Showing posts with label Silicone mold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Silicone mold. Show all posts

How to Care for and Maintain Your Silicone Molds for Longevity

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Monday, December 16, 2024 10:00 PM

For crafters, artists, and manufacturing professionals who rely on silicone molds to bring their creative visions to life, proper maintenance isn't just about cleanliness—it's about protecting your investment and ensuring consistent, high-quality results. Whether you're creating intricate resin art pieces, handcrafted soaps, or architectural elements, understanding the nuances of silicone mold care can dramatically extend their lifespan and improve your crafting outcomes.

Understanding Your Silicone Molds

Before diving into maintenance procedures, it's essential to understand what makes silicone molds unique. Professional silicone mold making has revolutionized the crafting industry due to several key characteristics:

  • Exceptional flexibility and durability
  • Heat resistance up to 450°F (232°C)
  • Natural release properties
  • Chemical resistance
  • Dimensional stability

These properties make silicone molds ideal for various applications, but they also require specific care approaches to maintain their performance.

The Foundation of Silicone Mold Care

Daily Maintenance Routine

Establishing a consistent care routine is crucial for preserving your silicone molds. Here's a comprehensive approach to daily maintenance:

Pre-Use Preparation

  • Inspect molds for dust or debris
  • Apply appropriate release agent if necessary
  • Check temperature conditions
  • Verify surface cleanliness

Post-Use Care

  • Allow materials to fully cure
  • Remove castings carefully
  • Perform initial cleaning
  • Prepare for storage

 


Professional Cleaning Techniques

Basic Cleaning Protocol

Following proper cleaning procedures helps prevent material buildup and maintains the mold's surface quality:

Initial Cleaning

  • Remove loose debris immediately after use
  • Gently bend and flex molds to release stuck particles
  • Use compressed air for intricate details
  • Wipe with a microfiber cloth

Deep Cleaning Process

  • Use mild, unscented dish soap
  • Maintain water temperature below 120°F (49°C)
  • Clean with soft sponges or brushes
  • Rinse thoroughly multiple times
  • Air dry completely

Advanced Cleaning Methods

For stubborn residues and special situations:

Baking Soda Treatment

  • Prepare a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water.
  • Apply gently with a soft brush
  • Let sit for 15-20 minutes
  • Rinse thoroughly

Vinegar Solution

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water
  • Soak for 30 minutes maximum
  • Scrub gently if needed
  • Neutralize with baking soda solution
  • Rinse completely

Professional Storage Solutions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining silicone molds for crafts and extending their useful life:

Temperature-Controlled Environment

  • Maintain consistent room temperature (65-75°F/18-24°C)
  • Avoid direct sunlight exposure
  • Keep away from heat sources
  • Monitor humidity levels (40-50% ideal)

Organization Systems

Flat Storage

  • Use dedicated shelving units
  • Implement drawer systems
  • Install dust covers
  • Label and categorize

Vertical Storage

  • Support critical points
  • Use hanging systems for larger molds
  • Maintain proper airflow
  • Prevent pressure points

Advanced Maintenance Techniques

Temperature Management

Temperature control is crucial for silicone mold longevity:

Working Temperature Guidelines

  • Monitor maximum temperature exposure
  • Allow gradual cooling periods
  • Avoid thermal shock
  • Use temperature indicators when necessary

Environmental Controls

  • Install thermometers in work areas
  • Use climate control systems
  • Monitor seasonal changes
  • Adjust procedures accordingly

Release Agent Optimization

Proper release agent use can significantly extend mold life:

Selection Criteria

  • Material compatibility
  • Application method
  • Durability requirements
  • Environmental considerations

Application Techniques

  • Use thin, even coats
  • Allow proper drying time
  • Monitor buildup
  • Clean between applications
  • Troubleshooting and Restoration
  • Common Issues and Solutions

Surface Degradation

  • Identify cause of wear
  • Apply restoration treatments
  • Adjust usage patterns
  • Implement preventive measures

Shape Distortion

  • Use gentle heat treatment
  • Apply gradual pressure correction
  • Install support structures
  • Monitor recovery progress

Professional Restoration

For valuable or specialized molds:

Chemical Treatments

  • Use silicone rejuvenators
  • Apply surface conditioners
  • Monitor treatment effects
  • Document results

