larrycat Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Has anyone used SMOOTH-ON Silicone Mold Making Rubber to make your own silicone molds? I want to use a product that I can "pour" rather than paste over the item I want to replicate! Candlewic has a new product, but it's a type of clay and it won't work the way I want it to. Thanks for your patience with me; I know I've asked a similar question before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle Man Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Yes I use them and its easy, once you learn how. A problem you will most likely have is tiny surface air bubbles (air bubbles right next to your object). You don't want surface air bubbles because your casting will have pin holes from the air bubbles.The best way to get rid of the bubbles is to use a vacuum chamber to de-gas the liquid rubber of the air bubbles. That is a very expensive piece of equipment and not worth it unless you are producing hunderdes of molds.The other way to reduce air bubbles is to get the same product you want to pour only in the thicker brush-on. That way you can brush on the first layer then use the thinner pourable to finish the mold, to the desired thickness.Their instructional DVS's are great to learn the proper way to make molds & well worth the cost. Mold making is expensive (more so than candle making) and if you mess up you can't re-use the rubber again, like you can re-melt a candle & try again.HTH - Candle Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrycat Posted June 12, 2007 Author Share Posted June 12, 2007 Thanks for your help, Candle Man! It makes sense that you would want to brush on the first layer, now that you mention it. I saw the vacuum de-gas process on the net, and the equipment is very costly. I appreciate your response! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 The SmoothOn site has many great tutorials and information, as does Cementex. Another helpful site for techniques and tips is The Compleat Sculptor, Inc.. If you have product questions, you can email and they will recommend which of their products is best for your application. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle Man Posted June 12, 2007 Share Posted June 12, 2007 Smooth-On is great to help you, either by phone or e-mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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