Stop Motion & Foam Latex

FOAM LATEX & STOP MOTION PUPPETS

Make-up Special Effects & Stop Motion share many common fabrication methods and especially the use of Foam Rubber Latex materials. There are different methods to fill the mold ..... one is .... by brushing-painting each mold half with foam latex, then spooning in extra foam and finally closing the mold pieces together to squeeze out the excess foam. Another method to fill-up the mold is by injecting the foam into the mold using a very large syringe tool aka Foam Latex Injector Gun. Both methods work and both require practice and trial and error so that you can consistently fill mold without getting air pockets or bubbles.

You should remember, depending on weather conditions in your geographic area ... especially in the WINTER season, Foam Latex is sensitive to COLD weather. Ask foam latex suppliers, the best times to order.

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Running Foam Latex

Foam Latex Fabrication

Run Foam, Run!

Mixing Foam Latex for Stop Motion

Making Foam Latex Injection Gun
(fabrication requires some specialty materials)

Homemade Foam Latex Injection Gun
(easier to make + optional poor man's injector)

Valuable Foam Latex Information
(this is lengthy & detailed)

Foam Latex for Puppets
(by Tom McLaughlin)

Making a Foam Curing Oven
(© StopMotionMagazine)

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AN ELECTRIC COOKING ROASTER CAN WORK AS A FOAM LATEX
CURING OVEN FOR ULTRA-CAL MOLDS THAT ARE NOT TOO LARGE.

Here are some roasting oven examples from Amazon

22 QUART SIZE ELECTRIC ROASTING OVEN

You need to get the largest size which is 22 quarts (21 liters)

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Without modifications, the Roaster Oven will work for molds that are not large ...
1) Remove the inner roasting pan from the main body of roaster
2) Place rack in the bottom - Allows space underneath mold for hot air circulation
3) Do not use the lid with handle. Turn inner roasting pan upside down and use
it as the COVER for the roaster. If you do not understand Click Here
4) Get those cheap oven dial thermometers to place inside roaster. Use
thermometer to get exact temperature inside.
5) Remember, the gypsum Ultra-cal mold absorbs heat so temperature may
have to be set higher to maintain about 212 deg F inside the roaster

NOTE: The roaster can be used to first dry your molds, to remove moisture.
Before you fill molds with Foam Latex, you want molds to be DRY

If you are a DIY type, for larger molds you can replace the existing roaster oven 'cover' with a
fabricated Wooden Box Cover (plywood sheet) lined with heat resistant insulation & aluminum foil.
Also, adding small flat type electric fan on top (opening hole on box cover) attached to
3 inch diameter aluminum duct hose will better circulate the heated air inside.

Curing Temperatures for Foam Latex are not high ...
usually about 212 F degrees (100 C degrees)

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Where to buy Foam Latex:

GM FOAM or This supplier - Some suppliers run out of stock ... contact them first

BURMAN INDUSTRIES or Rob Burman - Website does not list products anymore ... you have to
contact them - Burman is the company headquarters & distributor of GM Foam

ALCONE MAKEUP SUPPLIES - Around a long time ... in the heart of New York City

FOX and SUPER FINE SHOP - Not a typical supplier name ... they have good variety of
Special FX supplies

MONSTER MAKERS FOAM - This has become the most popular foam ... most likely they will have it available. You can order direct from them & also, many 'sellers' offer & have available, MM Foam,
including International

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TIP: Since Foam Latex can be sensitive to cold such as near freezing weather, as in the Winter
season ... it is advantageous to purchase from a distributor or suppler that is closer
to you. The delivery or shipping time will be faster. So, do not always go by the price. Saving a
few dollars does not matter. You want the Foam Latex to arrive in good condition and not
be spoiled or damaged by the very cold weather, during the shipping transit time.

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If you want to buy Foam Latex Injection gun:

Frends Beauty Supply

Sculpture Supply Canada
It appears well made & heavy duty & is expensive

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VISIT HOME PAGE - STOP MOTION WORKS

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