Can You Make A Mold Using Moldable Plastic Pellets
Not long ago, I created a DIY seashell imprint pendant using heat-activated moldable pellets called InstaMorph.
This too failed, however, I do believe there may be further experimentation to do here, and I will update this space if I have success again in the future. If you do try it, please comment below and share your results.
The reason its worth trying to make resin casting molds using moldable pellets is because they are reusable making them very cost effective, especially for casual crafters and one-off projects!
To use InstaMorph, you pour them into hot water and allow them to turn clear. Lift them out with a stick
The pellets should be ready to handle. I placed my sea glass pieces on a piece of acetate and molded the Instamorph over it.
I waited until it turned white . Then I tried removing the sea glass and ran into a number of problems.
Here are the problems and variations you can try if you want to give this a better shot:
In a nutshell, if you want to give this a go:
Gave this a go? Comment below!
Use An Object To Create An Impression
Im using a wooden snowflake ornament to make an impression. The instructions for the putty do say that some items may contain sulfur or stearates, which can inhibit curing. Soaps, for example. If the item youre using to make an impression has one of these, just coat it with acrylic spray to seal it first. The instructions also recommend testing a small piece of putty on the item first, but I skipped that.
I quickly pressed the snowflake down into the silicone until I was happy with the placement. Then I took a knife and cut out around the snowflake just to make the mold look a bit more professional. I left the snowflake in the putty for the entire cure time, which is 25 minutes. Actually I left mine in for a bit longer because I was working on something else.
I was really impressed with how quickly the putty began to solidify. They arent kidding when they say it has a 3-minute working time. And between 4 and 25 minutes, it solidifies completely. Pretty amazing.
Want more resin projects? Check out my epoxy resin paint pour for beginners tutorial and my tips on whether to use a shiny or matte silicone mold for resin projects.
Removing The Finished Silicone Casting Mold
- The curing time of the silicone mold depends on the silicone used and its size. It can vary between one and 24 hours. If you want to check if the silicone is completely cured, you can gently press it into the mold with a finger. If you notice that the mass has hardened, the silicone mold is now released from the frame. If it has been thoroughly treated withmold release agentor oil, this is usually no problem. For the final straightening of the edge, it is best to use scissors, a carpet knife or a scalpel.
- In order to keep the silicone supple and to maintain it, you can rub it with talcum powder after releasing it from the frame and after each use.
Recommended Reading: Does Steam Kill Mold Spores
Remove Object And Heat Cure If Needed
I removed the snowflake from the mold. After the cure time, the mold is ready to use. However, the instructions say that if youre using a resin casting product, concrete, or plaster, the mold needs to cure at room temperature for 24 hours first.
If youre feeling impatient, you can heat cure the mold by putting the mold only in the regular oven on aluminum foil or a cookie sheet. The guidelines say to place in the center of the ovenor at least 6 from the heating elementsand make for 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. I did test out heat curing mine, and it worked just fine.
Determine The Size Of Box Youll Need To Fit The Object You Want To Cast
You’ll need to leave about 1/2 – 3/4″ of space on each side of your object to capture every detail and to ensure the walls are strong and durable enough to re-use the mold again. Cut your pieces to size with your utility knife. You will need 4 identical sized pieces for the walls and a smaller piece for the base.
The plexiglass sheets are fairly thin so they cut easily and snap off with a little pressure.
Once your pieces are cut to size, remove the protective film.
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Mold Is This
How To Prevent Problems With Silicone Molds
- No open fire at the Mold. Burning away bubbles is a popular method to get rid of the annoying air bubbles in the resin. But be careful: Avoid any contact with the silicone. Silicone molds can be heated up to 180° Celsius for a short time. A lighter reaches temperatures between 800° and 1300° Celsius so way too much.
- Mix the resin according to the packaging instructions. Even minimal deviations can cause the resin to become unnecessarily warm and thus cause your mold to age more quickly.
- Only use colors that are suitable for resin. Acrylic paints can cause the resin to boil and damage your mold.
- Never clean your silicone molds with sponges or other acidic items.
