silicone rubber to fully cure. The STANDARD SET has a 25 minute Cure Time; the FAST SET has a 6 minute Cure Time.

3. Color - the STANDARD SET has a purple color when thoroughly mixed; the FAST SET has an Aqua Green color when thoroughly mixed. We gave them different colors so users will know which version they are working with.

It is possible to incorporate both versions of Body Double^® into one mold, especially in situations where a longer Pot Life in the silicone rubber is desired in order to pick-up ultra-high definition on the surface of the skin, such as facial features. In the sequence below, both versions of the silicone are used in the mold of the model's head.

This photo sequence details creating a fast one piece cut seam mold of an entire head using Body Double® FAST SET lifecasting silicone.

1 - Supplies are assembled and prepared.	2 - Earplugs will prevent Body Double® from running into the ear cavity.	3 - Although Body Double® will not stick to human skin, it will encapsulate hair. Body Double® Release Cream was developed to release the rubber from all surfaces including hair-covered human skin.
4 - Body Double® FAST SET cartridge is secured into dispensing gun. Using the dispensing gun allows the mold maker to quickly mix and apply more material.	5 - Body Double® FAST SET is dispensed into a cup and brushed onto the model's face.	6 - Body Double® FAST SET is applied carefully to all areas of the face. It is important that the first coat achieves thorough coverage over all parts of the head.
7 - Body Double® FAST SET is applied carefully to all areas of the face. It is important that the first coat achieves thorough coverage over all parts of the head.	8 - As more material is needed, Body Double® FAST SET can be meter mixed directly from the dispensing gun. This saves time when working with fast setting materials.	9 - More Body Double® FAST SET is built up in layers over the model's head. Ultimate mold thickness should be approximately 3/8'' (1 cm).
10 - Once the silicone has been layered to an appropriate thickness, a rigid support shell must be built. Prior to creating the shell, allow the Body Double® to fully cure (approximately 5 minutes after application).	11 - Support shell is built in two pieces with medical grade plaster bandages. Only use medical bandages - other grades will generate too much heat to use safely on a live model.	12 - When one half of the support shell has been built, begin on the second. Mold maker's tip: Brushing a thin coat of petroleum jelly over the Body Double® prior to applying bandages will minimize chances of suction or mechanical locking of support shell.
13 - More plaster bandages are used to add further stability to the support shell.	14 - Allow bandages to cure for approximately 15 minutes.	15 - Once plaster bandages have cured, the support shell can be removed.
16 - To removed the Body Double® mold, begin by carefully cutting the mold up the back up the head.	17 - Once cut, the mold can be slowly peeled away from the model's head.	18 - The view inside the open cavity of a Body Double® silicone mold.
19 - The mold is seated in the support shell and is ready to be cast into.	20 - Smooth-Cast® 300 resin is mixed and carefully poured into the mold.	21 - Once the resin has cured (about 10 minutes) the Body Double® mold can be removed from the casting.
22 - Finished casting reflects perfect detail captured from the model. Body Double® lifecasting silicone will pick up detail down to a fingerprint.	23 - A Body Double® mold can be used many times to create multiple reproductions.	24 - The possibilities are endless! Body Double® lifecasting silicone can be used to create many kinds of lifelike reproductions. Castings can be sanded and painted to look like real skin!