Physical Restoration

  • Repair minor damages
  • Reshape distorted areas
  • Reinforce weak points
  • Test functionality

Quality Control and Documentation

Maintaining records helps optimize mold care:

Usage Tracking

  • Number of castings
  • Materials used
  • Temperature exposure
  • Cleaning procedures

Maintenance Schedule

  • Regular inspections
  • Deep cleaning dates
  • Restoration treatments
  • Replacement planning

Conclusion

Professional silicone mold care is an investment in your crafting future. At ArtMolds, we're committed to helping you achieve the best results with your silicone molds. Our expert-designed products and comprehensive care solutions ensure your molds maintain their quality and performance over time. Visit https://www.artmolds.com/ today to explore our premium silicone molds and professional-grade maintenance products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I perform deep cleaning on my silicone molds?

A: Deep cleaning should be performed every 15-20 uses or monthly for frequently used molds. However, adjust this schedule based on the materials you're using and visible residue buildup.

Q: Can I use mineral spirits or other solvents to clean my silicone molds?

A: While silicone is generally chemical-resistant, harsh solvents can cause degradation over time. Stick to mild soap and water for routine cleaning and use specialized silicone cleaners for tough residues.

Q: What's the best way to store intricate or detailed silicone molds?

A: Store detailed molds flat with proper support for all areas. Use acid-free tissue paper to maintain delicate features and consider custom storage solutions that prevent pressure points or distortion.

Q: How can I tell if my silicone mold is beyond repair?

A: Look for signs such as permanent discoloration, loss of flexibility, tears that extend through the material, persistent tackiness, or consistent difficulty in releasing castings despite proper maintenance.

Q: What environmental factors most affect silicone mold longevity?

A: UV exposure, extreme temperatures, high humidity, and rapid temperature changes can all significantly impact mold life. Maintain a controlled environment and protect molds from these factors.

Q: How do different casting materials affect mold maintenance requirements?

A: Different materials require specific care approaches. Resin typically needs more frequent cleaning and release agent use, while soap making may require different temperature considerations. Always adjust your maintenance routine based on your primary casting material.

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Cutting Edge Magic: Why Silicone mold is Beloved by F/X Studios to Chocolatiers

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Wednesday, January 24, 2024 4:38 AM

From artisan chocolates to custom concrete furnishings, silicone has become an indispensable asset for makers and hobbyists alike. With its durability, flexibility, and unmatched ability to capture fine detail, silicone empowers creators to keep pushing boundaries.

Understanding the properties that set silicone apart reveals why it has found a home everywhere from professional kitchens to special effects workshops. Whether whipping up an amber resin cast or shiny ingot of soap, discover how this material can elevate your projects.

What Makes Silicone So Exceptional?


Heat Tolerance

Silicone possesses impressive thermal stability, retaining its properties in temperatures ranging from -100° to upwards of 500°F. You can safely use silicone molds for casting wax or tempering delicate chocolates. Some specialized products designed for metalsmithing can even withstand molten metals exceeding 1200°F.

Flexibility

A hallmark of silicone is its bendability and elasticity. Complex mold geometries and deep undercut areas that crack rigid molds can flex and deform to release casts freely. This flexibility prevents damage during extraction, enabling multiple re-uses.

Durability

While silicone rubbers exhibit great flexibility, they are not easily torn or made to lose shape. Quality silicone holds up to years of regular casting use if properly maintained. Whether subjected to moisture, UV light, or humidity, silicone retains dimensional stability better than most alternatives.

Intricate Detail Resolution

Molten silicone easily picks up even the most subtle textures and details with accuracy and precision. Things like delicate feathers, lace patterns, or typography imprint clearly for high-fidelity reproduction. This aids creators in capturing realism.

Key Applications Leveraging Silicone’s Properties


Chocolate Making

Safe for food contact, resistant to high heat, and flexible enough to remove fragile tempered chocolate castings without breakage. Silicone offers chocolate makers the ideal material for yielding flawlessly detailed bonbons, pralines, or candy bars through intricate molds.

Candle Making

Candle makers harness silicone molds to impart striking embossed geometries, textures, and custom patterns into wax. Exceptional thermal properties allow molten wax to cure fully before flexible demolding. The results are wax creations with crisp details.

