Showing posts with label mold making materials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold making materials. Show all posts

How ArtMolds Helps Artists Bring Their Vision to Life with Mold Making Materials

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Monday, February 3, 2025 2:54 AM

 


For sculptors and artists, turning creative visions into tangible masterpieces requires not just skill and inspiration, but also the right materials and techniques. In the world of three-dimensional art, mold making stands as a crucial process that bridges imagination and reality. ArtMolds has established itself as a premier destination for artists seeking professional-grade mold making materials and supplies that enable them to bring their artistic visions to life.

The Art and Science of Mold Making for Sculptures

The journey from concept to creation in sculptural art often involves intricate mold making processes. Whether working with clay, wax, or other mediums, artists rely on high-quality mold making materials to capture every detail of their original work. These materials serve as the foundation for reproducing sculptures with precision and consistency.

Understanding Professional Mold Making Solutions

Professional artists understand that the quality of their mold making materials directly impacts the final result. ArtMolds offers a comprehensive selection of silicone rubbers, release agents, and casting materials that cater to various artistic needs. These materials are specifically formulated to capture intricate details while ensuring durability and longevity.

Elevating Artistic Excellence with Premium Artist Mold Supplies

The success of any sculptural project often hinges on the quality of mold making supplies used. ArtMolds provides artists with:

Professional-Grade Silicone Rubber

High-performance silicone rubber compounds offer exceptional detail reproduction and durability. These materials are perfect for creating complex molds that can withstand multiple castings while maintaining dimensional stability.

Advanced Release Agents

Specialized release agents ensure clean separation between mold and casting, preserving fine details and extending mold life. These products are essential for achieving professional results in any mold making project.

Innovative Casting Materials

From polyurethane resins to specialized concrete compounds, ArtMolds supplies materials that enable artists to explore various finishing options and achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.

Empowering Artists Through Technical Excellence

Beyond providing superior mold making materials, ArtMolds stands out through its commitment to technical support and education. The company's expertise helps artists navigate complex projects and overcome technical challenges in their creative process.

Customized Solutions for Unique Projects

Every artistic vision is unique, and ArtMolds recognizes this by offering personalized guidance in selecting the right mold making materials for specific projects. This tailored approach ensures artists can achieve their desired results efficiently and effectively.

Advancing Artistic Innovation

The world of mold making continues to evolve with new technologies and techniques. ArtMolds stays at the forefront of these developments, constantly updating its product lineup to include the latest innovations in mold making materials and processes.

Conclusion

ArtMolds has established itself as more than just a supplier of mold making materials – it's a partner in artistic creation. By providing premium-quality materials, expert guidance, and innovative solutions, ArtMolds helps artists transform their creative visions into reality. Visit https://artmolds.com/ to explore our comprehensive range of professional mold making supplies and start bringing your artistic vision to life today.

Ready to elevate your sculptural art? Experience the ArtMolds difference – where quality meets creativity.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Mold Making Materials

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Thursday, January 16, 2025 2:47 AM

 


When it comes to creating high-quality molds for your projects, choosing the best mold making materials is key. Whether you're an artist, DIY enthusiast, or professional, selecting the right materials will ensure your molds are durable, flexible, and accurate. In this guide, we will walk you through the different types of mold making materials, and how to choose the one that fits your needs, whether for resin casting, life casting, or sculpture making.

1. Understanding the Basics of Mold Making

Mold making is an essential process in many industries, from art to manufacturing. The detailed mold making process involves creating a replica of an object by surrounding it with a mold material and then casting it in a different medium, such as resin. The mold can be made from various materials, and each one serves a specific purpose depending on the project.

2. Types of Mold Making Materials

Choosing the right mold making materials largely depends on the project you're working on. Here are some popular options:

Silicone Mold Kits

Silicone mold kits are among the most popular choices for mold making, especially for DIY mold making materials. Silicone is highly flexible, durable, and resistant to heat, making it perfect for casting materials like resin, plaster, and concrete. It’s also known for its non-stick surface, which makes the release of the cast easier.

