Elasta-Plastic Thermoplastic

SKU AP-06126

From $9.00

Elasta-Plastic is a stretchable perforated thermoplastic unlike any other available on our website. It is also known as "Plastic Fantastic". When stretched, the perforations present form a unique pattern of holes, allowing for the creation of some truly imaginative designs. It is great as an overlay for masks, costumes, millinery, castings & hand moulded sculptural pieces, particularly when another colour is placed underneath. When heated it becomes soft, allowing it to be moulded and shaped by hand or on a mould or block. Once cooled it retains the moulded shape. This process of heating and cooling can be repeated until the desired shape is acquired. One of the incredible features about this thermoplastic is the fact that it has shape memory - meaning that even if it stretched, if re-activated in water, it will essentially shrink back to it's original shape!.

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Specifications

Measurements

Sheet Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5cm or 15 x 15cm | Thickness: Approximately 3.2mm | Sold per: Individual sheet

Product Instructions

BLOCKING/MOLDING: Elasta-Plastic makes for an excellent overlay for alternate colours as the perforations allow for exposure of the layer underneath. The surface is capable of stretching, molding like putty once it has been heated but will snap under too much tension (see below for heating instructions). If snapped, the affected area may not be able to be repaired. This product contains a surface layer which prevents self-adhesion. Hence it will not stick easily to itself unless this layer is removed. This can be done via scraping or by brushing with acetone and then heating the selected area to activate it.

HEATING: The activation temperature of this product is around 70-75°C. Heating is recommended using boiled water which has been cooled slightly. Dry heating can be used with a heat gun but may not give a consistent activation throughout the product. If using an oven, care must be taken not to overheat as this material will absorb heat easier this way. If placed in water, and activated, the stretched form of this product will attempt revert to it's old shape (including the size of the perforations) but will never be 100% the same as it originally was. To heat, place a sheet in a bowl or container of near-boiling water for around 1-2 minutes until soft (The white version of this plastic becomes transparent. Coloured variants vary but may become slightly transparent to some degree). Once soft, it can be stretched over a block or desired molding shape. The size of the holes will increase with stretch. Elasta-Plastic should remain moldable for approimately 4 minutes after activation.

PLEASE NOTE: When heated, Elasta-Plastic should not be applied directly to bare skin as burns may occur.

Material Safety Data Sheet

MSDS - Elasta-plastic (PDF)

Shipping & Delivery

We ship products worldwide with express service available. For an accurate shipping quote, add the items you'd like to purchase to your bag and enter your address at checkout to see your options.

For more details, see our shipping information page.

Returns & Exchanges

If something’s not working for your project, reach out to us. We’ll work with you to explore options or find a better fit.

You can return eligible items within 14 days of delivery. For more information, see our returns policy.

Please note: Products cut to length cannot be returned if you change your mind. Please order a sample if you are unsure.

Keep in Mind

Colour & Texture

We take care to present colours as accurately as possible.

However, variations in naturally occurring products, dye lots, fibre composition, lighting, or screen settings may result in slight differences in tone or texture.

Stock Availability

As our online and showroom stock are shared, occasional discrepancies may occur.

If an item becomes unavailable after purchase, we’ll contact you to offer a suitable alternative or refund.

You can also note your requests at checkout. Or contact us, and we’ll check before you order.