Mold making and casting is an easy job as long as you abide by the rules and instructions. Following are some useful tips that every artist should follow, irrespective of the type of mold or cast.
The world of mold making and casting opens up a veritable treasure trove of materials – each with their own specific characteristics, methods and usage. The commonly used options are clay, wax, alginate, moulage, plaster, gypsum, concrete, polyurethanes, rubbers, etc. Artists can try their hand at different materials and play around with different options depending on the type of mold or cast they are making.
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Following are some general tips that beginners should keep in mind when working with almost any kind of material for making molds or casts:
- Every packaged material comes with its own set of product literature like TDS (Technical Data Sheet), safety data sheet. Always read the label and other product information carefully before using the said product.
- Work with materials that are already at room temperature and ensure that the room is at room temperature as well.
- Stick to the prescribed methods and techniques – like mix ratio, type of release agents, compatible materials – at all times. At times, there may be other simple provisions that can make a world of difference. For instance, alginate requires the use of soft/bottled water; using hard water even unintentionally will render the material into a lumpy mess. It takes experience to deviate from the given methods to tinker with the viscosity or other features.
- Some materials are suitable for certain applications and other options may not work as well, depending on the model, mold-making/casting material and other factors. Choose an appropriate material for the task. Seek advice from experts if needed.
- Always shake or stir components thoroughly before use. Sludge can sit at the bottom of the box while oil tends to float on the top. Shaking before use followed by proper mixing of the components together is crucial.
- Always mix a small amount as a batch test at first. It is better to get a feel for the material before mixing in large quantities for the project as it can end up as a time-consuming and expensive mistake.
- First try your hand at making a small mold or casting, use a small object as a test model before moving on to larger molds or castings.
- Keep the pot time and working time in mind. Avoid pouring delays as this will add to the working time and can affect the quality of the mold or cast.
- Before pouring, check if the sealer and release agent have been used, if required. Also check the mold/mold box for leakage before pouring the material.
- Wear gloves when working with any materials. Some materials may require the use of mouth mask, safety goggles and other additional protection.
- Use clean and good tools for any project. Assemble the required tools and supplies before starting the work.
- Follow the indicated set time and demold time to the T. Else, the mold or cast will end up distorted/deformed and unusable.
- Do not hesitate to ask any questions to the experts about the clay mold, resin casting, cold casting, alginate life casting, etc.
All the best for your new project!
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