DIY Silicone Mold Making | How to make a silicone mold the easy way
In this tutorial we show you an overview of how to make a silicone rubber mold used to make copies of any object. The mold we make in this tutorial is used to make little wax crows for a local candle maker. We did this in an effort to ease concerns that simple mold making is difficult. It can be intimidating the first time, but it really just isn’t that difficult and is a lot of fun. Make sure to take note of our tips below.
If I can do it, anyone can.
What you will need-
30 Silicone Mold Making Rubber 2.2lbs on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2wwdfgq
Smooth-On Universal Mold Release 14 fl. oz. on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2v8nz0j
WiseField Digital Pocket Scale: http://amzn.to/2vatKiI
How to make a silicone mold steps-
1. Get the shape or item you want to copy
In this case I 3D printed 4 crows on with a flat base out of ABS plastic. In the video I am making an 8 crow mold using 2 printed crow plates. If you have the item already or don’t have access to a 3D printer you can cut out any shape and hot glue it to flat cardboard or other flat surface.
Tip: any porous surface like cardboard must be sealed. Mold release will not do all the work. I cover my cardboard in clearing backing tape.
2. Make a removable mold pan
As you can see I used cardboard covered in clear packing tape that is folded into the shape of the mold. While not as professional as using MDF plywood, it did the trick and I have made 4 of these crow molds using this technique. The cardboard is covered in tape just hot glue your shapes direct on or the plate of shapes in. Use hot glue to fill and smooth seams. Fold or assemble your pan and using a scale, ruler, or tape measure mark a line around the inside showing how much silicone to pour in. For these crow molds I didn’t want the bottom to be more than .25″ thick so the mold is super flexible. This eases the wax crow removal process. Those dany beaks and feet break off easy.
3. Don’t forget mold release
Using mold release can often be the difference between saving a mold and not.
4. Time to mix and measure
While I often to a basic volume calculation to determine how much silicone is needed, it is not uncommon for me to just estimate or guess. For an exact volume measurement, many fill their mold with Playdoh, clay, or rice. Use a small scale, measure out the proper ratio of parts A and B. Now it is time to mix the 2 parts of your silicone. Combine parts A and B and MIX, MIX, MIX. Don’t slack on mixing, you will regret it.
Tip: Shake & Stir part B well, really well. Sometimes part B will separate and therefore not activate the silicone.
Tip: Silicone is expensive. Do not handle part be near an open container of part A. Could cost you the whole lot.
5. Pour
While pouring your mixture into your mold do your best to let the mixture flow into the form and not down into the form. In some cases, air can get trapped and therefore leave a pocket of air in your mold. More common in deeper molds with a heavier silicone.
The music in our video is by Liacrew. Check out their new album via the links below.
Website: Liacrew.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5H4Xfox20Lv4KXmPk7ZS9m?si=vCx4XIvE
Apple iTunes: https://itun.es/us/U3WHjb
