Preparing a sculpture modeling paste "in a workmanlike manner" does not require a precise technique. Usually sculptors use this method to mix modest quantities of dough (22 liters) for modeling and making molds. The instructions can also be applied to traditional materials used for sculptures, such as gypsum plaster (Plaster of Paris), Hydrocal and Densite bases, etc.
Steps
Step 1. Calculate the amount of paste and silica your sculpture requires
Remember that the measurements are: 1/3 paste / plaster, 1/3 silica powder and 1/3 water. Experience is the best guide in these cases and therefore, as a beginner, you will basically have to hit the right amount. Mix more to make sure you have enough. Use common sense.
Step 2. Mix the silica paste and powder
Step 3. Pour clean, lukewarm water into a container of flexible material
A plastic container with a capacity of about 7 liters is perfect. The amount of water must be one third of the amount of paste / silica you calculated in Step 1.
Step 4. Add the paste and silica powders to the water
Take a handful of powder mixture at a time and pour it into the water, running it through your fingers to separate the lumps. It works quickly, but avoids dropping the pasta directly into the water. Do not mix or mix the water and paste / silica mixture.
Step 5. Continue sifting the paste / silica powder by pouring it into the water
Watch the dust begin to slowly sink into the water. At some point the dust will have absorbed all the water. Sprinkle some powder where there is still water.
Step 6. Do not add more paste / silica when the water in the container is no longer visible
The surface of the mixture should have a gray color, with some white areas, where the powder is dry. Wait to mix!
Step 7. Let the dough rest for a few minutes
Meanwhile, make the final preparations to model the sculpture. If you're using a mold, take advantage of this to make sure you've applied the right release agent to it.
Step 8. NEVER mix the paste with your hands
These materials reach high temperatures when they react with water and can cause serious burns! Use a wooden spoon or egg whisk. Dip the spoon until it touches the bottom of the container and start stirring from side to side, in a motion as in a continuous gesture of greeting.
Step 9. Try to get rid of any lumps by breaking them up
After mixing it well, you can use the paste to model your sculpture. Have fun!
Advice
- Contact with paste powder may cause your skin to dry out. Almond oil is an excellent rehydrator, but you can also use your regular moisturizer.
- The water temperature will make a difference. Hot water will speed up the preparation of the mixture, while cold water will slow down the process. For your sculpture, you can use hot water, if you are using a mold, to work faster, and cold water if you need to model slowly.
- You can use any motion to mix the water and the powder, but avoid the formation of air bubbles. Air bubbles can damage the surface of the sculpture.
- The easiest way to clean the container of leftover paste is to let it harden in there and then have it come off by turning the container upside down and tapping it on the bottom and sides with your hand (hence the importance of using a flexible container).
Warnings
- Avoid getting dirty on your clothes or other surfaces that you will need to clean up. It can be very difficult to remove hardened paste from fabric or other porous materials. However, if this happens, you can try cleaning the stain before deciding that the garment is ruined.
- Always wear a face mask, because if you inhale, the dust particles from the mixture will enter the lungs and the lung fluid will cause them to harden and settle. It is very dangerous, but easily preventable.
- NEVER use your hands to mix the mixture and never apply it directly to the body: it can cause serious burns with dramatic consequences such as amputation of fingers and arms.
- NEVER pour the paste down the sink or other drains. It would solidify causing damage to the pipes. Put it in the garbage can. Wash the paste off your hands by soaking them in a bucket of water before rinsing them in the sink.