Resin Casting

The clarity of crystal-clear epoxy and polyurethane resins lets subtle mold details shine through vibrantly. Silicone picks up and replicates even the most minute textures and patterns without loss of accuracy. Resin artisans use this capability to encapsulate items inside hand-poured tabletop pieces with stunning realism.

Soap Making

It stands up to alkaline soaps without issue, unlike some mold alternatives which can react. Flexible soap molds yield intricately shaped bars, embossed designs, and custom textures while minimizing surface curing issues that can inhibit release. The bendability also prevents fragile soap castings from cracking or tearing during unmolding.

Concrete Casting

Recreating stone-like qualities in concrete relies on molds with excellent detail resolution to impart realism. While concrete cures, silicone’s flexibility enables unfolding of complex mold geometry and undercuts. The result: textured and imprinted concrete products that mimic Mediterranean tiles, rough-hewn plank wood, or fossil patterns.



Pushing Creative Boundaries


Jewelry makers leverage silicone’s heat resistance for lost-wax casting of silver and gold pieces. Special effects studios take advantage of flawless detail replication to produce masks, makeup prosthetics, and animatronics resembling skin. Chocolatiers transform cacao into delectable works of art through whimsical silicone molds.

Indeed, pushing creative limits seems to be silicone’s specialty. The material aids makers throughout every step of the process with properties uniquely fit for purpose.

Choosing the Best Silicone Products


With so many inferior silicone products flooding the market, finding quality can prove difficult. For mold making and casting, platinum-cure silicones represent the gold standard. Compared to tin-cured versions, platinum stands up better to repeated use without inhibiting finishes. These specialized rubbers also pick up finer details than cheaper alternatives.

For elevated mold-making and casting essentials, ArtMolds offers an unrivaled selection of platinum silicone products purpose-built for artisans. Peruse our vast catalog of chocolate molds, resin tools, candle supplies, soap molds and more to take your next project to the next level.

Discover the Art of Silicone Casting


We invite you to explore first-hand how our premium silicone tools unlock new potential for makers of all skill levels. Let your imagination run wild and breathe life into your most ambitious creative visions with ArtMolds by your side. Discover our complete range of innovative silicone solutions by visiting https://www.artmolds.com today.

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Difference between Poured Block and Blanket Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Monday, September 12, 2022 11:58 PM

The uses of silicone rubber across mold making and casting are too many to list. It can be used to make both block and blanket molds. Find out how to make these poured molds using silicone rubber.

Silicone rubber is an inherently versatile material which lends itself well to various applications in both mold making and casting. When it comes to mold making, both the poured block and poured blanket molds can be made using silicone rubber. Let us take a look at both these techniques:
 

Poured block mold – This is considered the simplest method for making a mold. All it requires is making a containment area or a mold box. For this, the model is first secured to a flat base and the edges are sealed with clay or glue. The walls of the box can be made using particle board, plywood, PVC pipes, etc. These walls will have to be secured together as well as to the bottom of the box before sealing the interior edges and corners to prevent leakage of any kind. Alternatively, the walls can be fashioned with clay itself.

Once the mold box is ready, making the mold is as easy as simply pouring the mixed silicone rubber into the box till it completely covers the model and then some more. This should be done from a corner while avoiding pouring directly over the model. Let it cure proper before demolding by dismantling the mold box and prying the mold loose. The mold will be ready for casting.

This technique does require a lot of rubber but is preferred for its simplicity.

 

Poured blanket molds – This is a more complicated process as it requires constructing a mold shell over the model which will take some practice. Here also the model is first secured to a base. Then it is covered with plastic wrap before applying clay to about half inch thickness. This should be uniform and fill all undercuts in the model. The clay is extended to form a flange and a pour hole is also needed.

A thickened mixture of polyurethane resin is applied over the clay and legs are added that will serve to hold and level the mold later on. Holes are drilled evenly throughout the plastic flange that will help in repositioning and screwing later.

Once cured, the mold shell is demolded and the clay is removed from inside. The model is again glued to the board and the plastic shell is repositioned over it by aligning the holes before securing it to the base with screws. Sealing the edges with clay will prevent leakage.

Mixed silicone rubber is poured inside through the hole at the top. This will cure to form a mold in place of the clay. The mold shell is removed and he edges of the silicone mold are loosened for demolding it from the model. When casting, the mold has to be placed in the shell mold again.

