The ALANNA HEAD H2.0 Water-Fillable Anatomical Armature is a full-size female head form made from high-density plastic, designed specifically for professional sculpting with professional modeling clay and wax-based clay. Its RAD (Radiant Assisted Demold) system allows you to fill it with hot water to soften the clay from within and facilitate demolding without damaging the mold or the form. Reusable indefinitely, it is the go-to tool for mask makers and special effects artists.
Technical specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Model |
Female (ALANNA) |
| Scale |
Full size |
| Material |
High-density plastic |
| Demolding system |
RAD (Radiant Assisted Demold) — water-fillable with hot water |
| Reusable |
Yes, continuous use with no significant wear |
| Closure |
Screw cap (included) |
| Recommended use |
Sculpting with professional wax-based clay, mask making |
What it is used for
The ALANNA HEAD H2.0 is designed for professionals and semi-professionals in special effects, prosthetic makeup and artistic sculpture who need a reliable anatomical base to work on. As a precisely proportioned female model, it provides a realistic reference for any facial sculpture:
- Sculpting latex masks and facial prosthetics for special effects (FX)
- Character modeling with professional wax-based clay
- Making plaster, alginate or silicone molds over the finished sculpture
- Creating theatrical and film prosthetics
- Facial anatomy studies for makeup artists and sculptors
- Training and practice in character makeup and FX workshops
How to use it
- Place the ALANNA HEAD H2.0 on a stable surface or secure it to a suitable stand before you begin sculpting.
- Apply professional wax-based clay directly onto the surface of the Armature, working the form until you achieve the desired sculpture.
- Once the sculpture is finished, apply the appropriate release agent and make the mold with your chosen material (silicone, plaster, alginate, etc.).
- When the mold has cured, turn the assembly upside down and unscrew the screw cap from the Armature.
- Fill the inside of the Armature with hot water. The radiant heat will begin to penetrate through the plastic into the surrounding clay.
- Wait a few minutes until the clay has softened sufficiently. The mold and the sculpture will separate easily and without excessive effort.
- Remove the water, clean the Armature and repeat the process as many times as needed.
Usage tips
Water temperature and waiting time
Use hot tap water or water heated to around 60–70 °C. There is no need to use boiling water: temperatures that are too high can damage some heat-sensitive platinum silicone molds. At that temperature, within 3–5 minutes the clay will be soft enough for a clean demold. If the sculpture is very thick, increase the waiting time before attempting to separate the mold.
Surface preparation before sculpting
Although the Armature plastic is smooth, apply a thin layer of release agent (petroleum jelly, carnauba wax or a dedicated release agent) over the surface before you start sculpting. This further eases the final separation and protects the Armature for future use. Avoid spray release agents that may build up in the fine details of the form.
Compatibility with molding materials
The Armature is compatible with the main molding materials: plaster, alginate, condensation (tin) silicones and addition (platinum) silicones. If you plan to use platinum silicone directly over the clay sculpture, make sure the clay you are using contains no sulfur, as sulfur compounds inhibit the cure of platinum silicones. Always use mineral oil- or paraffin wax-based clays, such as Monster Clay, which are compatible with all molding systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the female and male model?
The ALANNA HEAD H2.0 is the female model, with facial and cranial proportions characteristic of a full-size adult female head. For a male model, Feroca offers the ED HEAD H2.0, with the same RAD technology but male morphology. Choosing the right model as a base makes sculpting easier and reduces the time spent correcting proportions.
Can it be used to make molds directly over the Armature without any sculpture on top?
Yes. You can use the ALANNA HEAD H2.0 as a direct positive to obtain a mold of an anatomical female head without adding any sculpture. In that case, apply release agent over the entire surface before pouring or laminating the molding material. The RAD system remains useful for facilitating mold separation once cured.
Which clays work best with the hot water demolding system?
The RAD system is optimized for professional wax- or mineral oil-based clays, such as Monster Clay. These clays soften in a controlled way with heat, allowing the mold to be separated without distorting the sculpture. It is not intended for water-based clays (which are already soft by nature) or for modeling materials that harden irreversibly.
Can I use platinum silicone directly over the clay sculpture?
Yes, as long as the clay used is compatible with addition silicones. Sulfur-containing clays inhibit the cure of platinum silicone, leaving the surface tacky or uncured. Use clays specifically formulated to be compatible with platinum silicone, such as Monster Clay, and always carry out an inhibition test on a small area before laminating the entire piece.
How many times can the Armature be reused?
The ALANNA HEAD H2.0 is made from high-density plastic designed to withstand repeated cycles of sculpting, molding and demolding with hot water. Under normal workshop conditions, the Armature shows no significant wear with continued use. In practice, it is a tool with an indefinite service life as long as it is kept away from sharp impacts and aggressive solvents.
What is the maximum temperature for filling the Armature?
It is recommended not to exceed 70–80 °C to avoid possible deformation of the Armature plastic and to protect the integrity of any silicone molds that may be in contact with it. Water at that temperature is sufficient to soften wax-based clay within a few minutes. Using boiling water is neither necessary nor recommended.
Is there a half-mask version with the same system?
Yes. For work covering only the upper or lower part of the face, Feroca offers the ED HEAD H2.0 Water-Fillable Half-Mask Armature, with the same RAD hot-water demolding system but in a half-face format, ideal for partial prosthetics and half-face masks.
Do I need any special tools to work on this Armature?
You do not need any specific tools for the Armature itself, but you will need them for sculpting: modeling spatulas and loop tools, detail tools and, if you are working with cold clay, a gentle heat source (heat gun on a low setting or a spotlight) to soften the clay before applying it. For the laminating or molding process, a special laminating roller or a metal degassing roller will help you eliminate bubbles when applying silicone in layers.