Resin Casting Materials

For creating casts of intricate details, resin casting materials are ideal. These materials harden quickly and provide high-quality, durable results. When using resin casting materials, make sure you choose the correct resin for your project, as there are different types suited to different mold materials and applications.

Latex Mold Supplies

Latex mold supplies are often used for creating flexible molds that can easily capture detailed impressions. These materials are especially popular in special effects and costume making. However, latex may not be as durable as silicone, so consider your project needs before choosing it.

Flexible Mold Materials

For projects that require a high degree of flexibility, flexible mold materials like urethane rubber or silicone are best. These materials are perfect for molds of complex shapes and delicate objects, such as mold making for sculptures or life casting supplies.

Non-Toxic Mold Making Materials

If you're working on a project that requires safe, non-toxic materials, opt for non-toxic mold making materials like food-grade silicone or water-based latex. These are especially important for applications like mold making for art projects or life casting, where safety is paramount.

3. Choosing the Right Mold Material

Choosing the right material depends on several factors, including the complexity of the project, budget, and desired results. Here are some considerations when choosing the right mold material:

  • Detail: For projects that require high levels of detail, silicone or latex is the way to go.
  • Flexibility: If the mold needs to bend or stretch, flexible materials such as silicone or urethane rubber are ideal.
  • Durability: For long-lasting molds, choose high-quality mold materials like silicone, which can withstand repeated use.
  • Ease of Use: If you're a beginner, consider beginner mold making tips, such as starting with ArtMolds silicone kits, which are easy to use and provide great results.

4. Fast-Curing Mold Materials

If you're in a rush, fast-curing mold materials can significantly speed up your mold-making process. Some resins, silicones, and rubbers are designed to cure quickly, allowing you to proceed with casting in less time.


5. Mold Making for Art Projects and Sculptures

For mold making for sculptures or other art projects, it's essential to choose a mold material that can capture intricate details. Silicone mold kits are ideal for this because they offer flexibility and precision. Whether you're casting a sculpture or creating a life casting, the right material can bring your artistic vision to life.

6. Professional Mold Making Tools

To ensure you get the best results, invest in professional mold making tools. These tools, such as mold frames, release agents, and mixing containers, will help streamline the process and improve the quality of your molds and casts.

7. Affordable Mold Making Solutions

While quality is important, you also want to stay within budget. There are affordable mold making solutions available, such as latex mold supplies or DIY mold making materials, that can help you achieve great results without breaking the bank. Just make sure the material you choose is suitable for your specific project needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the best materials for mold making requires careful consideration of your project’s requirements. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there are plenty of options for creating high-quality molds. From flexible mold materials like silicone and latex to fast-curing mold materials for quick projects, the key is to select materials that suit your artistic or casting needs. Always invest in high-quality mold materials and professional tools to ensure the best results for your project.

Remember, whether you're casting sculptures, creating life casts, or experimenting with new DIY projects, the right mold making and casting guide will lead you to success. Happy molding!

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Biodegradable Plant-Based Resin

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , 1:41 AM


Art has always been a mirror reflecting society’s values, and today, sustainability is at the forefront of our collective consciousness. As artists, our creative choices are powerful tools for change. Embracing biodegradable plant-based resin is a meaningful step towards eco-friendly art practices that respect our planet without compromising on creativity.

What is Biodegradable Plant-Based Resin?

Biodegradable plant-based resin is derived from renewable resources such as soybeans, corn, and other plant-based materials. Unlike traditional synthetic resins, which are petroleum-based and harmful to the environment, these resins break down naturally over time, reducing waste and pollution.

This innovative material offers durability, versatility, and compatibility with a wide range of casting materials and mold making materials, making it an excellent choice for artists and craftspeople.