It is clear that this process may be complicated, but will require much less mold making material. The final casting will be easier to demold too as the poured blanket molds are thin and flexible.

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How to Choose a Mold Material Made Easy

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , Thursday, June 16, 2022 11:36 PM

 

Making a mold is a complex proposition that involves various factors right from the technique to the choice of material. Indeed, the material used to make the mold – be it clay, plaster, alginate, resin, latex rubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, etc. - will have a bearing on everything related to the quality, resilience, durability and even the very usability of the mold.

While different mold makers have their own specific criteria for choosing a mold material, there are some basic aspects that have to be kept in mind, such as:

  • Consider the material of the model. In general, it is better to pick a material that can be used on stone, wood, glass, metal, wax, plaster, ceramic or clay. In case of a body mold, the material should be safe for using on the skin, capture fine details and cure quickly too.
  • Take the characteristics of the model into consideration. Is the pattern simple with no undercuts or does it have a complex shape with deep undercuts? In case of a vertical surface or large/immovable objects, the model making material should be such that it can be applied on the details where it is without running off or needing to be thickened.
  • Compatibility with the casting material also has to be taken into account. Certain mold making materials may not be suitable for casting specific types of resins, rubbers or metals.
  • There are other aspects that warrant a closer look before closing in on an option – like catalyst, curing agent, working time and cure time at room temperature, etc. While at it, consider if the pot time and demolding time can be modified if needed.
  • Focus on the specific performance objectives expected from the mold/mold making material in terms of viscosity, appearance, durability, resilience, shore hardness, tensile strength, flexibility, shrinkage, tear strength, reusability and more.
  • In case of a flexible mold, a reinforcing shell mold will be required and the material compatibility factors will come into play again.
  • Consider the tools and equipment requirements of particular materials to ensure that the studio is prepped to work as required.
  • Take the mold features into account. For instance, a silicone mold varies in many aspects to a resin mold which will again be miles apart from a clay one.

Generally speaking, look for materials that are easy to use, can reproduce intricate details and are known to hold severe undercuts. It will be better if they also feature excellent release characteristics with customizable working times and cure rates. They should be flexible enough to tolerate the stress of demolding and be able to adapt to a range of service temperatures. Good resistance to chemicals and ability to withstand wear and tear with repeated use will also be helpful.

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How to Make Molds Using Silicone Rubber?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Thursday, June 9, 2022 6:03 AM

Silicone rubber makes the most perfect mold reproductions that become the base for casts. Find out more about the different techniques of making silicone molds as well as how to use them in the casting process.

Silicone rubber is a versatile material that is commonly used in art studios to make molds and casts. It offers an interesting array of useful properties that lend themselves well to these arts. As a mold making material, it reproduces the precise shape of the model and can be used to make a wide variety of reproductions.

The common methods of making silicone molds is either pouring or lamination. In the former, the model is kept inside a mold box and the rubber is directly poured on to it. This process requires just a couple of steps and the mold is ready in the minimum time possible. It is preferred for making molds of furniture parts, ornaments and fine handicrafts.

The lamination method is also known as skin molding. It involves creating a skin of even thickness by laminating the rubber onto the model. The mold is reinforced with a shell mold. The process is not only quick, it also requires less quantity of material and results in a lightweight mold. This is the method of choice for reproducing artworks and other three-dimensional figures. It is also preferred for creating molds of large figures.

Both the methods will replicate even the minute surface details of the model in their entirety and become a perfect negative impression of the model.



Making the Casting


Once the silicone mold is ready and cured properly, anything from wax or plaster to resin can be cast in the mold to create a perfect reproduction of the model. Both the mold making and casting processes work beautifully as silicone rubber does not stick to anything (except itself). Demolding is a breeze and the flexible mold can be finished/corrected as needed before making casts.

The silicone molds are always durable and long-lasting. They can be used and reused any number of times provided they are cleaned and stored properly between uses. The casts will turn out perfect every single time. It is advisable to dust the mold with talcum powder before storing away from sunlight to ensure that the mold does not flop or become sticky.

What’s more, it is possible to even cast silicone rubber in these molds as long as a good release agent is being used. When it comes to finishing a silicone cast, it calls for special silicone paints as the regular ones will tend to chip and crack on the rubber surface.