- You can use release agents. Release agents will degrade the finish of your resin work, but will help your silicone mold last longer. Our suggestion: Use release agents only for complex shapes that are difficult to mold or if you already notice that the quality of your silicone mold is deteriorating.
Best Silicone Mold Making Kits Recommendations
Your creativity is your only limitation when it comes to creating your own silicone molds. If you want to make a silicone mold yourself, the nature of your project will determine the exact material requirements. The following list is based on creating a negative mold with an original mold or template:
Best Value for Money: INCREDIBLE SOLUTIONS Silicone Mold-Making Kit
This silicone mold-making kit contains two components that, when combined, will result in a yellow, non-toxic rubber silicone material. This product produces no odor and is very easy to use. With a simple mixing ratio of 1:1, the two parts of this kit are easy to combine. You should mix the components together thoroughly for 5 minutes, after which you will have another 5 minutes with which to mold and shape the silicone.
- Make Your Own Silicone Molds, Easy 1:1 Mix Ratio
- Compatible With Epoxy Resin, Casting Resin & Other Sculpting & Casting Mediums
- Safe & Easy To Use, Food Grade Once Cured, No Need For Mixing Cups, Stir Sticks, Etc
- the item to be reproduced
It is extremely important that very little or no silicone runs out of the frame during the pouring process. Therefore, with the help of the toothpick or cotton swab, all joints are closed with the modelling compound and the frame is sealed as well as possible.
Read Also: Who Can Test For Black Mold
How To Build A Box For Mold Making
When youre making custom molds, a simple box is the most effective way to contain the silicone. The box can be made from objects around the house, like a milk carton or a plastic container, or you can build one out of plexiglass, cardboard or foam core. Whether you use a ready made box or you build your own, make sure your mold box checks off the following:
- it has a plastic lined interior so that your mold pulls away with ease
- its big enough to leave enough some space around your object
Were going to show you a couple of quick and easy options using objects from around the house or if you prefer to DIY it, well show you how to build your own custom mold.
Lets get started!
Some Things To Keep In Mind
When choosing a plastic container or box to hold your silicone, make sure it is sturdy, leak-proof, and the interior is lined with plastic so you can pull your mold with ease. It also must be big enough to leave space around your object.
Silicone is the most ideal material for DIY molds because it provides the most versatility. It will not require a separating object to prevent the resin from sticking, and its also easy to manipulate. Its also non-toxic, as many baking molds are made of silicone. However, silicon putty is limited to small objects.
If you have a large project, silicone may not be the most ideal. Its also prone to dullness and damage with each use, so if youre making resin art in large volumes, you may need to make more than one silicone resin mold for your needs.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean The Mold In Bathroom
How Do You Make Mold For Resin
When creating a resin mold, a three-dimensional object is used to give shape to the mold. This object is called a model. Complex resin molds are made by placing a model in a container and pouring clear rubber around the object. After the rubber dries, it can be cut into two pieces, each piece resulting in a mold for one half of a resin piece.
What Is The Best Epoxy Resin For Silicone Molds
When working with epoxy resin, the resin and a corresponding hardener are the basic requirements. Depending on which project you want to devote yourself to, other materials such as different color pigments can be added. Polished silicone molds are also often needed to provide a glossier finish to your finish product.
There are practically no limits to creativity when it comes to shaping: Cubes, balls, pyramids, stars, hearts, flowers, coasters, and all kinds of figures. Anything is possible and can be filled with epoxy resin to create beautiful works of art or gifts.
INCREDIBLE SOLUTIONS Pourable Plastic Clear Casting Resin
You will require a lower-viscosity casting resin for your molds, as this resin has a thin consistency that allows it to fill all kinds of shapes with great effect. This resin has been formulated specifically for the purpose of pouring into a cast, and can be poured in layers of up to 2 inches thick.
This resin will cure crystal-clear unless a color is added. This particular resin is especially compatible with pigmented mica powders. You can mix your resin liquid and hardener according to a 2:1 ratio.
Epoxy resin tends to become yellow when exposed to sunlight as a result of the suns harmful UV rays. This resin has been made with additional UV inhibitors to resist the effects of UV light and prevent yellowing. This product is also water-resistant, almost odorless, and produces no VOCs.
