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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Getting a Casting Right

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , Monday, June 13, 2022 2:02 AM

Casting is the art of making a replica of an object right down to its shape, dimensions and intricate surface details. The first step is to make a mold of the model before proceeding to the casting. The cast can be in the same material as the model or a different one like resin, rubber, plaster, concrete, etc. In case of an art work cast, it can even be displayed on a mount with a brass name plate.

Making the mold plays a crucial role as this will dictate the quality of the final cast. However, casting cannot be dismissed as a simple process of just pouring the casting material into the mold either. There is a lot that can go wrong with the casting in case of lack of proper procedures and caution.

  • Apply an appropriate release agent on the mold as this will allow for easy demolding without damaging the cast. However, going overboard can make the cast greasy and porous.
  • Ensure that the casting material is bubble-free by mixing it under vacuum or even pouring the casting in a vacuum environment.
  • Always shake the casting materials prior to use and follow the exact mix ratio as prescribed. This can affect the curing and make the cast soft, sticky or with weak spots.
  • The casting material has to be mixed properly by scraping the sides and bottom of the container. Otherwise, strips of uncured material will show up on the final casting.
  • Position the mold (and shell mold) properly as this can impact the shape of the casting. Always fill the mold till the brim to ensure that the proper dimensions and details are replicated in the casting.
  • Always check that the mold is not leaking in any manner. Close corners and seams with clay or other sealant to ensure that the casting material does not end up seeping out of the mold.
  • Temperature also affects the casting. Low temperature can increase the viscosity and processing time while too much time will accelerate the curing. Large temperature variances will impact the quality of the cast.
  • Follow the timelines of pot time, working time, cure time and so on. Allow the casting material to sit in the mold for the appropriate time to ensure that it sets properly. Demolding too soon is a strict no-no. On the contrary, do not leave the casting in the mold for a prolonged time either!

Finally, the demolded cast can be finished as desired and even displayed with a customized name plate. EnvironMolds (https://www.artmolds.com/) offers a range of quality name plates engraved with varied options for personalizing the same. Additionally, the art supplier manufacturers and stocks a complete arsenal of materials, supplies, tools and equipment for mold making, casting and life casting.

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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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Choosing a Life Casting Artist Made Easy

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , Thursday, June 2, 2022 4:33 AM

Understand what goes into making a body mold before commissioning a life casting artist for the job. This will ensure best results that you will enjoy forever instead of it becoming a waste of time and money.

Life casting opens up a wonderful medium of preserving a memory of yourself or a loved one, much better than a simple photograph or painting. The three-dimensional reproduction can become commemorative too!

In fact, it is possible to make a life cast of any part of the body, or even the entire body at one go. Some of the life casts preferred by most people include pair of hands, pair of feet, face, torso, pregnant belly, breasts and so on. Hands and feet are most popular with babies while many people prefer to get a life cast of holding something memorable in their hand or intertwined hands with a partner, child or even friends.
 

Life casting is fun and can prove to be a novel experience as well. However, there are certain factors to be kept in mind while getting a life casting done: Such as:


  • The procedure of making a body mold may look simple; but it requires a lot of considerations and care. It is advisable not to attempt to make a mold of yourself. For starters, it will be difficult to maintain the pose while applying the mold material on yourself. Instead, make molds of friends or at least ask a friend to help when working on yourself.
  • Life casting should always be done by a professional. There is a risk of burns, suffocation and even exposure to dangerous chemicals. Everything has to be done carefully with complete knowledge and requisite precautions. Choosing the right artist with the appropriate skill and varied experience is imperative.
  • The choice of materials also matters here to avoid dangers and harm to the body. The artist should use the right materials and always opt for good quality ones to ensure complete safety of the model at all times.
  • Check the interactions and comfort level with the life casting artist. He/she should prep the model vis-à-vis what goes into the body casting procedure, how to hold the pose, how much time it will take, possible discomfort and warning signs, etc. Ensuring complete comfort of the model throughout the process is also necessary.
  • The artist should offer options in the casting material, types of finish, mounting and so on.
  • Life casting is an expensive art and clarifying the price and other aspects beforehand is also crucial.
  • People looking to get a life cast should check out the previous works of the artist and pay close attention to the variety in the creations apart from clarity of detailing, finish and so on.

In sum, paying heed to the above pointers when choosing a life casting artist will ensure the process enfolds smoothly and the output proves to be satisfactory! Otherwise it may just become a colossal waste of time and money, not to mention the potential of harm.

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Sodium Silicate for Bonding, Sealing and Shell Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, May 17, 2022 2:05 AM

Sodium silicate is a versatile material that is easy on the pocket. It serves different purposes. Artists apply a coating of liquid sodium silicate to seal molds or make shell molds. Read on to find out more.

The compound sodium metasilicate is commonly known as sodium silicate, liquid glass or water glass. This aqueous solution is quite an economical product that finds various applications from ceramics and metal mold making to concrete and plaster sealing and adhesives. The multifarious nature comes to the fore as the same liquid can impart an antique finish to pottery, deflocculate clay and bind sand to form molds. That’s not all – it can also be used to bond metals and other materials apart from sealing concrete and plaster surfaces.
 


Fact is that sodium silicate forms a transparent film after drying. This film is found to display both adhesive and sealant properties.


  • Applying a thin layer on the surface of a metal, fiberglass, paper or other fibrous material before adhering another piece will form a tight inorganic bond between the two items. The adhesion not only stays optimum but is also resistant to moisture and high temperatures.
  • Water glass can be applied on concrete, stucco or plaster surfaces (after the initial cure) to seal the porous materials. The surface also becomes more wearable and water repellent.
  • Some use sodium silicate to preserve food items like eggs, which can then last for a full year.
  • Artists use sodium silicate to make a shell mold for blanket molds. The liquid layer will harden on drying, thus providing firmness to flexible molds. This will also render the mold surface impermeable, thus protecting the integrity of the mold. During casting, the mold will neither absorb the casting material nor leak in any manner.

