Creating a Makeup Prosthetic Mold Using Shell Shock & Plasti Paste

Gallery courtesy of Smooth-On, Inc.

Shell Shock® brushable plastic and Plasti-Paste® trowelable plastic can be used in combination to create a rigid, strong, inexpensive mold. A mold created from these materials is lightweight, very strong, and can be used for casting platinum silicones directly.

This sequence outlines the construction of a mold to cast silicone f/x makeup appliances. The mold is based on a lifecasting of a model created with Body Double® lifecasting silicone rubber.

To view the casting, painting and application of a silicone prosthetic cast into this mold, CLICK HERE to view our how-to video.

You Will Need: Shell Shock, Plasti-Paste, Dragon Skin FX Pro, Drill, Paint Brush, Sanding Block, Mixing Sticks, Mixing Containers, Accurate Gram Scale, Universal Mold Release

Step 1: Dispensing and Applying Shell Shock

A Body Double® mold taken from our model will be used, along with Shell Shock brushable plastic. Measure out the Shell Shock® Parts A and B. The mix ratio is 1A:5B by weight. Then mix the Shell Shock® thoroughly. A thin layer of Shell Shock® is stippled into the Body Double® silicone mold... apply another layer of Shell Shock®.

Step 2: Dispensing and Applying Plasti-Paste

Measure out Plasti-Paste® II trowelable resin. The mix ratio is 41A:100B by weight. Mix the Plasti-Paste® II thoroughly. Apply the Plasti-Paste® II to the Shell Shock® to add strength. Continue adding additional layers of Plasti-Paste® II until a 3/8'' thickness is achieved. Allow the material to cure for 90 minutes.

Step 3: Demold/ Clay Sculpting of Appliance/ Preparation

Once the casting is demolded, sand the edges so that they are smooth. The finished casting should reflect a perfect detail of the model.

A zombie style appliance is sculpted on the casting using sulfur-free clay. A 'cutting edge' is sculpted around the appliance. This will provide thin edges when casting silicone into the mold. Drill a registration indentation into the casting. Apply Universal Mold Release® over the entire surface.

Step 4: Dispensing and Applying Of Shell Shock and Plasti-Paste to Sculpture

Brush a thin layer of Shell Shock® on the sculpture and casting and then apply another layer of Shell Shock®. Apply Plasti-Paste® II over the sculpture until a 3/8'' thickness is reached. Allow the mold to cure overnight for ultimate strength.

Step 5: Demold and finishing

Remove the mold from the baseboard. Use a small batch of Plasti-Paste® II to create a base for the mold. Remove any clay that is exposed. Slowly pry apart the mold halves using screwdrivers and use wooden tools to remove any remaining clay residue. Drill a vent hole in the positive (life casting) to help reduce air bubbles in cast silicone pieces.

The mold is ready for use. To view the casting, painting, and application of a silicone prosthetic cast into this mold, Click Here, to view our how-to video.