I am looking at a small project that needs some missing egg and dart replaced. My referal came from a lumber salesman who has been chasing his tale trying to figure this out for the GC.
He was trying to explain to me about a product in which you make a form to produce a cast from. Anyone have experience with this sort of thing.
I believe that the existing egg and dart is some sort of cast material from what I can see. The existing is solid. I was wondering if some of the pre-cast products that are available compatible to this.
Replies
http://www.smooth-on.com/liqrubr.htm
Google "rubber mold" and you'll find lots of options. I haven't used any myself. Once the rubber mold is made, you can use plaster of paris to cast your piece.
Latex works well: Tutorial ... Casting Concrete Garden Art
Examples of Concrete Art
Gypsum (like concrete, a hydrate) can also be cast in latex molds. Imo latex is the best and it's amazing how much detail can be captured.
Flexible molds can be made from silicone, polyurethane or vinyl but these materials have drawbacks. Vinyl needs to be heated, for example, or a debonding agent has to be applied to the molds.
Joe Bartok
Edited 3/15/2008 3:17 pm ET by JoeBartok
You can have castings like that made for you. Maybe the lumber salesman can refer you to a place that does reproduction moldings, and things like ceiling medallions, plaster moldings, etc. Large cities with lots of old houses usually have such a place.
Not likely. He has been sitting on this for several months trying to figure it out for his customer. It isn't his sort of thing. I am not sure why he didn't get a hold of me sooner. Now the owner/GC wants it done right away. I believe he dropped the ball a bit on this.
Is the existing egg and dart in an interior woodwork application? If so, is there any reason you couldn't do it out of wood? How much needs to be "replaced"?
It is an exterior piece. About 25' worth that should be replaced. I am not sure if wood will work. It would also be rather expensive to have it milled. I am pretty sure I can get it cast for less. Believe me that was my first thought. I may cast it myself not that I've done a bit of research on it.Thanks for everyones input so far. Keep it coming!