[Woodcarver] Casting & Finishes

[Victor Hamburger]

> Tom Buggey wrote



> The link to the SculptureHouse site was very useful. I’ve long wanted to 

> do a casting of some of my coin carvings = big counterfeits. I purchased 

> some of the casting material and I was wondering if anyone has made 

> molds before?

> I know I will have to seal the carving very well. Here is my second 

> question: Is there a sealant/varnish that will not yellow or darken the 

> wood?


Tom,

There are casting discussion groups on Yahoo groups. I am not a member of them, 
but I am told they are very helpful to newbies trying to cast stuff.

I assume our coin carvings do not have any undercuts.  Given that, I am sure 
just following instructions will give you good results.  Are your carvings two 
sided? If so, you will need to make a 2 part mold, and that will be a challenge 
at first.  Basically, you make one side of the mold, with alignment pins, then 
once set, coat the new mold and carving with release spray and pour the second 
side of the mold.  You need to include a sprue to pour the final material into 
the mold.  Once the mold is done, it should release both the carving and from 
each other if you were careful.  Then clamp the two parts together and pour your 
new casting.   It is a bit more complex than that, but it is not rocket science 
from what people tell me.

Sealing the carving with a clear finish.  Several have already mentioned the 
water based polys.  Use multiple coats, with a careful light sanding/cleaning 
between coats.  The final coat should go on smoothly and seal the wood 
completely for you.

Good luck with it!	Vic H