The lifecasting process involves a human model being manually covered with a natural gel-like compound - alginate- made from agar/sea kelp, that sets into a rubbery-like solid.
Cotton batting is embedded into the gel before it sets and once set, covered with plaster bandage to form a hard shell encasing the entire mold.
A release layer of lotion or creme is applied prior to the alginate to assist in the removal of the finished mold. If there are any particular lotions, cremes or vaseline type products that you have had reactions to, that should be addressed.
The alginate application is the shortest and most critical part of the casting, about a ten minute process.
The plaster bandage takes the remainder of the time to apply and set to proper strength.
The entire process from application to removal is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the pose.
The pose may, but not necessarily, involve standing in a vertical supported position for the duration of the process.
Once the cast is removed the model is free to shower (due to excess lotion and any residue alginate) and leave, as this is only the first step of my continued part of the process. . .
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