Little Alien

Hello, everyone--

I'm still very much a newbie to the doll-making process. Especially as far as molding and casting in resin is concerned. I've finally finished the sculpt for the one I want to cast, which is a little alien man (hence his weird, big head). He's going to be a gift for a friend. I'm excited to have him fully strung and articulated (water bottle for size reference. He's quite small).



Today I did a test cast for the first time, and because it's the most complex, I went for the face. I figured I'd check to see if the mold was trapping bubbles in the nose, the ears, and perhaps in his pointy chin. I'm using Mold Max tin cure silicon, and Smooth Cast 305 resin (with a little bit of dye in it this time, just for experimentation). I did get some large bubbles on his eye and around his brow, but for the most part the problem is hundreds of very, very small, almost foam-like bubbles. I couldn't get the full scope of them in the photo, but his forehead is covered in tiny, tiny (sand grain sized) little bubbles that appear have not quite risen to the surface. If it were white, they'd look like little blackheads. The cast itself also came out extremely shiny. Is that normal for 305? The wonderful doll casts I've seen her usually appear very matte for the most part.



You can see more from the back where the bubbles were a little bit bigger.


I didn't end up using a pressure pot, because I wanted to wait and see if it would be necessary. But before I go and try to invest in one, I wanted to know if these small, foamy bubbles are something preventable. It was relatively humid in my area today, and because I live in a relatively small apartment, I ended up having to cast outside. I know humidity can have an effect on resin curing. Have any of you experienced this before?

 

Thanks for the help. I'm hoping we have a break in humidity soon so I can try again.

About the glossiness, is that something the talc will also help with?