Casting is the second step in a display process. A cast is an object formed by filling in a mold forming the replica to be put on display. Casts are made of a variety of types of material. Each type is chosen for a specific purpose. Some materials are chosen because the organism may be so large that weight may be a factor, others are chosen for stability.

The casts at the museum are on a small scale and plaster is one of the common materials used. The desired mold is set up in advance before any mixing of the cast material. The 2 piece molds are secured together by rubber bands and the one piece molds are placed in a container with sand. The sand helps to stabilize the mold, ensuring it doesn’t move providing additional support.
The cast material is mixed and poured into the desired molds. Once dried the cast is carefully removed from the mold and is ready for painting.

Painting a cast is the art of turning a white object into a replicated fossil. Painting makes the cast come to life. Many can’t tell the difference between a replica and a fossil. Can you?