The Benefits of Biodegradable Resin in Art

  1. Eco-Friendly Practices: By choosing biodegradable options, artists can reduce their carbon footprint and minimize environmental harm.
  2. Versatility: From sculptures to jewelry and home décor, plant-based resin can be used across various projects without sacrificing quality.
  3. Compatibility: It integrates seamlessly with other art supplies like pigments and molds, making it accessible to artists at all levels.

Why Switch to Biodegradable Resin?

The journey toward sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing artistic expression. With the rise of eco-conscious brands like ArtMolds, finding high-quality biodegradable casting materials and mold making materials has never been easier. These materials allow artists to create stunning works while staying true to their environmental values.

Moreover, using eco-friendly casting materials opens doors for innovation. Imagine creating a sculpture that embodies not only artistic brilliance but also a message of environmental responsibility. It’s about merging creativity with purpose—a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s world.

Exploring Eco-Friendly Casting Materials for Sustainable Art Projects

Biodegradable plant-based resin is a gateway to sustainable artistry. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional artist, integrating sustainable practices into your craft aligns your work with the global push for environmental consciousness. When paired with high-quality mold making materials, the possibilities for unique, environmentally responsible projects are endless.

How to Begin Your Sustainable Art Journey

Start small. Replace synthetic resins with biodegradable options in your next project. Research brands like ArtMolds that specialize in eco-friendly art supplies. Connect with fellow artists to share tips and techniques for working with sustainable materials.

By making these changes, you’re not just crafting art—you’re crafting a better future for generations to come.

Conclusion

The art world has the power to inspire change, and embracing biodegradable plant-based resin is a step in the right direction. With the availability of high-quality casting materials, mold making materials, and eco-conscious art supplies, artists can create works that are as kind to the environment as they are beautiful.

Let your art speak for the planet. Choose sustainability. Choose biodegradable plant-based resin.

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From Imagination to Reality: The Secrets of Mold Making

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:37 AM

Mold making is a craft that stands at the intersection of creativity and precision. Whether you're an artist, a hobbyist, or an entrepreneur looking to create unique products, understanding the art of mold making can open a world of possibilities. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating realm of two-part molds and the materials that bring your creative visions to life.

The Power of Two-Part Molds


As the name suggests, it consists of two halves that come together to create a three-dimensional cavity. These molds are highly versatile and find applications in a wide range of industries, including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry making, and even special effects in the film industry. What makes it so special is their ability to capture intricate details with remarkable precision.
 


Mold Making Materials: The Building Blocks of Creativity


Creating a two-part mold requires careful selection of materials. Mold making materials come in various forms, each with their own unique properties. Silicone rubber, for instance, is a popular choice due to its flexibility and durability. On the other hand, urethane rubber offers exceptional abrasion resistance, making it ideal for producing concrete or plaster casts.

The Mold Making Process: A Brief Overview


Prototype Creation: Before diving into this process, you need a master pattern or prototype. This can be an original sculpture or any object you want to replicate.

Mold Box Construction: Next, you'll create a mold box, which is essentially a container that holds your prototype and the mold material. It keeps everything in place during the molding process.

Mixing and Pouring: Depending on the chosen material, you'll mix and pour it over your prototype in the mold box. The two-part mold will consist of silicone or rubber mold material, typically mixed in equal parts.

Curing: The mold material needs time to cure and harden. This can take several hours to a few days, depending on the material and conditions.

Demolding: Once the mold is fully cured, carefully remove it from the mold box and separate the two halves. Your master prototype will now be encased within the mold.

Casting: Now comes the exciting part – casting! Pour your chosen material (e.g., resin, plaster, wax) into the mold, ensuring it fills all the details.

Demolding (Again): Once the casting material has been set, demold your creation, revealing a perfect replica of your original prototype.

Conclusion: Craftsmanship at Your Fingertips


Mold making, especially with two part molds, empowers creators to reproduce intricate designs and breathe life into their artistic visions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, mastering mold making materials and techniques can be a game-changer.

So, what are you waiting for? The possibilities are endless, and the results are limited only by your imagination.Don't hesitate – take that first step toward crafting your masterpieces with precision and finesse. Your artistic dreams are just a mold away from becoming a reality!

