Life is all about imitation – we are always imitating people, places, events and things in some form or the other. In fact, originality itself is considered to be nothing but a ‘judicious imitation’ that recombines existing ideas and brings them to life in a unique manner.
Mold making and casting are arts that make creative simulation possible. The reproductions are not just a way of paying tribute to the original but also have many practical applications.
The Making of Molds and Casts
Silicone rubber is one of the most versatile materials that lends itself well for both mold making and casting. It captures the surface details well and is easy to use too. Making the molds and casts is usually simple and straightforward, but the going can get complicated depending on the intricacy of the original model.
Silicone molds are usually made using the block mold or glove mold technique. Block molds can be made in one part for simple models that have a flat base. Complex shapes and those with undercuts call for multi-part molds with keys, spues and more.
The process involves prepping the model by cleaning and sealing it properly. Release agent is not needed here as silicone rubber does not stick to anything but itself.
The rubber has to be mixed properly in the prescribed proportions before using for the mold making. Once the material has set, the model is removed and the mold is allowed to cure properly.
The cured and cleaned mold is ready for casting. Different materials can be cast in a silicone mold as it does not stick to anything. However, many artists prefer to make silicone casts. This calls for the use of an appropriate release agent that will make demolding possible. Petroleum jelly is usually not preferred here as it will form a thick layer that can distort the surface details of the mold. Specially formulated release agents are available for releasing silicone rubber from a silicone mold without interfering with the surface details.
It is even possible to color the silicone by using special silicone paints and dyes. These can be added intrinsically to the rubber mix or painted/sprayed on the finished silicone cast.
It should be noted that silicone rubber is preferred because of its superior heat stability, electrical and chemical resistance as well as low-temperature flexibility. Moreover, the compound provides excellent resistance to UV rays, weathering and aging which makes it durable with a great shelf life too.
However, regular silicone rubber cannot be allowed to come into contact with skin or food products. Special skin safe and food safe silicones have been formulated by some art manufacturers for these explicit purposes.
EnvironMolds is one of the leading art suppliers that provides top quality silicone rubber options apart from other materials, supplies and equipment.