Art-Roc is a plaster-impregnated bandage. It is ideal material for making masks and moulds, for covering large sculptures and forming contours for model railways and farms.
How to use Art-Roc
Protect surfaces and clothes and get yourself well organised with everything laid out and ready. Art-Roc sets quickly so don't handle it with wet fingers until you are ready to use it.
It is easily cut with scissors and it is best to cut a quantity of sizes and shapes first, sufficient to complete your model. Keep the pieces of Art-Roc in a plastic bag to protect them from splashes of water and only take out small quantities at a time.
Dip a piece of Art-Roc in water and shake off any surplus, do not leave in the water. Apply it immediately, carefully moulding and pushing it into shape, paying attention to any hollows and bumps, which will form the details of the model. Work quickly as Art-Roc begins to set after about 3 minutes. Slightly overlap the individual pieces, 3 or 4 layers will give a reasonable strength but 5 or 6 are better.
Handle models carefully or they may crack. Some features may need extra support.
For a smooth finish soak small pieces of Art-Roc and squeeze or rub the plaster onto your model. Work with a circular motion using your fingertips to smooth the surface.
Cover trimmed edges with narrow strips of Art-Roc i.e. around holes left for the eyes and mouth. Don't pull strands of cotton off your model, this will cause damage. Trim with scissors instead.
Your model will be hard enough to handle after about half an hour, but will reach full strength overnight.
Art-Roc models can be coloured with water based paints. Emulsion or oil based paints will further strengthen models.
For sculptures or large models
Use damp, screwed-up newspaper as a former and then cover with Art-Roc.
If using chicken wire or similar skeleton tie small strips of Art-Roc onto the framework to assist the wet Art-Roc to bond.
Masks can be made on the children's faces
Cover the face with Vaseline, particularly any facial hair (don't try this if you have a beard).
Build up a framework following the main features and shape of the face. Leave plenty of space around the eyes and mouth.
After 3 layers the mask can be removed. Extra details and exaggerated features like a long nose can now be added. When dry make holes with a bradawl to attach ties.
Available from Fred Aldous Ltd, 37, Lever Street, Manchester. Ml lLW
Tel: 0161 236 2477 Fax: 0161 236 6075
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