Where to buy?


EnvironMolds (https://www.artmolds.com/) offers a varied collection of silicone rubber options for general mold making apart from specific purposes like food molds, body molds, 5 minute molds and even doll reborning. The materials are of excellent quality and yet priced vey reasonably. In addition to this, the special silicone paint is also available for finishing silicone casts.

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Standard Procedures for Making a Silicone Mold

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Saturday, November 27, 2021 3:00 AM

With silicone being a popular and useful mold making material that delivers variety of benefits, artists should be aware of the basics when working with this rubber. Following are some tips on the same.

There are varied options of materials when it comes to making molds. While any malleable material like clay, wax, alginate or resin can be used to create a negative of the master model, rubbers have emerged as the material of choice, especially for professional mold makers. Then again, while there is a choice of polyurethane, latex and thermoset mold rubbers, silicone is preferred for many a reason.

To start with, mold making silicone is easy to use. The material has sufficient working time and cures fairly quickly to deliver durable, tear resistant and heat resistant molds. In fact, the molds will last for years and can be used to make any number of castings.The molds do not shrink much either. A variety of materials – like wax, plaster, gypsum, resins and even low-temperature melt metal alloys – can be cast in a silicone mold. Demolding is also easy as silicone does not stick to anything except itself.

Basic Preparation


Silicone rubber can be used to make molds of anything from figurines, statues, architectural pieces and picture frames to soaps, candles, toys, jewelry and more. The applications also include conventional prototype tooling and stereolithography.

The silicone has to be mixed with the catalyst in the specified ratio prior to use. Both the base and catalyst should first be stirred in their own containers before weighing the required amount of silicone base into a clean mixing container. A useful tip is to tilt the container and roll the material all the way around the sidewall, leaving about two inches from the top. This may sound unnecessary at first, but the coating will work to keep the catalyst from getting absorbed into the container, thus giving a better mix.

After this, the required amount of catalyst can be weighed into the container. Mix the two together by stirring with a stiff, flat-ended metal spatula until a uniform color is obtained. It is better to keep scraping the container walls and bottom to insure a thorough mix.

While artists usually vacuum degas the silicone rubber mix, it is generally not needed for most applications as a uniform flow into the mold box is enough to minimize entrapping of air. In case it is being deaired, the mixing container should be filled only to one-third of its depth to allow sufficient room for expansion during the deaeration.

Additionally, it is noted that low temperature and humidity increases both the work and pot life of silicone rubbers. Some artists even opt to refrigerate the base material before using it in hot environments.

Finally, the catalyst container should be closed tightly after use as exposure to air for an extended period can cause a film or crust to form on the catalyst and this hydrolyzed material will lead to improper curing.

MoldRite 25 Silicone is a popular material for general silicone mold making. The quality of impressions captured by these silicone molds is exceptionally outstanding.

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How to Paint on Silicone Rubber?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Tuesday, October 19, 2021 12:23 AM

Silicone molds and casts always throw up the problem of proper finishing as regular paints cannot be used on this rubber surface. Specially-formulated silicone paints are the best solution.

Silicone rubber proves to be a wonderful material for making both molds and casts. It is easy to use, captures details well and cures quickly too. The best part is that as silicone does not stick to anything, it is easy to demold as well, even without using a release agent.

However, this very property becomes self-defeating when it comes to painting a silicone surface. Regular oil and acrylic paints fail to adhere properly to silicone molds and casts; they will start peeling and cracking soon. This proves to be very frustrating for artists; some even resort to roughing the silicone surface so that the paint can stick on it.

Bringing an answer to the fore


There is silicone paint that has been specially formulated to work on silicone surfaces. Available in a dye form, it should be mixed with a suitable silicone paint medium – just like oil paints are mixed with linseed oil for thinning. This medium is actually a silicone catalyst which works to transform the paint so that it can permanently bond with the silicone surface that has to be painted. As the paint is also flexible, it will easily stretch and bend along with the rubber without causing any cracks or breaks. In fact, the paint can even work to protect and preserve the surface from regular wear and tear.

