How to Make Latex Molds
Making your own latex mold is an easy way to create pieces of artwork. You can make jewelry charms, sculptures, home decorations, and many other items with a latex mold. With simple household items and liquid rubber latex, which you can find at craft or hobby stores, you can create a mold that can be used again and again.
Instructions
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Making a Latex Mold
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1
Choose an object you want to make a mold of. This could be a rock, toy, body part, or an interesting shape.
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2
Brush a layer of liquid latex over the surface of the object, making sure you cover everything. Apply at least six more coats of latex rubber to the object using a heat gun or hair dryer to speed up the drying time between each coat. Avoid using a heat gun or hair dryer if you are molding a body part. Apply layers until the latex is only semi-transparent.
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3
Place a layer of cheesecloth over the object and coat this with a layer of rubber latex. Make sure to cover all of the cheesecloth and get it into all of the crevices of the object. Apply more coats of rubber latex until the cheesecloth grating is no longer visible. Continue applying coats of rubber latex until the cheesecloth grating is no longer visible.
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4
Allow to dry for at least 24 hours. If molding a body part, let the area dry until it is no longer tacky.
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5
Carefully pull the mold from the object; latex pulled too aggressively can tear. It should pull away from the object cleanly, leaving a mold you can fill to make your desired item.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not pour liquid latex over nostrils or into the mouth. If creating a face mold, make sure to put straws in the nose before proceeding.