Ready to Create? Take the Plunge!

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Decoding Casting by Way of Mold Making

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Wednesday, November 23, 2022 2:41 AM

The making of a casting has its roots in mold making. We trace the journey of learning how to make a negative mold before progressing to making casts there from. Delightful wonders will enfold enroute!

Castings are a lovely form of reproducing an original model that has captured the imagination or is calling for duplicates. The beauty of castings is that they don’t have to follow the same material of the original. Casting artists have the liberty to play around with the material and can make the cast with different products like plaster, gypsum, polyurethane resin, latex rubber, silicone rubber, etc. What’s more, they can even simulate the look of wood, marble, granite, iron, steel, copper, brass, aluminum, etc. using cold casting powders.

However, it cannot be denied that the base for casts rests in mold making. A mold is nothing but a negative impression of the original model. It is designed to capture the contours, indentations and undercuts of the model in the form of a hollow cavity. The casting material is filled in the mold and cures to form a spitting reproduction of the original model.

The same concept is used to make life casts of the live human body. Any part of a person – from the face, hands and feet to the abdomen, hips, breasts or torso can be reproduced in the form of a three-dimensional life cast. The difference here is that the life casting artist will use skin-friendly materials for making the body mold before proceeding to the casting.




Learning to make molds and casts


It is the quality of the mold that will dictate how the final cast will turn out to be. Therefore, artists have to first imbibe the art of how to make a mold. There are varied methods and materials at the artist’s disposal. A judicious choice will incorporate the right technique with the best material to get an excellent mold.

Here, the artist has to keep different factors in mind before working on shaping the mold making material to capture the form of the model in its entirety. The molds can be made in one part or more. The technique can be block mold or blanket mold which again begets different methods like glove molds, brushed molds, slush molds, injection molds, etc.

There is a need to seal the model, use a release agent and allow for proper setting/curing of the mold. After demolding, both the model and mold will have to be cleaned. The mold may even need to be finished by scraping or adding some material to get the shape exactly right. At times, a shell mold is essential for encasing molds of a flexible nature.

Finally, the mold is ready and can be used for casting. This process again opens a choice of different materials. The casting material is usually poured directly into the mold, but it may have to be deaired first to eliminate the possibility of unsightly bubbles.

The casting is easy to demold and can be finished before using as desired!
 

 

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All About the Mold Making and Casting Materials

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Wednesday, October 26, 2022 10:59 PM

 There is a broad range of materials that can be used to make molds, casts and life casts. Check out some of the options available along with their varying properties and usage in the world of artwork.


EnvironMolds is home to a complete line of mold making and casting materials along with the requisite supplies, tools and equipment. Quality is always a top priority for this leading art supplier which actually makes a difference in the molds, casts and life casts.

Let us take a look at some of the commonly used products:


Latex rubber: Liquid latex rubber is an economical material that is easy to use as well. The molds turn out to be tough, durable and tear resistant. A slightly less viscous form of the rubber is suitable for casting purposes as well. In fact, latex casting rubber is regularly used for making masks and other special effects for films and stage.



Silicone rubber: This is a more expensive rubber but the efficiency and applications more than justify the price. Apart from regular silicone rubbers, there are special formulations for using on the human body, on food items and even for doll reborning. This rubber is again versatile and can be used for making silicone casts as well.

 




Resin: This family comprises of polyester, epoxy and polyurethane resins that come with their own set of properties and usage. Generally speaking, polyurethane resins are most preferred for making casts. This material lends itself well for cold casting that can replicate the look of different metals, stones, wood, etc.

 




Clay: Clay is a versatile material if ever there was one. It comes in different types and is suitable for a range of mold making applications apart from other minor uses like sealing edges, making mold boxes and so on. However, artists prefer plasticine to regular clay for molds.

 



Alginate: This dental impression material is not only safe for the skin but also captures details well. It is the material of choice for making body molds for life casting. Varying set types and times are available to suit different applications. But the molds are good for one-time use as they tend to shrink and have to be used quickly.



