Demolding becomes a challenge when it comes to making molds, casts and especially body molds. While there are different release agents, MoldEZ has been specially formulated for use on the hair.
Almost every mold and cast calls for a release agent. Without using an appropriate release agent, the mold will stick to the model and the casting may become inseparable from the mold. Applying the release agent allows for easy demolding without deforming or damaging the mold or cast in any manner. Different materials are used for this purpose – like polyvinyl alcohol, wax, talc and petroleum jelly apart from chemically formulated release agents.
The problem worsens when it comes to life casting. The alginate molds made from the body will tend to entrap the hair – be it on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes or other fine body hair. This becomes difficult to entangle and the pain of pulling and cutting makes many a model shy away from posing for a life cast.
Most life casting artists tend to use petroleum jelly for this purpose. This serves well as slathering a generous layer will minimize tangling of hair in the body mold. It will come off easily without distressing the model. However, the model will still end up upset with the sticky layer that does not come off the body easily. Especially when applied on the hair on the head, it takes a number of shampoo washes to clean out properly. The sticky mess will be off-putting for anyone!
A better solution
A specially formulated MoldEZ Hair and Mold Release makes life much easier for both the artist and the model. This is a water-based release cream that is made of all natural ingredients. It can be easily applied to the hair and worked down to the roots before combing it out in the desired style for the face mold. Top it off with a second coat on the surface of the hair. One box will be good for casting an entire head of hair.
The best part is that the cream washes off easily in one go itself without leaving any residue behind. The pleasant smell becomes an attractive bonus!
The same release agent can also be used to hold the alginate mold to the shell mold by applying around the edges. It even works well for filling pin holes in alginate molds prior to casting.
Other alternatives for hair
Some life casting artists prefer to avoid the hassle of tangled locks by covering the head with a bald cap or swimming cap. Here, it is crucial that the cap is tight and stays tightly in place without slipping under the weight of the mold. All hair has to be tucked away properly under the cap and the alginate has to be applied carefully along the edges to avoid getting unseemly seam lines on the mold and life cast.
EnvironMolds is the place to source requirements like MoldEZ Hair and Mold Release and other materials, supplies and equipment.
