There is no limit to what you can do with latex rubber, that too without expending too much effort. The product can be used to make both molds and casts in a thin skin form, that too without requiring expert skills!
There is hardly any material that is more versatile and diverse than liquid latex rubber. This rubber can be used to duplicate almost anything under the sun – be it a figurine, a toy, a stone or even a plant. Just make a mold of the model and it can then be cast in resin, plaster, silicone or other material. The only catch is that latex cannot be applied on the skin as it will seal the skin and can cause damage. This is why it is not preferred for making body molds for life casting.
Making a latex mold is also quite an easy job. Always start with a clean model – dust or wash it properly so that dirt or any contaminants do not end up interfering with the mold. Allow it to dry before use.
For simple objects, the artists often dip the original model in the latex rubber. A thin skin of latex will cling to the model. Repeated dipping (after proper drying) will build the mold to the required thickness. Alternatively, successive coats of the rubber can even be brushed on the model to form the mold. Care has to be taken that the rubber is worked into all the crevices and undercuts of the model.
Bigger pieces may require to be reinforced with a shell mold – made of gauze or plaster bandages – as the flexible latex mold is likely to stretch and change shape when filled with the casting medium.
The latex mold will air dry – takes about 24 hours – and can then be removed from the model. This will give an elastic and durable mold that will last for years and can be used for making literally any number of castings.
Many more uses
The beauty of latex rubber is that it can be used for making both molds and casts. Latex casting rubber will be less viscous than its mold making counterpart. This can be used to make thin skin props, gloves and masks. It is most commonly used to create special effects for movies and television.
The process is again very simple. Artists usually, pour the liquid latex rubber in the mold and let it stand for some time before pouring it back into the container. A thin skin of the rubber stays behind in the mold and will cure to form the prop or mask.
Then again, dipping a fabric in latex rubber will make it waterproof, while tools can be dipped in the same rubber to improve the grip and insulate them from electric hazards.
EnvironMolds offers a complete range of materials, supplies, tools and equipment for making molds, casts and life casts. It has diverse options in latex rubber for both mold making and casting. Some of them can even double up for both uses. And the quality will always remain supreme!