Silicone paint is usually used extrinsically to paint the silicone surface after it has set. The dried surface is cleaned with acetone before painting by hand. Alternatively, the color can be airbrushed on silicone (do clean the airbrush immediately to prevent clogging). For intrinsic coloring, a few drops of the pigment can be added to the silicone base before adding the catalyst.

However, bear in mind that silicone pigments can be added to tin-based silicone rubbers only. If mixed with silicone that has a platinum catalyst, it can interfere with the setting of the rubber.
 

EnvironMolds offers top quality silicone pigments in a broad range of color options – from black and white to red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple and more. There is also the 'Quinn Blush' shade which is used by renown doll rebirthing artist, Terry Quinn to add the lovely skin blush to her silicone dolls.

The best part is that this silicone paint can be used on both tin-based and platinum-based silicone rubber surfaces as they have been formulated to adhere to both types of surfaces. Medium for making the paint is also available.

Therefore, artists can easily paint their silicone casts in the desired colors to get the effect they wish. They are especially favored by special effects and prosthetic artisans, doll makers, etc. to give the painted-on color effects to their silicone rubber creations. However, they can be used on regular silicone molds and casts too.

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Types of Silicone Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Thursday, June 10, 2021 7:30 AM

There are many basic differences between liquid silicone rubber, room temperature vulcanizing silicone and the high temperature vulcanizing variant which influences their potential use.

Silicone rubber is a man-made elastomer that is composed of silicone with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. This inorganic rubber-like material is used extensively across various industries - rail, aerospace, automotive, food/beverage and artworks to name a few. The superior benefits of resistance to high temperatures, weather and abrasion coupled with chemical stability and electrical insulation make it a popular and commonly-used rubber for varied applications.
 

It is manufactured in three different forms with varying viscosity and curing temperatures:


  • Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) – As the name goes, this is in liquid form with good viscosity and flows well. It is a two-part silicone and the curing occurs only when the base material comes in contact with the catalyst. This is a thermosetting material and cannot be restored to its original form after curing. The range of hardness is wide, from 5 to 90 Shore A. The excellent liquidity ensures that the rubber can easily fill the most complex parts of the mold, making it perfect for automated injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding and other molds that have complicated designs or demand tolerance.
  • Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber (RTV) – This rubber is also in liquid state, but comes in both one-part and two-part formulations. The two-part variant is again of two types - condensation cure and addition cure. The former uses tin salts as a catalyst while the latter relies on a platinum-based catalyst to turn the liquid silicone into a solid form. It should be noted that these types of RTV silicone rubbers are not only quite different from each other, but also not even compatible with each other. However, all RTVs will cure at room temperature when they come into contact with air.

In general, RTVs cure to a soft or medium hard finish ranging from 15 to 40 Shore A. They have low shrinkage and can capture details well, making them suitable for injection molding, gravity casting and vacuum casting. They enjoy varied applications including mold making, casting, prototype-making, prosthetics and encapsulation. The tin-cured silicones have food safe, skin safe and transparent versions too.

High-Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber (HTV) – This is also known as Solid, Milliable or High Consistency Silicone Rubber. It is usually in the form of solid, gummy rubber blocks which are partly vulcanized, though liquid forms are also formulated. It goes without saying that the rubber has to be heat-cured at high temperatures to get the finished product. It is used for compression and resin-transfer. Silicone tubing and other shapes are often extruded from HTV silicone rubber.

EnvironMolds offers a great selection of high quality RTV silicone mold rubbers that can be used to make a silicone mold or cast. This popular art supplier also provides skin-safe, food-safe and translucent silicone rubber formulations. Apart from this, other related materials, supplies, tools and equipment are also available.

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Different Types of Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, January 15, 2019 10:14 PM

Rubber material can be classified into distinct families based on its properties and usage. The varying rubber options can be used for different types of mold making and casting applications.

Rubber is essentially a simple material that is derived from the sap of trees. This milky white, sticky and elastic material has become almost indispensible in the world of mold making and casting.

The rubber is available in many different types and forms. Think – latex rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoset mold rubber and you will get the picture.

It goes without saying that each rubber has its own distinct properties and the use varies accordingly. Moreover, the same rubber is formulated differently to suit mold making and casting applications.

 For instance, liquid latex can be used for capturing molds from rough surfaces or when you have to cast abrasive materials. The economical material can even be applied to vertical surfaces or models where they are itself without the risk of run-off. It is particularly favored for creating special effects on actors. In its casting form, the less viscous latex rubber proves to be very useful for making latex masks, props and other thin skin products.