Artmolds Sodium Silicate is easy to apply and a single coat should do the job most of the time. It dries quickly to form a tight and permanent bond. It is non-toxic and free of odors too.

The best part is that it gives a transparent finish and will not affect the color or detailing of the mold in any manner. However, the silicate film can be made semi-opaque by adding fillers like clay. Using alkali-resistant options like titanium oxide or aluminum pigments will make the coating completely opaque. Artists usually mix titanium oxide to get a white hue, lime-free iron oxide for red, chrome oxide for green, ochre for yellow or ultramarine for a blue hue. Adding grease-free carbon black will make the silicate coat black while umbers or siennas can be used to make it brown.

The brand does not really matter as all sodium silicates deliver the same results. The prime difference is whether it is available as a powder or aqueous solution. In liquid form, the concentration can vary from one product to another. The powder has to be liquified by adding distilled water.

Aqueous water glass can be easily sourced from EnvironMolds at https://www.artmolds.com/artmolds-sodium-silicate.html

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Techniques of Clay Modeling for a Beginner

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Friday, April 29, 2022 4:11 AM

Clay is soft and pliable to the extent that it can be easily fashioned into different forms. There are various techniques for making clay models depending on the size and style to even the dexterity of the artist.

There is art and then there is three-dimensional art! There is something about the latter that appeals to the senses and draws the soul. Creating a three-dimensional figure with your own hands can be deeply satisfying and enriching as well.

And when it comes to three-dimensional crafts, things cannot get more simpler than clay modeling! Clay is an extremely malleable material that can be molded in different ways to create functional or decorative items. Just playing around with clay is enough to unleash the latent creativity even while keeping the mind engaged and productive.

In general, clay in any form can be sculpted. However, professional artists prefer plasticine clay as it is oil-based and non-drying. This is best for making molds as well. Pottery and self-hardening clays are also commonly used for ceramics and other sculptures.



Sculpting techniques


Simply put, clay figures are fashioned mostly with the thumb and forefinger; intricate pieces involve the use of the full palm as well. The three major forms are slabs, coils and pinch pots that are then used to make the desired piece from the clay. It takes a lot of kneading, squeezing, pulling, pinching and rolling to conjure up varied forms and shapes from clay. The clay will have to be smoothed at various junctures and separate pieces may have to be joined together as well.

These small and delicate models can be gently created by hand itself. The potter’s wheel is a famous instrument for making pots and pans. However, it lends itself well for fashioning elaborate and tricky shapes as well. The pieces are generally glazed and baked in ovens or kilns to give them a better finish along with durability.

When it comes to bigger sculptures, the artist will have to create an armature to provide structure and support to the figure. This is like an internal skeleton that helps in building the clay model which may otherwise collapse under its own weight. It can be made with bent wires or better still, aluminum.

Apart from fingers and hands, clay modeling artists use different types of carving tools to create details in the sculpture. It is a series of rolling, pinching, carving, smoothing and joining that will slowly shape up the sculpture. Scoring is also a crucial step when joining any two pieces of clay; without this the parts are likely to crack or fall apart while drying.

Irrespective of the technique, the clay model should always be allowed to dry completely before use.

Where to buy?


EnvironMolds offers a broad selection of different types of top-quality clay to serve diverse purposes. It also stocks ballistic clay and gel blocks which is suitable for testing body armor and other terminal ballistic testing.

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Behold! All-in-One Kits for Making Life Casts

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Tuesday, April 19, 2022 4:02 AM

You can buy every single thing you need for making a mold, cast or life cast or you can just pick up a kit while you are out there! The latter removes all the hassles and makes things easy from the word go.

Mold making and casting are fun activities that keep a person hooked on during the entire process. It is fascinating to create a mold of something and then work on making a perfectly detailed cast from the mold. The process becomes even more exciting when the mold is made of a body part, like hands, feet or face before creating an exact replica in the form of a life cast!

However, assembling all the different types of materials, supplies and tools for making the mold and cast is another story altogether. A variety of things are required to shape and form the molds and casts which can get quite taxing, especially for beginners.

Welcome to the world of kits


Art supply manufacturers come to the rescue here by putting together kits that contain everything needed for making a particular type of mold/cast. Let us take the Mold It Hand Imprint Kit for example.

Open the kit and you will find mold making material, casting material and all the small tools and supplies that are needed for making the life cast of a hand. There is no need to list all the different items that will be required for this project, let alone figure out the requisite quantities to purchase. Falling short of material while making the mold or life cast is something that everyone wants to avoid for obvious reasons!

Armed with this kit, a parent can quickly make a life cast of their newborn baby’s hands that will be cherished forever. It can even make for a lovely gift for grandparents or other family members. The kit can also be used to preserve memories of a child or loved one holding a trophy or other cherished item that will become a wonderful keepsake.

What’s more, the kit comes with instructions and other educational material that will make the going easy for people who have never tried their hand at making molds or casts. In fact, the kit is often used by children as a hobby or a family activity while they develop the skill of making different types of molds. In fact, the kit does not have to be restricted to hand life casts and can be used for other purposes too.

Where to get it?


Mold It Hand Imprint Kit comes from the house of EnvironMolds, a leading art manufacturer and supplier, and can be easily sourced from https://www.artmolds.com/. It also stocks a complete range of materials, supplies and equipment for those who want to move to making other types of molds and casts without relying on a kit. In fact, this is the go-to store for professional mold makers and life casting artists as they are assured of both quality and availability!

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