Pros
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mold Infestation
How To Pour Resin Into Molds
If you have decided to start working with epoxy resin, then you have landed on the right page. Resin casting can be a fun and relaxing activity. Not to mention the feelings you get when you finish a DIY project and everyone admires it.
I still remember my first piece of art, a necklace with a red carnation embedded inside. Later on, I gave it as a gift to my mother. Not only was she impressed, but she also encouraged me to keep up with my new passion.
From the very first beginning, I wanted to create something unique. Truth be told I failed! And not only once, but three times. And that was because I couldnt find the correct information about everything it means to work with epoxy resin. Thats why I decided to share with you guys some tips & tricks on how to pour the resin into molds. Lets get started!
How To Make A Mold For Epoxy Resin Casting Using Two Part Silicone
1. If youd like, you can cover the item youre casting on the sides with a mold release.
2. Use hot glue to glue it well to the base of your container. make sure that no glue seeps out around it . Follow the package instructions of the two-part silicone, regarding how much area to leave around the item youre casting.
3. If youre using a mold release, add it to the top of the item youre casting. Make sure its free of debris or hot glue strings that might accidentally get cast too.
4. Follow package instructions to mix up your solution. Note: I do NOT recommend using silicone cups for this part like I did. I ruined them.
5. Stir it well according to package instructions, and until there are no streaks left.
6. Pour it over your prepared container .
If you didnt prepare enough silicone, simply prepare more and pour on top. Allow it to cure according to package instructions.
7. When ready, remove the container to release your mold.
8. If you had some silicone seep under your item that you cast, you can carefully remove it by cutting it away with a pair of scissors or a knife.
9. Remove the item you cast. Your DIY resin mold is complete! Notice how every little nick on the wood slice coaster was cast
Now you can cast your new project! What a beauty! I hoped you enjoyed learning how to make a mold for epoxy resin casting! Got any tips to add? Tried something different and it worked? Please comment below to share your ideas!
You May Like: Can Uv Light Kill Mold Spores
Casting Resin In The Diy Silicone Putty Mold
To test out my mold, I used a two-part epoxy resin colored with a light pink mica dye powder. And it worked out great! The mold did develop a bit of a condensation on it, but I didnt wipe or clean it before using it.
I poured poured the colored epoxy resin and let it cure according to my resins instructions. I also used a heat gun to pop the bubbles and ensure it cured without any imperfections. The next morning, I popped it out easily. It turned out amazing! The mold released it very quickly and easily, and there are no imperfections in the mold after using it once. Its very strong.
Like resin? Check out my tips for how to make resin jewelry using molds and how to make a gorgeous DIY marble and wood tray!
Pour Your Silicone Until You Cover Your Object Completely
When youve fully mixed the silicone, all you have to do is pour it over the object that youre making a mold from. Just like with resin, try to keep the tip of the beaker close to the container to avoid adding any bubbles to the mold. Cover the object completely with ¼ inch of silicone covering it in all directions .
You May Like: What Kind Of Light Kills Mold
How To Make A Mold For Epoxy Resin Casting
Today, Im sharing how to make a mold for epoxy resin casting using a two part silicone solution. This is, in my opinion, the only way thats really worth trying.
I did share other methods briefly above, but for the step-by-step process, Im sticking with the best way to do it.
In the process, you can make an acetate container, if you dont have a food container. I share this as a separate process, that you CAN also use as a mold on its own.
How To Clean Your Molds Tutorial
With our tips you will get the silicone mold back in perfect condition.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Grass
Trim The Excess Silicone
When its finished, you can remove the silicone mold from the container and pull the object out of the mold. You may have to use a small plastic knife around the edges of the container to help release it from sticking on the edges .
Sometimes the mold will be absolutely perfect and there will be no further action required. However, there will often be some silicone that youll need to trim from the edges of the mold. This is just liquid that managed to get underneath your object as the silicone was curing. It looks a little sloppy, but it wont affect the final look of any objects that you cast in resin.
Now you can use the molds with resin to create copies of your custom cosplay props and accessories.
