The process

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I apply a thin layer of body-safe casting silicone to the skin. This is left to set before I apply a second and potentially third layer. I then carefully overlay the silicone with a few layers of plaster bandage. This sets hard and supports the shape of the silicone once removed from the body.

I paint a thin layer of Jesmonite into the inside of the silicone mould. When this is set I apply a second layer, followed by a layer of quadraxial fiberglass. I repeat this last step 2-3 times before finishing off with a final layer of Jesmonite.

two days of drying

I sand the inside to remove any rough bits and seal it to protect it from water and stains and to prepare it for the finish.

one day of drying

For a gilded surface. I paint the cast with metallic paint.

one day drying time

I then apply a special adhesive called ‘size’ to the surface of the cast. 3 -6 hours of drying (the size must dry a little to reach the right level of tackiness). I carefully apply the metal leaf.