How To Use Critical Coatings Material. 

The first step is to create a plaster mold from a water based clay sculpture. Oil based clays may produce slow or uneven absorption, resulting in low quality casting. If you insist on using oil based clays the plaster mold may be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or any common citrus degreaser followed by soap and water. The plaster mold must be dried before use. To speed up the drying, an oven set at 150°F may be used.

Once the mold is dried the seams must be sealed with clay. Pour your desired grade of Critical Coatings Neoprene into the mold. A good way to do this is to pour slowly and at an angle to reduce any bubbles. As the mold absorbs moisture a neoprene skin starts forming on the walls seen by the level of the Neoprene decreasing. Simply top of the mold with fresh Neoprene. The longer the Neoprene sits in the mold the thicker the “skin” or cast. Typically 1-4 hours is sufficient.

Once the desired thickness of the cast is reached, the Neoprene can be poured through a filter into its original container and used for the next project. To filter, pour into a pitcher then place a funnel in the Neoprene container with a piece of window screen in it. Window screen can be purchased at local hardware stores. Then pour the pitcher through the filter into the original container.

The cast must be left to drain and dry 10-14 hours at room temperature before removal. Again an oven at 150°F may be used, 2 - 4 hours. When the cast is no longer sticky to the touch, it can be removed. Upon removing from mold, an additional 24 – 48 hours is required for the cast to completely cure.  Approximately a 5% shrinkage will be seen.

You can then trim, sand, prime, and paint your mastpiece.