Used in architectural restoration, compo (short for composition) is a mix of calcium carbonate, gelatin, pitch, and other ingredients. As a molding material compo holds unique qualities suitable for manipulation. It can be used in making press molds, but unlike clay it needs no firing to achieve hardness and durability. Its “plastic” phase is reportedly generous, allowing […]

In the age of diminishing resources, industries having no obvious connection can all be highly dependent on the same materials and agricultural crops. Gums, resins, and colloids are excellent examples, having a wide variety of applications in food science, imaging, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals production, and the cosmetic industry. The art world has long used some of […]