Shrinking Acc. Question.

[piecemaker]

Is it possible and has anyone ever shrunk accessories like boots,belts,holsters etc using the same method for shrinking heads?

[D!n0-M@n]

I don't know, but that's a question I've wondered about myself.

I assume it would be possible using HydroSpan 400 by Industrial Polymers, but the material ratios and amounts vs. water for the percentage of shrinkage would have to be worked out. It's not an exact science. Trial and error might be the only way to find out for sure how much material would be needed and the percentage of shrinkage required would need to be determined. Example: an item that you want to reduce by half (making it half it's original size) would need a mix ratio of 50% HydroSpan 400 to 50% water, etc.

Molding and casting a boot for example could be tricky considering its hollow. Using a very flexible silicone rubber like Dragon Skin by Smooth-On may work in a two part mold process. The first half of the mold being the outside of the boot up to the lip of the top at the opening, the second half being the inside lip of the top at the opening of the boot down into the cavity (the hollow portion). Dragon Skin is quite flexible and can stretch many times its original dimensions quite probably making it able to withstand the stretching that would occur when removing the inner half of the mold from the boot. Where to make the holes to introduce the resin and for the air release during pouring would be up to you. Just remember that the air needs a way out and would need to be able to get past and around the inner portion of the mold as easily as possible to minimize air bubbles. Also, a good plastic resin with a low viscosity such as Smooth-On's Smooth-Cast 327 Urethane Liquid Plastic would be best for reducing the amount of air bubbles. Smooth-On also makes dyes for this plastic that can be mixed with its part "B" during mixing. Adding black or brown to the mix would make the plastic itself that color and would eliminate any need to paint except for possible detailing later.

I hope this helps considering that I've not done any of this myself as of yet, but I thought about ways of making it work for myself and plan to try it myself very soon. If others here have done any shrinking of accessories themselves and know of a better way than the method I've planned out, please let us know. Nothing is more valuable than the knowledge of others.

[M3G0M4V3R1CK]

the boots seem to get bigger in hot water so maybe ice cold water would shrink not sure?

[Dave Mc]

I'v shrunk a few accessories with hydrospan. It's not a simple thing to do really. I tried a Stormtrooper blaster rifle from a 12" figure. The problem is, the hydropan shrink is really floppy for something skinny like that. So when you pour molding material over it, it distorts the items shape. It can be done, but you have to take things like that into consideration and come up with a solution. Also did a Mytor helmet. Had to fill in the helmet for the shrink because it was too thin to maintain shape when made of the hydrspan material. So we filled in the helmet, shrunk it, molded a master and made a resin copy of the shrink, then dremeled out the resin copy and remolded it.

[piecemaker]

[QUOTE=Dave Mc;291002]I'v shrunk a few accessories with hydrospan. It's not a simple thing to do really. Thanks for the info everyone.Its good to know that it can be done,but i think i'm going to go a different route.The main thing i wanted to do was some boots.That is sounding a little complicated for me right now.I might try it on some weapons,that sounds a little bit easier.Thanks again.

[Mefiboschet]

I've shrunk boots, shoes, heads, mask and some other soft vinyl stuff
. Didn't have much luck with the classic acetone method though, as the material expands during soaking and tends to rip apart or become very brittle.
What are you trying to shrink. Maybe I can help you out.