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Spycraft: How to Copy a Face

The Modern Rogue・42 minutes read

A life cast of Jason Murphy's face is created using a silicon mold and casting medium to make prosthetics for his transformation into an undercover spy, with detailed steps outlined for the process. Grace, an experienced cosplayer, assists in the process, ensuring the successful creation of the prosthetics for Jason's mission.

Insights

  • The process of creating face prosthetics involves making a life cast of the individual's face using silicon molds and casting mediums, with attention to detail in delicate areas like the ears and a necessary seam cut down the back of the head for removal.
  • Flexible urethane foam is poured into the mold to create a positive copy of the face, emphasizing the importance of mixing the expanding foam in a 1-to-1 ratio and covering all cracks and crevices to ensure a detailed final product, with supplies available from specific vendors like Smooth On or Reynold's Advanced Materials.

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Recent questions

  • How are face prosthetics created?

    Face prosthetics are created by making a life cast of the individual's face. A silicon mold is made by plastering it over the face to create a negative copy, then a casting medium is poured into the mold to make a positive copy. This positive copy allows for sculpting prosthetics like fake noses that fit perfectly on the face.

  • What materials are used in making a life cast?

    The materials used in making a life cast include silicon mixture, plaster bandage, petroleum jelly, and expanding foam. The silicon mixture is applied to the face to create a mold, while plaster bandage is used to support the mold. Petroleum jelly is used to prevent the mold halves from adhering, and expanding foam is poured into the mold to create a positive copy.

  • How is the silicon mixture applied to the face?

    The silicon mixture is applied to the face within a 10-minute working window before it sets. It consists of two liquids in equal parts and must be applied within six minutes. Multiple layers of silicon are applied, with extra attention given to delicate areas like the ears, ensuring a detailed life cast of the face.

  • What is the purpose of the plaster bandage jacket?

    The plaster bandage jacket is used to support the silicon mold and preserve details during the life casting process. It is applied over the silicon mold to create a hard shell that ensures the mold remains intact and stable while the casting medium is poured into it.

  • How is the positive copy of the face created?

    The positive copy of the face is created by pouring expanding foam into the silicon mold. The expanding foam is a urethane polymer that cures into a flexible solid, allowing for the creation of quick and fun positives that can be used for sculpting prosthetics onto the foam head mold.

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Summary

00:00

Creating Spy Prosthetics: The Life Cast

  • To create face prosthetics for Jason Murphy to become an undercover super spy, a life cast of his face is needed.
  • A silicon mold is made by plastering it over Jason's face to create a negative copy of his features.
  • A casting medium is then poured into the mold to make a positive copy of Jason's face.
  • The stone positive created from the mold allows for sculpting prosthetics like a fake nose that fits perfectly on Jason's face.
  • Grace, a qualified cosplayer, assists in the process of making the life cast to ensure smooth execution.
  • A silicon bald cap is applied to Jason's head using medical adhesive to create a featureless surface for the life cast.
  • The silicon mixture, consisting of two liquids in equal parts, is applied to Jason's head within a 10-minute working window before it sets.
  • The pot life of the silicon mixture is crucial, as it must be applied within six minutes and cures fully in 20 minutes.
  • A seam is cut down the back of the head to remove the life cast, with imperfections in the seam being inconsequential.
  • Multiple layers of silicon are applied, with extra attention given to delicate areas like the ears, ensuring a detailed life cast of Jason's face.

09:17

Creating a Silicone Mold for Body Casting

  • Safety measures discussed before starting the process, including the use of "jazz hands" as a signal.
  • Specific silicon used for body hair, with mention of it being suitable for pubic hair.
  • Importance of covering all hair with silicon, with a note that shorter hair would make the process easier.
  • Details of the application process, including being gentle around sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
  • Use of plaster bandage jacket to support the silicon mold and preserve details.
  • Discussion on the durability of the mold and the necessity of only needing one casting.
  • Disposal of brushes used in the process due to the non-reactive nature of silicon.
  • Application of a hard shell made of plaster bandage to support the mold.
  • Use of petroleum jelly to prevent the front and back halves of the mold from adhering.
  • Checking in on the model during the process and ensuring their comfort and well-being.

20:03

Creating Detailed Face Mold for Casting

  • A thin strip is placed near the nose to support silicon during casting.
  • Plaster is applied across the nose and massaged in.
  • The plaster is cracked off the face, starting with the front.
  • A skeletal structure is revealed after removing the mold.
  • A zigzag cut is made down the back to avoid a visible seam.
  • The mold is carefully cut off, with some hair possibly being removed.
  • The mold is removed, revealing the face with detailed features.
  • Imperfections in the mold are patched up with more silicon.
  • The nose is plugged with silicon to prevent leakage during casting.
  • Flexible urethane foam is poured into the mold to create a quick and fun positive.

30:01

"Stable, Vertical Foam Mold Creation Tips"

  • Use a bucket to keep it stable
  • Use cups as ballast to keep it vertical
  • Mix expanding foam in a 1-to-1 ratio
  • Expanding foam is a urethane polymer that cures into a flexible solid
  • Pour the foam mixture into the mold quickly and mix well
  • Aim to cover all cracks and crevices with the foam
  • Supplies can be purchased from Smooth On or Reynold's Advanced Materials
  • The project costs a couple hundred bucks
  • The foam head mold can be used for prosthetics by sculpting features onto it
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