How to Make a Mold From Silicone Rubber
Molds made of silicone rubber are used in many types of crafts including candle making, soap making, chalk ware and jewelry making. Although there are some commercially made molds, they do not always have the exact one you want or you may desire to recreate the look of an object you like. Sometimes an artist wishes to replicate an original sculpted design. Making your own silicone rubber molds will help in replicating the design desired for any craft.
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Things You'll Need
- Moldable object
- String
- Masking tape
- Wood, ¼ inch thick
- 2 part rubber silicone mold compound
- Small measuring cup
- Large measuring cup
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic deli storage container
- Box cutter or scissors
Instructions
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1
Attach a piece of string to the bottom of the object with masking tape. Tie the string to the piece of wood, checking the length against the depth of the container. You want the object to hang freely from the wood without touching the container's bottom when the wood is laid across the container's opening.
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2
Place the object upside down into the deli container laying the wood across the container's opening. Make sure the wood is centered and tape it into place with a piece of tape going from one side of the rim, across the wood, and over to the other side of the rim. This will help prevent shifting while the mold mixture is being poured.
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3
Measure equal parts of the silicone mold compound ingredients and pour them into the large measuring cup. Mix, using the spatula, until completely blended.
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4
Gently pour the mixed compound into the container until it is just above the object's bottom. Let it set until the mold is solid.
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5
Take the mold from the container and carefully cut a straight line from the string, down the side, and to the top center of the mold. Remove the object from the mold. Keep your container to store your mold and use it later to hold the mold closed during use.
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Tips & Warnings
For objects with a flat back, lay them with their flat back down in a shallow container and pour about 1 inch of mold compound over them. After the mold is solid, take the mold from the container and push the objects out gently.
You can use candles, figures, plastic toys, hard candy or food, sculpted clay, or any solid, smooth object to make molds.
References
- Photo Credit accessoires 111 image by Jacques Ribieff from Fotolia.com
