The Many Faces of Liquid Latex Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Sunday, April 23, 2023 6:07 AM

Liquid latex rubber is in a class of its own with a broad range of artistic applications that are not just limited to mold making and casting. It occupies a special place in the world of masks and special effects.

Liquid latex rubber is like the Holy Grail of artistic applications. This fluid material is easy to use and can be used for different purposes. It proves to be flexible, tear resistant and displays exceptional tensile strength across its varied range of applications. It is not only durable but also economical as compared to other mold making and casting materials.

Let us take a look at some of the uses of latex rubber:

  • Molds – Liquid latex can be easily used to make molds of different objects. It will capture details well and can even be applied on vertical surfaces – like architectural details – without it running off. Anything from plaster to urethane or polyester resin can be cast in the latex molds to make figurines, moldings and the like.
  • Casts – What sets casting latex rubbers apart from their mold making counterparts is that they are less viscous. The casts turn out to be like a thin skin, making it perfect for making props, gloves, hollow toys and the like.
  • Mask making – Liquid latex rubber is most identified with making masks. It is the first choice for making different types of masks that replicate the contours of the face to the last detail. It can be finished with monster, zombie or other spooky effects.
  • Costumes – The same rubber is also used to make customized costumes for Halloween and other occasions.
  • Special Effects – Name any kind of special effects on the body and liquid latex can be used to create the same for film, television and theatre productions. Realistic looking wounds, gashes, scars and other effects become possible in the hands of an experienced artist. Many people use it for body painting and even nail art.
  • Protective Coating – Latex rubber is used to form a protective coating on tools and other surfaces. Simply dipping the object in the liquid latex a couple of times (while allowing each successive coat to dry in between) will render a better grip and comfort in usage apart from providing electric insulation.
  • Waterproofing – Dipping a material in liquid latex will make it waterproof after curing. This is usually used for making raincoats and rubber boots that will not allow water to seep through them.
  • Repair Jobs – Pouring a bit of liquid latex serves well for covering up holes and tears in certain fabrics.
 
When it comes to making a choice of liquid latex rubber, RD-407 Mask Making and Casting Latex is useful for all the above purposes. It remains the prime choice for making a latex mask.

In sum, there’s not much that cannot be done with liquid latex. The humble material is easy to use – as simple as pouring it into the mold or dipping the model into the rubber!

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Troubleshooting Common Issues with Two-Part Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Tuesday, April 11, 2023 3:21 AM

When a mold is made in parts from the original object, the going gets complex and can involve some troubles for the mold maker. Following is an attempt to clarify the common problems with solutions.

Mold making is a complex art of creating a negative image of an object. This mold is then used to cast a three-dimensional replica of the original object and results in a carbon copy of the same!

There are different techniques of making molds; even the materials used to make the molds can vary – from simple clay and wax to resins and rubbers. In addition to this, the mold cannot be made in one go at all times. Depending on the shape, undercuts and other detailing of the object, it may require the mold to be made in two or more parts.

Needless to say, multi-part molds are more complicated and time-consuming. The method is not only longer, but can get quite intricate too. Given the elaborate process, mold makers often face different issues in the making of multi-part molds.
 


Let us take a look at the common issues and how to deal with them:

Air Bubbles – When air bubbles form in the mold, they will lead to voids in the final casting. These are more common in two-part molds. Therefore, the mold maker should be careful when mixing the mold making materials and pouring the mix into the mold. Some of them – like resins and rubbers – will require degassing in a pressure pot and vacuum chamber respectively.

Flashing – This refers to the excess material seeping out of the mold and forming a layer around the part. This can be due to problems with the parting line and the mold makers are always advised to design it properly. Errors in the parting line can also cause issues during the demolding process. Do not apply excessive force in the clamping either, as this can also make the mold making material seep outside.

Warping – One of the common reasons for two-part molds to get distorted is lack of proper alignment. It is crucial to align the parts of the mold properly before beginning the casting process. Only when the parts fit together properly, will it lead to a perfect casting.

Voids – It is not just air bubbles that can cause voids in the casting. This can also be due to the simple fact that the material was insufficient to fill the entire mold. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the mold is completely filled and the material seeps into all the undercuts and niches of the mold.

Apart from these, there are other mold defects like chipping, cracks, finger tracks, flow marks and so on. These can usually be corrected in two part molds by way of sanding and smoothening the surface. Other issues like depressions or gouges may require using additional material to fill them before sanding the cured mold.

In sum, as the object is complex, the mold making and casting will require extra attention and caution for sure!

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