Liquid Latex

[Deathbox]

has anyone used liquid latex to make a mold of an Iron man helmet before? if so, what did you do?

what are the most used compounds to make molds with?

i think latex should work just fine if enough coats are put on, but what im worried about is how the plastic casting material will react to it and how easy it will be to get off the plastic. i know it may take a bit of latex but im thinking about using it to make molds of the entire suit when i am finished making it.

 

[McCaboose]

I've tried to use laytex before, I didnt like it. its to thin and wont last as long as silicone.

Try using clear silicone caulk.
Like in this vid

 

[Scrub]

If you never dealt with making a mold nor a cast made of latex rubber, I highly suggest you have a look over at monstermakers.com. There you can purchase kits, though they are pricey, as well as guides that will help you along the way.

 

[Joshua Morrison]

do you think I could make a good under armor out of latex rubber??? I'm doing a Gray Fox suit soon and I was thinking of doing a small layer of latex on the outside to make it look better.

 

[Scrub]

I've seen a few people create a second skin using liquid latex, and it definitely has the flexibility you'll want. However, it may not turn out the way you'll like. And if you have any hair anywhere, it will hurt getting off, so I advise you using a release agent for those areas. By all means, I'm not trying to put down your idea, but I think some compressed Under Amour gear is a better choice for a Gray Fox suit. Whichever you choose, remember to post pics!

 

[Joshua Morrison]

Ahh I was thinking of putting the layer over a softarmor.... like this http://www.cosplay.com/photo/1938866/

 

[Arioch]

Maybe if you put the latex directly onto an underarmor shirt so that its not just a latex suit. I think that would work.

 

[Scrub]

If you can make it work, more power to you!

 

[Deathbox]

what would be the cheapest, easiest and most readily availible substance to make a cast with? ... i figured liquid latex would work but would just be time consuming. i was thinking if there was something to thicken it up a bit it would work well. im working on a VERY limited budget and im trying to get a War Machine suit done. i would love to make a cast so i could make multiple pieces in case i mess up (once i learn what to use in the mold to make the piece, like plastic or whatever).

i may have to abandon the mold making if it gets too expensive. does anyone have any experience with the clear silicon calk from the video above? ... how does the mold turn out? what do you pour into the mold to make the piece? how much can one tube of it cover? etc etc.

 

[Deathbox]

... and how long does it take for the caulk to dry? and is there any shrinkage?