On the other hand, silicone rubber is more expensive, but it is still widely used for making silicone molds and casts. This rubber can be used for various applications – even food safe and skin safe variations are available. While the former is suitable for food molds, the latter can be easily applied on the human body for making life casts. The main advantage is that silicone does not stick to anything but itself – this allows for easy demolding from the model or mold.

While artists tend to use mold making silicone rubber for casting works too, special variants have also been developed. A skin-colored, translucent option makes doll reborning possible – it is soft and stretchable like skin, but still stays tough and tear-resistant like all other rubbers.

Similarly, polyurethane or thermoset mold rubbers come with their own distinct properties and usage.

You can check out the various rubber families and their use on the EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com

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Painting on Casts Made Possible

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Wednesday, May 16, 2018 10:29 PM

Mold making and casting are advanced arts that involve the use of specialized materials like resins, latex rubber and silicone rubber. These materials are easy to use and produce excellent molds and casts.

However, painting them is another story altogether. Most artists are confounded when their painted casts start chipping or cracking very soon.

The fault lies not in the material or the technique, but in the paints themselves. Regular paints just do not work well will rubber or resin materials. And this is exactly why EnvironMolds has devoted a complete section to specialized paints and dyes like silicone paint, latex paint and resin paint.



On the www.artmolds.com website, you can easily locate this segment under the Art Supplies tab. It throws up various options of specially created painting and pigmenting systems for latex, silicone and polyurethane applications.

There are a range of pigments that should be mixed with the corresponding paint medium before painting on a cured surface. Or you can also mix the pigment directly in the casting material itself before adding the catalyst to get a uniform intrinsic color on the entire cast.



There is also an exceptional offering called I-Glo photo-luminescent pigments. This comes in a crystal form and can be mixed into a clear casting resin or sprinkled over a finished surface before sealing it. It will create a glowing effect in the dark by absorbing light during the day. The pigments are invisible during the day, thus creating two distinct looks for the artwork.

All the above pigments are so formulated that they bond with the rubber or resin material. As they become a part of the cast itself, they will not chip, crack or rub off at all.

So, remember to use the right resin, latex or silicone paint for finishing your cast!

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Location: United States

Making Molds With Silicone Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, September 26, 2017 11:49 PM

I have been doing clay modeling for many years. I was quite happy making large and small figurines with clay, and they turned out quite clearly detailed and appealing. However, recently I came across many mold makers who were  (to many “quite” in a row) enthusiastic about silicone rubber and how it can be used to reproduce almost anything. 
 
https://siliconemoldartmolds.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/quick-silicone-molds-made-possible/

I wanted to try out the product and looked up the instructions on the EnvironMolds website www.artmolds.com. The illustrated directions were clear which further motivated me to give it a try. I ordered MoldRite 25 silicone for my task and it was delivered shortly.

I decided to make a mold of a small figurine that I had already fashioned with clay. I used a cup for the mold box and glued the model on the bottom. Then I had to accurately weigh and thoroughly mix the silicone rubber and catalyst in a bowl. Pouring the mixture in a high, thin stream into the cup helped me to avoid most of the air bubbles. I covered the figurine completely with silicone rubber and pricked the few air bubbles that rose to the surface. 
 
 
The silicone mold had set properly within a few hours and I demolded it to get the silicone rubber mold with all the indentations and undercuts captured perfectly. After that I used the same silicone mold to make many more figurines and each turned out absolutely identical to the original one. The process was easy and fun too!

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Check Out EnvironMolds’ New Life Casting Instruction Manual

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , Saturday, May 2, 2015 3:21 AM

For all those artists who have been struggling to make realistic life cast reproductions of the human body, there’s some good news in store. EnvironMolds has just launched a new life casting instruction book on how to create front torso castings from live models.

Penned by Ed McCormick himself, ‘How to Create a Front Torso Casting’ is a 48 page manual with step-by-step instructions on everything from the materials required for making a front torso life cast to the requisite pre-molding and pre-casting preparations. The book will guide you through the minutiae of how to prepare the model and how to apply the mold making material and finish it off with plaster bandages. You will understand the intricacies of demolding the mold from the model’s body and then making the final cast using plaster or silicone rubbers. Once you learn how to finish the casting, a beautifully artistic front torso casting will await your eyes!

