Making moulds for casting metal figures

[Ensign Madcap]

With the price of figures whizzing up all the time and me being an old skinflint, I thought I would have a go at sculpting and casting my own. I have a pretty good idea of the process, but can anyone recommend the best non drying clay to embed the figure in and the most suitable rubber to make the mould with? I am in the UK so products available here would help most  .

This may have been covered on LAF already but I couldn't find it if it has.

[beefcake]

Have you thought about resin instead of metal? I prefer metal miniatures but resin is easier to cast for a beginner, not that I've tried casting metal.

[robh]

Plasticine.  Easiest to work with if all one dark colour (brown seems to be standard  )

With it use a petroleum jelly (Vaseline) diluted in white spirit as your release agent. Painted on lightly the spirit evaporates leaving a micro thin layer of gel.

For the price I can recommend :http://www.tiranti.co.uk/EdgeImpactShop/product.php?Product=53&Content=Silicone+Rubber+Booklet+Books+%26+Videos+Technical+Booklets++Cold+Cure+Silicone+Rubber+for+Mould+MakingCovering+the+various+types+of+silicone+rubbers%2C+and+how+they+are+used.+Includes+block+moulds%2C+skin+

Tiranti is probably the best place to buy your materials too.

[Ensign Madcap]

Have you thought about resin instead of metal? I prefer metal miniatures but resin is easier to cast for a beginner, not that I've tried casting metal.

Thanks. I too prefer metal figures and am used to casting Prince August stuff. I also have an unlimited supply of metal....my lead mountain

Plasticine.  Easiest to work with if all one dark colour (brown seems to be standard  )

With it use a petroleum jelly (Vaseline) diluted in white spirit as your release agent. Painted on lightly the spirit evaporates leaving a micro thin layer of gel.

For the price I can recommend :http://www.tiranti.co.uk/EdgeImpactShop/product.php?Product=53&Content=Silicone+Rubber+Booklet+Books+%26+Videos+Technical+Booklets++Cold+Cure+Silicone+Rubber+for+Mould+MakingCovering+the+various+types+of+silicone+rubbers%2C+and+how+they+are+used.+Includes+block+moulds%2C+skin+

Tiranti is probably the best place to buy your materials too.

Great, than ks for the info, really useful