Moulage: This is a reusable mold making material that is heated to melt before use. The mold can be remelted and reused again and again. It is skin safe too.



Wax: This is a simple material that can be modeled, carved and cast as desired.



Plaster: This white powder can be mixed with water and used to cast objects. It is widely preferred for life castings. However, regular plaster of Paris is better avoided as it tends to get chalky and flaky over time. Plaster-embedded bandages are also available that can be used to make shell molds to provide support to flexible rubber molds.



Apart from latex rubber and other materials, the ArtMolds website also stocks release agents, fibers, fillers, cold casting powders and more.

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Difference between Single and Multi-Part Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Tuesday, October 18, 2022 2:53 AM

Making a one part mold is simple and straightforward. However, the technique does not work every time. Complex objects call for making the mold in parts and artists should know how to make multi-part molds.

The best way to duplicate an object or to reproduce it in another material of choice is to make a mold of it. This basically captures a negative impression of the model that can be cast into to make an exact reproduction.

Therefore, it is fairly obvious that making a mold is a preliminary step that serves as the base for building the final casting. Artists try to keep the mold making to the simple and basic by opting for single part molds. This is the easiest method as the mold making material has to just be poured over the model to form the mold. Different types of materials – both rigid and flexible - can be used for making the molds.

However, one part molds work only for simple objects that have a flat side or base. The flat portion can be affixed to the mold box before pouring the mold making material. Once the mold has cured, the model can be detached and easily pulled out of the mold.



Multi-part molds


Models that have complex shapes or too many undercuts make it necessary to make the mold in two or more parts. Similarly, models that do not have a flat base or are thin and floppy or have holes going all the way through them (like a baseball, donut or coffee mug) call for multi-part molds.

The prospect of making such molds is much more complicated and time-consuming. The trick here is to embed half (or a part) of the model in clay so that the mold covers only the part that is protruding outside.

Once the mold part has cured, the clay is removed and a parting line and keys are made on the mold. Provision for a pouring spout (like a straw) also has to be made before pouring the mold making material on the other half of the model.

Once the mold has cured, the mold is cut along the middle or the parting line until the model can be pried out successfully. The parts are then aligned again using the keys and the mold comes together to form a whole. It has to be sealed properly before pouring the casting material into the mold by way of the spout.

Conclusion


It is clear that the procedure of making two part molds is very different and complicated than regular single part ones. However since the simpler process will not work every time, professional casting artists need to become adept at making the multi-part ones too.

EnvironMolds offers all the materials, supplies, tools and equipment for making molds, casts and life casts. The website https://www.artmolds.com is overflowing with step-by-step instructions, tips and other handy information for making all kinds of molds, casts and life casts.
 

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Process to Craft Flawless Life Cast

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, December 28, 2021 1:53 AM

 

Body casting is a popular type of art in which the human form is replicated in three-dimensional constructions. Full body castings are frequently created by experienced casting artists for theatrical or other aesthetic purposes, such as movie props. These castings are often made with skin-friendly and environmentally friendly mold making materials. Two typical materials used to create the master copy of the subject are alginate and plaster.

Generally, any life casting is completed in three pieces - head, rear and the torso. After separately making each of these parts, they are then seamed with each other through careful and precise techniques. The head is generally the last part to be attached to the cast.

Once removed from the mold, the body casts typically needs elaborate finishing touches.

To give it a semi-gloss, sometimes artists add polyurethane varnish for a pleasant look. Some life casting material kits comes with a specialized form of wax which when polished on the cast gives a marble-like shine. Depending on the need of the casts, the final color or the look can be done.
 

 
 

 

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Tips for Working with Materials

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , , , Tuesday, April 27, 2021 1:56 AM

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.
 


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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The Different Faces of Clay

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Saturday, October 31, 2020 12:23 AM

 Clay is a multipurpose material that lends itself well for different uses. From sculpting and special effects to mold making, pottery and even other rudimentary applications – clay has a lot going for it.


