Preparation for Mold Making and Casting

Mold making and casting is both an exciting hobby and absorbing profession. Armed with the right materials and tools, you can make molds of almost anything you fancy, before casting multiple copies of the same. The variety of materials – like, clay, alginate, wax, plaster, resin, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, latex rubber and so on – make mold making and casting an interesting pursuit with diverse options at your disposal.

However, irrespective of whether you are doing clay modeling or silicone casting, proper preparation is vital for the success of your project.

Know your materials

To begin with, you must have a clear understanding of what you are attempting to do. Identify which materials are suitable for what you want to make and become familiar with its properties. For instance, alginate is the material of choice for making body molds for life casting while resin is considered appropriate for casting jewelry. clay modeling is a popular medium for sculpting while liquid latex is preferred for mask making.

Apart from understanding the applications of a mold making or casting material, you should also identify necessary precautions when handling particular materials. You may need to wear protective gown, gloves, masks and safety glasses when using certain substances to shield against skin/eye exposure or inhalation. In any case, it is always advisable to don a gown or apron to protect your clothes.

Ensuring proper ventilation or using an exhaust is mandatory for some materials. You should also acquaint yourself with the storage and safe disposal guidelines. It helps if you are aware of what conditions to avoid, the incompatibility status with other materials and how to handle emergencies.

For the mold making and casting

Cover your work area with a protective sheet or wax paper that can be cleaned or thrown away after use.

Proper care has to be taken when mixing the mold making or casting materials. Most products come as two parts with a catalyst, while some may be ready to use. For the former, you should study the mix ratio and mix in the appropriate quantity by volume. Follow the directions to the word while mixing; else the mold or cast may not cure properly. Keep in mind that you will have to use a vibrating table or vacuum pump to get rid of the omnipresent air bubbles in resins and silicones.

If you are making a mold on your own, you have to first prepare the object that is to be molded. Infinite care is needed when making a body mold as you are dealing with a live model. Ensure that the model is in a comfortable pose and can stay stationery for a lengthy period.

You will have to use a release agent to keep the mold from adhering to the object or the final cast from sticking to the mold. Also, allow your mold or cast to cure properly before de-molding. A humidifier may be needed at times.

In sum, with the proper preparation, mold making and casting turns out to be both safe and enjoyable!

The author is a mold maker by profession. He has penned the article down to highlight the uses of latex rubber in mold making and casting.