How do you Seal a Hand Casting?

 

Preserving 3D baby casts is crucial for maintaining their longevity and sentimental value. Sealing the hand and foot casts not only protects them from damage but also enhances their visual appeal. This guide discusses the significance of sealing hand casts and outlines different methods for achieving the best results.

Sealing or not sealing hand casts?

It's a decision that stirs the heart and sparks fiery debates.

Before we discuss the methods of sealing hand casts, it's crucial to address a common question: "Do I need to seal my hand casts before painting?" The answer is not a one-size-fits-all, as it depends on the type of plaster used for casting baby hand and foot molds. Some hand-casting kits have plasters with looser surface, making them more porous and susceptible to liquid absorption.

In such instances, it's absolutely vital to seal your hand casts with either diluted PVA Glue, Casting Plaster Hardener, or a de-waxed Shellac-based primer before painting. This crucial step ensures that the paint is not absorbed into the plaster and instead adheres to the surface properly, preserving the integrity and beauty of your creation.

Sealing is crucial for several reasons.

Sealing is essential for protecting structures from natural forces and preserving their integrity and longevity. Without proper sealing, homes, buildings, and infrastructure are exposed to deterioration and damage. Embracing the art of sealing demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the spaces we inhabit.

1. Durability: Hand casts are protected from dust, moisture, and minor physical damage, ensuring longevity for generations.
2. Preservation: Prevents yellowing, fading, or deterioration of the hand and foot casts over time.
3. Safety: Sealing prevents plaster particles shedding, making the hand cast safer, particularly if displayed without a frame or freestanding in a child's room.

If you're using a DIY hand casting kit, it's highly recommended to apply a sealant after painting. The sealant helps preserve the cast and protects it from UV light, even if the plaster was sealed before painting.

Tips for Sealing Plaster 3D Baby Hand and Foot Casts:

1. Hand painting and waxing your 3D hand casts:

• Ensure the 3D hand casts are completely dry before applying paint or sealant.
• Use black fluid acrylic paint as your base paint.
• Apply a base coat of acrylic paint before adding more layers.
• Let it dry completely.
• Apply gilders paste for an antiqued faux-metal finish and to accentuate the detail.
• After painting, you can use a clear (matte or gloss) non-yellowing sealer to protect the hand and foot cast and give it a polished finish.

2. Airbrushing 3D Baby Casts:

• Allow the Plaster Baby Cast to dry completely before painting.
• Use a de-waxed shellac-based primer before airbrushing.
• Follow the suggested paint and thinner ratios for Airbrush.
• Test your project on paper before starting to ensure proper functionality.
• Start airbrushing with light, controlled strokes, gradually building up layers.
• Make sure each layer is fully dry before applying the next.
• Apply a robust sealant to ensure long-lasting protection for the finished work.

3. Clear Sealants: Use to keep the 3D hand casts white without painting.

• Let the 3D Hand Casts dry completely.
• Prime with a diluted white fluid acrylic paint of your choice.
• Allow paint to dry completely.
• Seal with a clear sealant suitable for plaster or porous surfaces.
• Apply the sealant evenly to cover the entire hand cast surface.
• Allow it to dry completely following the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Diluted PVA Glue: (Alternative method)

• Dilute PVA glue with a 1:4 ratio of glue to water.
• Brush the diluted glue mixture onto the hand and foot cast surface.
• Ensure even coverage and allow it to dry thoroughly. The glue will form a protective layer over the handcast.

Tips for sealing 3D hand casts:

1. Testing: Test the chosen sealant on a small, inconspicuous area or sample hand cast before applying it to the entire hand cast.
2. Ventilation: Use proper ventilation when using sealants, paint, or glue to avoid inhaling fumes.
3. Precision: Work carefully to achieve an even seal.

Ensuring the longevity and durability of your plaster 3D baby hand and foot casts is crucial. By using appropriate methods and materials, you can create a lasting keepsake that encapsulates precious memories. The decision to seal the plaster before painting may vary based on the product. Whether you choose to seal before painting or not, approach the process with patience and meticulous attention to detail to create a cherished memento to be treasured for a lifetime.