Mold making and Casting products through EnvironMolds, LLC

You will be surprised to know that something as simple as clay not only enjoys a broad range of uses, but also comes in a range of variations. The choice obviously depends on the use, so pick accordingly.

The simple and malleable clay is the ideal modeling material for amateurs as well as veteran sculptors. The ease of working and extreme versatility makes clay a popular choice that gives other sophisticated materials like rubbers and resins a run for their money!

Indeed, the use of clay modeling extends across genres – from basic ceramics and pottery to making molds and sculptures to masks, prototypes, special effects and even clay animation.

Different variations of clay are available – there is oil and water-based clay, sulfur and sulfur-free clay and hardening as well as non-drying clay. The choice depends as much on the texture and hardness of the different materials as the potential reproductions of the finished piece. The personal dexterity and preference of the artist also matters here.

For instance, the water-based clays are much softer than the oil ones. But the latter do not dry out or shrink as easily. In fact, the high grade ones are even permanently pliable and can be used over and over again.

The most common uses of clay are sculpting and pottery. Here, the artist usually uses the water-based clays and they are not bothered about the drying as the finished piece will be fired in a kiln to harden it permanently.

However, when an artist is making an initial model for a prop, prototype or prosthetic, they may prefer the oil-based or non-hardening varieties. This allows them a longer window to mold the clay as it will not harden on exposure to air. What’s more, they can even reuse the same clay many times after the casting is done. There is a varying choice of hardness as well to suit different applications.

Most of the clay options contain sulfur and this does not affect the sculpture, mask, prop or prototype as such. The only hindrance is that the sulfur can inhibit the setting of various silicone rubbers. As such, when an artist plans to cast the clay mold in silicone rubber, he has to consider sulfur-free clays.

Apart from these, there is a special type of ballistic clay that is surprisingly handy for testing body armor. This clay simulates animal muscle tissue and can be used as backing for ballistic vests to test the deformations from varying bullet shots.

When it comes to which clay to purchase, the oil-based Roma Plastilina is the first choice of seasoned sculptors for clay modeling. Del Milano plasticine clay is another good variant of the same class, yet less heavy on the pocket. For prototyping and automotive design usage, Chavant offers top quality industrial plasticine clay in both sulfur and sulfur-free variants. Roma Platilina’s ballistic clay is the government-designated backing material for terminal ballistics testing. And if you need moist and self-hardening clays for pottery and ceramics, there are quality offerings from Dresden, Artware and Boneware.

There is practically no limit to the varied uses of sodium silicate. It can be used in artwork and beyond to aid production in factories as well. The utility value in the studio itself is very diverse.

There are many multi-purpose materials, and then there is ArtMolds Sodium Silicate. This comes in very handy in the art studio as well as in daily life. For instance, it can be used in ceramics, metal mold making, clay slip deflocculant, sealer for concrete and plaster, adhesives etc. It is equally useful in cements, passive fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing and automobiles.

Apart from the versatility, the product is also odorless, non-toxic and moisture resistant. The low price further adds to the appeal and utility. Let’s take a look at some of the regular uses of liquid sodium silicate:

•    The most common use of sodium silicate is to mix it with fine sand before exposing it to carbon dioxide. The activated silicate binds the sand to form a core or mold. This can be used for making metal castings.

•    Did you know that you can create instant antiquity on pottery too? All you have to do is brush a thrown ceramic piece with sodium silicate and dry it quickly with a blow torch. The heat will swiftly form a thin skin on the surface while the clay inside still remains soft. Using pressure to expand the clay from inside will cause the sodium silicate skin to crack and give a glazed finish to the ceramic.

•    The same sodium silicate also works as an effective deflocculant for clay slips. Just add a small quantity of liquid sodium silicate to clay and mix it will. This will reduce shrinkage later as you are not using water.

•    You can apply sodium silicate on a model or mold made of plaster, gypsum or concrete. This will seal the surface and control its porosity. Masonry can be made waterproof in this manner as well.

•    A thin layer of sodium silicate will dry to form a strong and rigid bond between any two materials.

You can source sodium silicate or water glass from EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com.

Liquid latex rubber is good for use almost indefinitely. However, this is subject to proper storage so that outside air cannot come into contact with the material. Simple precautions will help.

Latex rubber is a natural material that is derived from rubber trees. It is versatile and easy to use. You can use it to make molds and casts or even to create special effects. It is equally usable for making masks and thin skin props or toys as for coating tools or making materials waterproof.

The rubber is available in a liquid form and can be used directly without mixing with any solvent. Simply pour the liquid into the mold and pour it out again, dip the tools in the latex or apply successive coats to build up a thick layer of latex rubber. The latex will be tough, durable and tear resistant even when in contact with abrasive surfaces.

What’s more, liquid latex allows a sufficient window of pot time before it will start to set. You can work comfortably while you build up successive layers of latex on the model or mold.

The latex also has a long shelf life and can be stored for years. It will continue to deliver the same functionality and ease of use. However, it is important that the container should not be left open after use. In fact, latex rubber should be stored in an airtight container and kept away from direct sunlight. If the container is exposed to heat, the rubber inside will take on a pinkish tint. But this still does not affect its workability.

