Making Movie Magic With Polyurethane Resin Casting

By Carol Wagner


Blockbusters have action scenes. An action sequence, shot and lit properly, can titillate an audience. An action sequence can even become the signature scene of a film, the moment that sticks in the minds of the audience. But those scenes need props in order to be made properly, and to make those props, polyurethane resin casting California is done.

Polyurethane resin casting is the process in which viscous liquid is molded into a different shape. It is the process through which props and costume pieces are made, usually for productions like stage plays or motion pictures. It is also used for other things.

The process itself is fairly straightforward. First, mix two chemicals together, typically in a ratio of one to one, to make the actual resin. Then pour the results into a mould. Depending on what was used to make the mixture, the waiting time for the resin to cure, that is harden, can take between half an hour to a full hour or even more. Once it is cured, all that is left to be done is the remove it from the mould, though this will damage the mould. A protective spray can extend the lifespan of a mould, but it will break eventually.

The process can be done anywhere. All that is needed is the space to do so and the materials, which are readily available. But there are places in which it is done more than others for professional reasons. Any state which has a high number of motion picture or theatrical productions is going to have a proportionately high number of prop masters creating the tools which make such productions more exciting.

Artists are among those who employ the process. While not the most popular method of sculpting, bits and pieces of a larger project can be made with the process. More complex pieces may require multiple moulds.

The spectacle of a film necessitates false weaponry. In science fiction, this weaponry can be something as simple as a toy gun from a department store given a coat of paint to make it look more tactical. In a fantasy setting, blunted swords are usually employed. But in a modern, real world setting, modern guns are used. But modern guns are heavy, and while they have to be used in some scenes, in others, they can be switched out for a lighter resin replica to make it easier on the actors.

But faux weapons are not all that is made. Faux armor is as well, or at least pieces of the costume. Real armor is heavy, being made of iron, and can strain the muscles. Since the armor does not have to protect vital organs, a lighter material can be used in some cases.

The props made for movies can fetch quite the price from fans on the market. A collectible made by the same studio that made the stuff onscreen can fetch hundred. One that has been used onscreen in the actual production can fetch thousands.

Computer generated imagery rules the modern blockbuster. But just as important are the props. Some props become so iconic that a screen used one can fetch six figures on the market. It may not always be flashy, but it does leave a mark on the audience.




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