[Groop] OT: Costume Creation

[Tone]

            I have a couple of comments in reference to Kaytee's
recommendation for costume production. I believe I know what material or
product Kaytee is talking about in regards to that aerosol based
construction foam. The method Kaytee lays out sounds like it should be
ok from what I have come to understand. I just wanted to point out I
have known a couple of people, who have used such construction foam for
body molds and such. Those people have explained to me there were
definite negative effects, which should certainly be noted!
 
            First off, some of those types of foam can cause irritation
or even burns when coming into contact with the skin. Of course
different people may have varying reactions. Also I would think
different products, which may use varying chemicals in their
ingredients, would also determine the skin reaction a person might have.
I vaguely remember a person telling me some foams may give off a
significant amount of heat when drying, which may cause actual burns.
            If I am not mistaken there is the possibility the foam may
not cause a negative skin result once the foam has completely dried.
This is why I have a suspicion Kaytee's suggestion of using a T-shirt on
a dress-form to apply the base form first, should be safe enough. I must
also clarify though I am unsure of the way sweat might interact or break
down the foam even if it is completely dried. I would imagine wearing a
rather non-breathable body-form might cause additional perspiration. It
still may be safe, but I just can not attest to how the chemicals and
acids in human sweat might interact with the dried foam, thus producing
potential irritation.
 
            Another thing to point out is those types of foam can
actually expand at a surprisingly intense rate. By this I mean once
squirted into a relatively closed space the foam will expand, and with
enough of the stuff injected it can possibly even break through an
encasing. If there is not some kind of venting for the foam's excess to
naturally squeeze out of, the foam can actually crack things open.
Usually in construction this is not an issue because the foam almost
always has crevices to expand into, and the amounts used in squirting
are just enough to fulfill the desired application task. Also, the
surrounding structural building materials tend to be strong enough to
contain the expansion anyway, and once the foam sets-dry the foam may be
hard enough to compliment the other structural elements.
            I bring this point up because no one should attempt to put
themselves or a part of themselves into any solid mold form, then inject
any of these types of foams between their skin (even if covered) and the
mold form. at least not without the mold form having vents. Still, if
what I recall about the drying foam giving off significant heat is
correct, this sort of mold making technique should NOT be done.
 
            I know some of this sounds like it might be obvious, and
Kaytee's stated methods sound quite safe enough, but I definitely wanted
to put out there what I have heard about that foam stuff. I would hate
for someone not knowing the potential dangers to accidentally mix up
what Kaytee said.  As an example, such an error might mean a person
putting on a stretchy T-shirt and squirting the foam inside the shirt
while wearing it! While that might sound like a pretty ridiculous thing
for someone to do, no one can deny TV and the internet shows us people
doing even dumber things all the time. on purpose sometimes!
 
            Hoping everyone stays safe in their costume creation
process.. :-)
_TONE_
 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.newdream.net/pipermail/groop/attachments/20070509/851890ef/attachment-0001.htm