This topic will soon need to be in the molded section
I started a few days ago a Latex mold.
What is latex?
It's a one-part molding compound which is flexible and cheap. It is not as good as silicon or polyurethane rubber.
Pros
-Cheap. One can cost me 28$CAD. (Only 1 can needed to do the whole helmet)
-Easy, no mix to do.
-Non-toxic can be used indoors.
-Acceptable tear strengh and elasticity
Cons
-Needs between 15-20 layers.
-Each layers takes 3hrs+ to dry completely.
-Airbubbles get trapped really easily.
-Shrinks
So this is a try for me. If it don,t work, well only 28 bucks wasted.
I'm currently at my 6th layer, applying the 7th in 10 minutes. The latex can needs to be opened for 10 minutes prior usage for the amoniac to evaporate. The can consists of about 3/4 of Natural Latex, the last 1/4 being amnoniac.
After this layer, I will apply cloth to the whole helmet to prevent this shrinkage.
Also, I need that some big air bubbles got trapped on the jaw. I don,t care since once I have one cast, the mold won't be used anymore. I'll rework the cast with an heat gun to remove the twist in the top part. Then, silicon time.
On this, gonna apply that 7th coat!
EDIT : The visor was sealed with clay. Like an idiot, I used water-based clay instead of oil, they look the same!