Anthrapoid
Super Freak
When I make the domes, here's my method:
1) Tape over the plastic frame around the dome, cover the rest of the figure
2) Build a dam surrounding the dome, to act as a containing reservoir
3) Pour thinned plaster of paris into the reservoir, creating a solid negative impression of the dome
(plaster of paris does not shrink after curing, like silicone and polyurethane do)
4) Make a two-piece silicone rubber mold of the dry plaster block, top and bottom
5) Fill the silicone mold with plastic resin BEFORE the mold has a chance to shrink over time
(The resulting casting will be a solid plastic copy of the plaster negative impression)
6) Spray the new plastic mold impression with petroleum separating agent
7) Mix black pigment with resin, catalyze, and pour a thin layer on the inside of the mold impression
8) Repeat step #7 until the thickness builds up, matching the thickness of the original dome
9) Cure, de-mold, and trim edges
In this way I can reproduce the original thickness of the dome, as well as the overall dimensions without shrinkage. Also, they will be solid black through and through, not painted.
When you install the new dome, you can heat it with a hair dryer to make it a bit flexible and press it down for a perfect fit. Let it cool, then glue it on.
Now that I look at all the steps required to make the primary and secondary molds, and each final dome casting, maybe $45--50 was a bit low... I think $55-60 each is more realistic. I wish I could do it for free...
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