Epoxy resin castings and miniature artworks take some talent, a good sense of proportion, and some creativity. However, this task also calls for negative molds that are appropriate for it.
There are currently a lot of epoxy resin casting molds accessible, although some of them are unfinished.
So what can you do if a casting mold in the desired shape is not available? In this book, we will outline the key concepts and techniques for producing your own silicone molds efficiently and rapidly.
The Basis for Epoxy Resin
You will require the epoxy resin in liquid form and the proper hardener if you intend to complete epoxy resin tasks on your own.
Then, based on the specifics of your project, you might decide to use extra supplies like paints (for example, Alcohol Inks). Maybe you need silicone molds for casting particular forms.
For instance, circular weed silicone mold is needed for the common Petri dishes that are usually used to create petrified rainbows.
However, you are free to let your imagination and creativity soar. There is an enormous variety of unrestricted three-dimensional designs that may be made in a single mold, including square, circular, floral, star, and unique shapes like arches for nativity scenes and model building.
With some skill and the necessary materials, you may create your own silicone molds that you can subsequently fill with epoxy resin or other casting materials.
Pour the epoxy resin into the ready-made casting mold once it has been mixed with resin and hardener.
Additionally, you can experiment on your own and dye the resin in various tones before filling.
Small objects, such beach shells that have been collected or unusually lovely flowers, are frequently immersed in translucent epoxy glue and preserved “for eternity.”
The term “resin casting” refers to this process of molding the resin.
The finished casting is taken out of the silicone mold after the curing period—which differs depending on the product—has passed and can then be polished or further processed.
With the help of this exciting activity, you may create your own original artwork or gifts.
What varieties of silicone molds exist?
Silicone is the perfect material for making molds because of its distinctive properties.
In addition to being a natural release agent, silicone is also remarkably flexible. The hardened resin can be molded without inflicting any harm by simply removing it from a silicone mold.
The fact that nearly no one is allergic to silicone is another factor in its popularity. Since it is non-toxic, it poses fewer environmental risks.
This is one of the reasons silicone is widely used in the production of goods like bakeware and baby pacifiers.
There is a wide selection of finished molds available in stores since silicone baking molds might theoretically be used as castings for resin artwork.
For instance, beginners can start right away without first developing their own negative mold. However, if these molds start to deteriorate quickly, you shouldn’t be shocked.
The silicone surface will probably quickly become dull, and eventually you won’t be able to remove the cured epoxy resin from the mold without much difficulty.
This is because a lot of molds, especially baking molds, are made of incredibly flexible silicone. Furthermore, you are obviously somewhat constrained in your uniqueness because only specific molds are available on the market.
On the other hand, if you want to express yourself artistically without any restrictions, all you need to do is make your own silicone molds and let your ideas run wild.
The Hardness of Silicone Rubber
You need silicone rubber before you can make a silicone mold. The appropriate knowledgeable dealer can be easily contacted for this soft, quickly healing basic material. After curing, silicone is still rather bouncy.
However, the hardness of the silicone utilized affects how brittle the material is. Overstretching silicone can cause it to crack or at the very least cause little breaks in the material.
The first decision you must make when buying silicone rubber is between a range of hardness levels. The amount of silicone rubber’s hardness is indicated by the value next to the word “Shore.”
A high value suggests little elasticity, whereas a low Shore value indicates considerable elasticity, according to the counting method:
- High flexibility silicone rubber has a shore value of 0 to 20, and it stands out for having a supple and slightly unstable material character.
- The Shore value of medium elasticity silicone rubber ranges from 20 to 40. The high dimensional stability of this material complements its high degree of flexibility.
- Product variants that are tougher than elastic are identified by shore values between 40 and 80. For instance, silicone rubber molds made of this material can withstand heavier loads but are also more fragile.
The level of hardness you need take into account when buying silicone rubber for silicone casting often depends totally on your intended project.
In actuality, testing out several products independently can also be very helpful because it enables you to explore and develop some knowledge.
Epoxy resin castings, in general, are simpler to remove from a mold if the substance is moderately soft.
The great elasticity and low brittleness of the mold are, nevertheless, correlated with rising instability.