Clay is a soft and malleable material that can be easily molded as needed. Kneading, squashing and shaping the clay into different forms is very easy and fun as well.

This humble clay is ready to use and very versatile - it can be used for different purposes in artworks. The most popular application is obviously for clay modeling – from making sculptures, masks and even prototype models to special effects and animation too. Moreover, the clay can be used as it is for making basic molds for casting resins, rubbers or even metals. It does not require any weighing or mixing before use.

Ceramic clay is commonly used to make pottery. The earthenware is fired in a kiln and glazed to make it hard and durable.

Apart from this, clay also proves to be handy for other minor jobs. For instance, if a model has holes or spaces, it can interfere with the mold making process. Clay can be used to plug these gaps or even tunnels that run through the model. Then the mold can be made as usual, but with a different mold making material other than clay.

In fact, clay is often the material of choice for making a containment field around the model when making the mold. The clay can be built to the height and thickness as required. Even when using other materials to make the mold box, clay is commonly used to seal the edges so that the mold making material does not seep out from the gaps. It can also be applied around the edge of the base to fill the gap between the model and the base.

Types of clay


The regular water based clay is suitable for children’s art classes and playrooms only as it tends to dry and shrink quickly. The professional grade oil-based clays are preferred by artists around the world. They have the same flexibility as regular clay, but the oil content keeps it from drying or cracking even after being exposed to air. They are firmer, capture fine details and can hold the form better as well. Heating and cooling allows the artist to control its malleability. In fact, this clay can be remolded and is inherently reusable.

Another variant of non drying and oil based modeling clays ballistic clay. This is primarily used by government agencies to test body armor as it is considered to be of similar density and elasticity as live animal muscle tissue.

EnvironMolds offers a range of oil-based clay options like Chavant Plasteline clay, Del Milano Plastilina clay and Roma Plastilina clay along with regular earthenware pottery and ballistic clays. Sulfur-free alternatives are also available as the sulfur content of regular clay can interfere with the curing of silicone and polyurethane rubbers. In addition, it also has a variety of tools for carving and sculpting during clay modeling.

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The Many Uses and Forms of Plaster

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Friday, March 13, 2020 2:14 AM

Plaster is a simple powder that can be made in various forms and used for different purposes. The usage varies from smoothening walls and ceilings to decorating them to make castings of art works.

Plaster is a commonly used material that enjoys varied uses. The most common usage is in construction to give a smooth surface to coarse walls and ceilings. There are various kinds of plaster – like cement, lime and gypsum or even clay. Plaster is basically a dry powder with one of the above materials being used as a binder. It is mixed with water to form a workable paste. It slowly solidifies on exposure to air to form a hard and stiff covering on the external or internal walls.
Apart from this, plaster is also used to make false ceilings and in decorative architecture. Complex shapes and carvings can be created on walls and ceilings using plaster of Paris. This is basically gypsum deposits mined in Paris, and hence the name.

Plaster enjoys great patronage in the art world too. It can be used to replicate art works and make casts using quality products like CastRite Art Casting Stone. Art plaster is a special type of plaster – regular plaster cannot be used for casting as it does not hold details well and will also tend to become chalky and flaky over time. Moreover, it is hydroscopic in nature and will turn into an irreversible solid form on the slightest exposure to moisture.

Casting calls for a hard casting plaster that can capture the fine details from the mold and set fairly quickly. Yet, it will allow carving and tooling as needed. What’s more, this type of plaster can also be used to make molds.

Plaster can be cast into various mold materials like clay, alginate, rubber, cement, wood, etc. However, care should be taken as the chemical reaction of plaster with water tends to release heat. This is why plaster is not usually used directly on the skin. Plaster infused bandages are a good option for making basic body molds and shell molds.

CastRite Art Casting Stone can be easily sourced from the EnvironMolds website, Artmolds.com.

