Arts >> Art >> Sculpture

How to Cast the Human Figure in Plaster

The human figure can be cast in plaster to obtain human body shaped molds, which you can use in your sculpture projects. Life-casting, also known as body-casting, is a complex procedure that requires a human model and large amounts of plaster. The technique may be used on the front, back or only certain parts of the body such as the hand or torso.

Things You'll Need

  • Life model
  • Vaseline or oil
  • Modeling plaster
  • Medical gauze
  • Plastic straw
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your model. Typically, it's best if the plaster is cast directly on flesh. To make the process less painful for the model, the body hair should be shaved off.

    • 2

      Create a cast after the frontal part, the back of the model or only certain body parts. Cover the area you intend to cast into a mold with Vaseline or oil. This prevents the plaster from sticking to the flesh and makes the cast easier to remove.

    • 3

      Cut small squares of medical gauze. You need numerous pieces of gauze as a base for the mold.

    • 4

      Prepare the plaster. Use two parts plaster for one part water. Fill a bucket with water and add the plaster, mixing slowly. The plaster needs to have the consistency of a paste.

    • 5

      Dip one square of gauze into plaster and apply it on the body of the model. Do the same with the other pieces of gauze and place the pieces close together. Cover the entire body or area you want to cast into a mold.

    • 6

      Allow the plaster to dry. The plaster heats up before it dries.

    • 7

      Remove the cast and clean the remaining plaster particles from the body of the model.

    • 8

      Allow the cast to dry for 24 to 48 hours before you use it in your projects.

Sculpture

Related Categories