Apart from the life casting tutorial, this helpful guide also contains useful information about how to find, hire and work with life casting models. Compensation suggestions and a bonus model release form are also included in the book. You can easily check out the e-book on the ArtMolds blog before purchasing it for $19.95 from Amazon or MagCloud.

The book is especially useful for passionate life casters who find it difficult to attend EnvironMolds’ life casting workshops

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

Water Glass Works as an Excellent Adhesive

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Tuesday, February 24, 2015 4:08 AM

You couldn’t be more mistaken if you thought water glass – aka sodium silicate – can be used only for sand mold casting or metal mold making. While you may have heard that sodium silicate is often used to create an antique patina on ceramics, not many people know that it works as an excellent high temperature adhesive as well.

Indeed, the binding properties of sodium silicate make it an effective adhesive for bonding and coating applications. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of water glass on the surface or between two materials and let it dry. The liquid will react under acidic conditions and form a hard glassy gel after drying. This functions as a tightly adhering bond that is rigid, resilient, odorless, non-toxic, moisture resistant, non-flammable and resistant to high temperatures. It is also one of the most low-cost adhesives available!

Sodium silicate can be effectively used to bond different materials like metals, concrete, plaster, paper, glass, fiberglass, ceramics, and even refractory materials. Besides this, it works as an effective sealer for plaster and cement, and makes the surfaces where it is applied water repellant as well. It is a cheap and effective sealer for all types of concrete surfaces making them impervious to water and other liquids;think garage, shed and basement floors.

If you are wondering where to source this high temperature adhesive, just turn to EnvironMolds. This leading manufacturer and supplier of all kinds of mold making and casting products and equipment also offers liquid sodium silicate for varied applications like ceramics, metal mold making, concrete and plaster sealing, and adhesives.

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

Why I particularly Like Silicone Rubber!

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , Friday, January 30, 2015 3:02 AM

Of all the mold making materials, I really like silicone mold rubber for my mold making and casting works. Silicone rubber is definitely a very versatile material as it can be used to reproduce almost anything.

The molds come out very detailed as silicone is primed to capture the minutest of details in full clarity. They are flexible and can be used as you wish. Apart from being easy and safe to use, silicone rubber molds turn out to be quite long lasting. You can continue to use the same mold for reproducing casts again and again which kind of puts paid to the higher cost of silicone rubber.

What’s more, the same silicone rubber compound can double up for both mold making and casting works. Indeed, the same silicone can be used for making casts as easily as for molds! However, the only point is that as silicone does not stick to anything apart from itself, I do not prefer to make silicone molds and casts of the same object!

Of all the varied silicone mold rubbers available in the market, my particular favorite is the Five Minute Molding Putty offered by the house of EnvironMolds. The product stands up to its name as I can make a traditional silicone mold or cast very quickly and easily, that too without using a box. I use it often for making quick impressions and also for food molds as it complies with FDA standards.

Enjoy mold making and casting!

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

Returns and Exchange is Easily Possible at EnvironMolds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Friday, September 12, 2014 12:26 AM

I was placing my regular order of mold making and casting products and supplies on the EnvironMolds website. It was only after my credit card had been charged that I realized that I had mistakenly ordered 4 gallons of EnvironMolds liquid latex casting rubber.

As I mostly make life casts and am not interested in making masks or props, the huge quantity of liquid latex rubber was a total waste for me. So I immediately contacted the EnvironMolds’ customer service department with the trepidation that I had carelessly frittered away my money.

But the EnvironMolds personnel were quite agreeable to my mistake and agreed to facilitate an

I was assured that if at any time in the future I am not completely satisfied with the quality of any products purchased from EnvironMolds, I will always be entitled to a full replacement or refund, save the shipping costs.
exchange. They asked me to return the product along with either the original packing slip or a copy of the invoice and also a note detailing the reason for the return. I would be entitled to an exchange or credit after deducting a 20% restocking charge for the order error. I had to bear the cost of shipping and return shipping as well. But I was relieved that I was not stuck with the huge expense and exchanged it for my usual supplies like alginate, plaster bandages and release agents.

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
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