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Eliminating Air Bubbles in Molds and Casts

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Friday, December 27, 2019 3:40 AM

There are different mold making and casting equipment that can be used to make bubble-free molds and casts. The suitability of a given equipment depends on the nature of the material and other factors.

One of the most taxing things when making a mold or cast is dealing with the air bubbles. Some air is bound to get trapped into the material no matter how carefully the artist mixes and pours the material. Once set, this shows up as unsightly warts on the surface of the mold/cast and makes it mostly unusable.

Fortunately, there are various tricks and even mechanical equipment for eliminating these pesky air bubbles. While pouring the material in a thin and steady stream from a corner and pricking the bubbles with a pin can help to some extent, it is always better to use an apparatus like vibrating table, pressure pot or a vacuum pump with vacuum chamber.

This brings us to the question – which of these equipment is the most effective in getting rid of the trapped air in the mold making or casting materials?

Well, there is no single-point solution as such.

A vibrating table uses the simple technique of pulsating the material to shake out the bubbles. This will reduce the bubbles but cannot deair the material completely. Careful pouring will reduce the propensity of bubbles for sure.

On the other hand, a pressure pot is best suitable for materials that will cure to a rigid form. Like resins for example. It is better to avoid pressure casting soft rubbers as the air bubbles are bound to return once the mold or cast is exposed to normal air pressure. A rubber mold or cast is even likely to collapse in the areas where air remains trapped under the surface.

A vacuum chamber with pump is best suited for removing air from the rubber materials. Artists usually leave the rubber mold or cast to cure in the vacuum inside the chamber and the air will not return later!

All mold making and casting materials and equipment can be easily sourced from the EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com.

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Polyurethane or Silicone – Which Mold Rubber to Use?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Monday, November 25, 2019 3:36 AM

Polyurethane and silicone rubbers are the most popular mold making materials because of their versatility and ease of use. So, which of the two options will actually suit a particular application?

There are a variety of mold making materials for capturing negative impressions of artworks and other models. The options range from the simple clay, wax and alginate to sophisticated materials like polyurethanes, latex rubber, silicone rubber, thermoset mold rubber and so on.

Each material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice will depend on various considerations that includes the material of the model, the choice of casting material and even the personal preference of the mold maker, to name a few.

Yet, it emerges that polyurethane mold rubber and silicone mold rubber are usually preferred by mold makers owing to different factors like the versatility of the materials, the inherent ease of use and also the durability of the molds.

So, let’s take a look at how an artist would choose between polyurethane rubber and silicone rubber to understand how these factors play out in reality:
  • Polyurethane mold rubber is a popular option for casting wax, plaster and especially concrete. Concrete casts are usually made in polyurethane rubber molds only as silicone may cause efflorescence in the castings. Silicone rubber is preferred when the artist has to go on to cast polyester, epoxy and polyurethane resins. In other words, silicone rubber is usually used for making a resin casting.
  • Generally, both polyurethane and silicone rubbers can be used on any model of any material without causing any damage. However, if the artist is making a body mold from a live human being, they have to use special skin safe silicone rubber only.
  • While the mold rubber itself will not damage an inanimate model, the release agent can definitely have an adverse effect on the surface. Therefore, in case the artist cannot or does not want to use a release agent, silicone rubber will be the material of choice since it does not stick to anything except itself. However, it follows that silicone rubber molds cannot be used for making silicone rubber casts!
  • Polyurethane rubbers are more economical than the highly expensive silicone mold rubbers. It is obvious that an artist will prefer the polyurethane variant whenever it is suitable.
  • The final choice will also be influenced by the dexterity of the artist. Many artists prefer to use a particular mold making material just because of the familiarity and comfort level with the same.

It is possible to play around with these factors depending on the circumstances too. For instance, polyurethane rubber molds can be used for making hundreds of plaster, wax and concrete molds while silicone molds are suitable for large quantity of resin castings without any distortions or damage. However, in case the artist requires only 10 to 20 resin cast parts, they may opt for polyurethane rubber molds since it is easier on the pocket. But using a release agent will become mandatory!

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