One rule of thumb is that the latex should never freeze as it will become unusable. Special care is required during the freezing winter months.

In case you find that the latex rubber has thickened for some reason, the mixture can always be thinned by adding water or household ammonia. The thinning agent should be added slowly while stirring gently. But do not thin the latex too much as it will weaken the strength of the material.

You will find a wide selection of latex rubber options along with other materials and supplies at EnvironMolds, https://www.artmolds.com.

Alginate is easy to work with and delivers excellent results as long as you follow certain pertinent rules about measuring and mixing the alginate. Know what you should and shouldn’t be doing with alginate.

You almost cannot imagine making body molds and life casts without alginate. This ever-resourceful compound comes in the form of a simple white powder. In fact, it is very similar to what dentists use for making tooth impressions.

The alginate used in life casting is fun to work with. All you have to do is mix it with water to form a smooth and creamy paste. Applying it all over the body part to be cast and reinforcing it with a shell mold will yield a detailed mold that meticulously captures the fine hair, skin folds and fingerprints too.

However, you need to work carefully when mixing the alginate. The first rule is to always weigh out the powder to get the ratio exactly right. This is because alginate is compressible and measuring the quantity by volume will wreak havoc on the proportions. Use a weighing scale and always make a little extra mixture than required. This will prove handy as the alginate tends to set very quickly and you may not have time on hand in case the mixture falls short.

Another rule of thumb is to always use soft water for mixing alginates. If you inadvertently happen to use hard water, you will end up with a lumpy mess that is mostly unusable. In a pinch, use mineral water rather than risking the unknown tap water!

You can even play around with the temperature of the water to vary the expected set time of the alginate paste.

When you are actually mixing, always place the powder in the container and then pour the required water and not vice versa. Blend them rapidly, but take care not whip air into the mix. Rather than whisking by hand, use a turbo mixer on a variable speed drill to get a smooth and lump-free paste.

Always source your alginates and other materials from reliable suppliers like EnvironMolds (www.artmolds.com).

Far from being an agonizing or unpleasant experience, getting a life cast done can actually turn out to be quite easy and even enjoyable! Why not open yourself up to this soothing pleasure once?

The beautiful art of life casting opens up a novel avenue of getting a three dimensional likeness of yourself. You can choose any part of your body and the life cast will reproduce the exact surface features in all their glory.

However, many people still hesitate to get a life cast done. They despair that they will find it intolerable when the life casting artist actually makes a mold on their body. While hands and feet are considered acceptable, getting the gooey mold making material on their face or torso can seem quite awful at first. They are also nervous about having to hold a stationary pose for the body mold making process.

The Reality is Different!

Once you go in for a life cast, you will be surprised to find that body casting is not a distressing experience at all! It actually feels like a gentle massage when the artist applies the mold making alginate or silicone rubber on your body. On the face, it is akin to a soft facial.

Being enclosed in the warm mold making material while it sets can truly be quite soothing. The body feels loose and relaxed.

And holding the same pose will not really be very difficult. Firstly, the artist will ensure that you are totally comfortable in the chosen position. He will provide supports if needed and also instruct you on how to breathe calmly. You will discuss signals in case of any distress.

Staying quiet and still in the same pose for an extended time can further relax the body. You will enter a tranquil state of meditation and may even fall asleep during the process.

Little wonder that models that are frequently hired for regular body casting eagerly look forward to this serene experience!

You can find out more about life casting and what it involves on the EnvironMolds website – https://www.artmolds.com

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

There are different clays and it’s quite easy to work with them. Cleaning your clay mold is also a simple process. Just don’t make the mistake of soaking the clay in water as this will damage the mold!

Clay is a simple and versatile material that has become the modeling material of choice for all kinds of people. Children enjoy playing with regular water-based clay which becomes hard when exposed to air. On the other hand, there is plasticine clay that stays moist no matter how many times it is used.

Then there are oil-based clays, sulfur-free clays, pottery clays and even self-hardening clays. Some clay comes in different colors and even varying degrees of hardness. These are used by different artists depending on the type of artwork and other preferences.

One of the common uses of clay is making molds for casting projects. It is malleable and can be easily shaped over the object to create a negative impression mold. The mold can stay soft and reusable or become hard depending on the type of clay used. Different materials can be cast in a clay mold like plaster, resin, rubbers, etc.

Once the clay mold is ready, you will want to clean and finish it before proceeding to the casting end of things. Casting artists usually wash their molds with water or even soak them for a while to get rid of the excess mold making material, release agent, etc.

However, you should take care never to wash or soak a clay mold. This can cause the mold to break, crack or just reduce the life of the mold.

If you want to clean it, just wipe it with a wet cloth, sponge or soft toothbrush. Else, spray a fine mist on the mold before wiping it off. In fact, try to do the cleaning soon after demolding from the model as cleaning dried clay becomes more difficult. The same process can be followed for cleaning the mold after the casting is done.

You can easily order Plastilina clay and other materials as well as get a lot of handy tips or guidance from the EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com.