materials and processes notes

Modelling

materials for modelling

• corrugated plastic sheet- layered plastic with two thin sheets on the outer skin and a fluted centre, used in high quality packaging, not suitable for moulding
• styrofoam- dense version of polystyrene, can be cut or moulded easily, glued together using PVA, can be paint finished with emulsion of poster paint, can be used as plaster-based fillers which is sanded down on the surface
• foam board- laminate of thin foam sandwiched between thin board, available in different thicknesses, expensive, often used for architectural modelling
• hard wax- wax that is melted down and reformed into a mould, difficult to mould dry as it has a crumbly texture
• plaster bandage- used wet onto a wire mesh, creates sculptural shapes in layers, hardens when dry, sanded smooth
• acrylic- used for modelling, difficult to cut + form + join together, very brittle thermoplastic, range of different thicknesses and colurs
• MDF- manufactured fibreboard with no grain, uniform, consistent quality, readily available, glued together using PVA, very absorbent, needs to be sealed first
• Balsa- hardwood used for modelling, soft hardwood that is easy to shape and mould
• Jelutong- low density, straight grain, fine texture
• Board- variety of thicknesses, sizes and colours, mostly used as a material for modelling

adhesives for model making

• rubber based cement- applied to each surface 10 minutes before bringing the surfaces together, good for mounting photographs, allows time for repositioning, strong smell, safe to use but you need to be in a well- ventilated room
• glue stick- bonds paper to paper, weak bond, cheap, safe to use, environmentally friendly
• aerosol adhesive- used for sticking pieces of paper together, also used as a photo mount, quite toxic, wear a mask and make sure the room is well ventilated
• PVA- bonds wood or card, dries colourless, sets in 3 hours, harden is 24 hours, safe to use, avoid contact with eyes
• Balsa cement- use on balsa wood, quick setting, safe to use, be in a well-ventilated room, use eye protection
• epoxy resin- creates strong bond in 4-5 minutes, hardens in 2-3 hours, safe to use, wear safety mask, work in well-ventilated room, should not come into prolonged contact with skin
• acrylic cement- welds acrylic together, should be used in a well ventilated room and eye protection worn
• glue guns- heated up electronically, softens the glue through the nozzle, which then cools and quickly sets, used in model making, should be used carefully as the hot glue can burn if it comes into contact with your skin

fixatives and masking

• a fixative is a spray which prevents loose particles and smudging of your drawing as the spray seals the particles
• used to fix soft pencils or pastels to card or paper
• comes in an aerosol can
• should be used in a well-ventilated room with a mask
• double sided and single sided tape, velcro, double sided sticky pads and staples
• masking comes in three forms and is used in airbrushing and pastel techniques
• sheet masking is self adhesive, use a scalpel to cut…