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What are the Best Tips for Silicone Molding?

Patrick Lynch
Patrick Lynch

Among the best tips relating to silicone molding involves using a mold box consisting of two different pieces of wood placed on top of each other. Extra strips of wood make up the outline of the box with glue to hold it together. Place the object being molded in this box and cover it with silicone mixed with water. Take the box away when the silicone is set, remove the base, and raise the box above the object. Fill the box with silicone once more, remove the object from its mold, and keep it in place using rubber bands.

Silicone molding is a method of reproducing tiny objects. It is possible to create intricate objects with fine details using a silicone mold. To make a mold at home, materials such as hot melt glue, a small piece of wood, and vegetable cooking spray are required. The main material used is 100 percent silicone caulk.

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To create silicone molding, a mold box is required. Cut a piece of wood so that it is approximately 1/2 inch (1 cm) wider and longer than whatever is to be molded. A second piece of wood should then be cut which is 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider and longer than the object being molded. The smaller piece of wood should be centered and glued to the top of the larger piece. Ensure that no glue finds its way to the wood's edges.

Use small strips of wood 3/4 of an inch (1.75 cm) higher than the object to be molded to make the box’s outline. Glue together four strips of wood to form the outline. Attach these to the base with more glue. The object being molded must then be put in place on a raised part of the base and held there with modeling clay.

The next step in silicone molding is pouring the mold. Use the vegetable spray on the object and the inside the box. Use a brush to make sure the spray is evenly spread on the object. Pour silicone which has been mixed with a small amount of water into the box to completely cover the object.

Once the silicone has cured, turn the box upside down and take away the base. Always make sure that the object is not lifted out of the mold. Clean up any excess modeling clay and lift the box slightly above the level of the mold.

Use more vegetable spray on the box and once again fill the box with silicone mold so that it rises above the object. Remove the box and the mold’s cover and pull the object away from its mold. If any silicone remains on the mold's edges, clean it.

The final step in silicone molding is to use the mold. Use vegetable spray on the inside of the mold. Fill it with the material for the casting of the mold. Put the mold’s cover back on and leave one edge raised to allow excess material and air to be bled. Place rubber bands around the mold to keep it in place, but make sure the bands are not too tight or the mold will become distorted.

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