Silicone molds are preferred over regular molds because they are easier to use and don't have to be a hassle to remove. While you can buy them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, finding the perfect print for a particular item can sometimes seem impossible. If this happens, you will have to make it yourself. Sure, it's possible to buy a two-part silicone mold kit from the store, but it's cheaper to make your own at home.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Silicone and Liquid Soap
Step 1. Fill the bowl with water
The water should be room temperature – not too hot and not too cold. The depth should also be enough to dip the hand into it.
Step 2. Pour the liquid soap into the water
You can use almost any type of liquid soap, including: bath soap, dish soap, and hand soap. Keep stirring until the soap is completely dissolved and there are no lumps left.
- Use soap and water in a ratio of 1: 10 parts.
- You can also use liquid glycerin. The glycerin will react with the silicone and cause it to clump together.
Step 3. Pour the construction silicone into the water
Purchase pure silicone from a chemical or hardware store; make sure it's not the kind that hardens quickly. Pour enough silicone into the bowl to cover the object to be printed.
- Construction silicone can also be labeled as putty silicone.
- If the silicone case you purchased didn't come with a syringe, buy a putty gun, attach it to the mouth of the container, cut off the tip, and punch a hole.
Step 4. Knead the silicone under water
Put on plastic gloves and immerse your hands in the water. Take the silicone and knead. Continue to knead under water until the silicone is no longer sticky. This process will take about five minutes.
Step 5. Form the silicone dough into a thick slab
Start by rolling the dough into a ball with your palms. Press it onto a flat surface and push gently. The silicone must be thicker than the object to be printed.
If the silicone is sticky, coat your hands and work surface with a thin layer of liquid soap
Step 6. Press the object you want to print into the silicone
Make sure the design of the object is facing down. Press the edges of the silicone into the object gently so that there are no gaps left.
Step 7. Allow the silicone to harden
Silicone will never harden until it is rigid, but will always be flexible. Just wait a few hours until the silicone is solid enough and you can bend it without denting it.
Step 8. Remove the object from the mold
Grasp the edge of the mold and bend it backwards away from the object. The object will loosen or come out on its own. Tilt the mold to remove the object.
Step 9. Use the mold
Fill the mold with clay, then take it out and let it dry. You can also try using resin on these silicone molds, but allow the resin to dry and harden in the mold before removing it.
Method 2 of 3: Using Silicone and Corn Starch
Step 1. Pour the construction silicone onto the plate
Purchase pure silicone from a chemical or hardware store. Silicone is usually sold in the form of a container that ends like a syringe. Pour the silicone onto a disposable plate. There should be enough to cover whatever object you want to print.
- Construction silicone can also be labeled as putty silicone. Make sure the type is not silicone that hardens quickly.
- If the silicone case you purchased didn't come with a syringe, buy a putty gun first. Attach it to the mouth of the container, cut off the end, then make a hole.
Step 2. Pour in the cornstarch twice as much as the silicone
If you can't find cornstarch, use cornstarch or potato starch instead. Keep the flour close by as you'll likely need more.
If you want a more colorful print, add a few drops of acrylic paint. Adding paint will have no effect on the print
Step 3. Put on plastic gloves and knead the silicone along with the flour
Continue to knead until the silicone and flour come together and form a smooth dough. At first the dough will be dry and crumbly, but just keep kneading. If it's too sticky, add more cornstarch to it.
If there is starch left on the plate, leave it alone. The silicone will absorb all the starch it needs
Step 4. Grind the silicone to form a slab
Start by rolling the silicone dough into a ball with your palm. After that, place the dough on a smooth surface and press gently to flatten it slightly. The silicone must be thicker than the object to be printed.
Step 5. Press the object to be printed into the dough
Make sure the design of the object is facing down and the back is visible above the surface. Use your finger to press the silicone edge against the object. Don't leave any gaps.
Step 6. Wait for the silicone to solidify
You only need about 20 minutes. Once solid, you can move on to the next stage. The silicone mold will feel flexible, but won't dent or deform.
Step 7. Remove the object from the mold
Hold the silicone edge and bend it away from the object inside. Turn the mold over to remove the object. If necessary, use your hands to pull it out.
Step 8. Use the mold
You can use a silicone mold to mold wet clay. Remove the molded clay and let it dry. You can also pour resin into it, allow it to harden, then remove it. Remove all objects in the same way as the first.
Method 3 of 3: Using Two Part Silicone
Step 1. Purchase a kit for making silicone molds from the store
You can find them at specialty mold and mold making equipment stores. Sometimes, you can also find them at arts and crafts supply stores. Most of these packages have two containers labeled “Part A” and “Part B”. Sometimes, you have to buy them separately.
Don't mix silicone just yet
Step 2. Cut the bottom of the plastic food container
Look for cheap food containers made of thin plastic. Use a cutter knife to cut off the bottom. It doesn't matter if the cut marks are uneven as this will later become the top of the mold.
Select a container that is larger than the object you want to print
Step 3. Glue the pieces of duct tape overlapping the top of the container
Open the lid of the container. Cut several pieces of duct tape and attach it along the top of the container. Let the duct tape overlap about 0.5 cm. Leave a few inches hanging on the sides of the container.
- Run your fingers along the rim of the container to secure the duct tape.
- Make sure there are no gaps so the silicone doesn't melt out.
Step 4. Fold the ends of the duct tape to the sides of the container
Once the container is filled with silicone, there is a small chance the silicone will leak from under the duct tape. Fold the end of the duct tape to the side of the case to prevent the silicone from leaking out and damaging the work surface.
Step 5. Put the object you want to print into the container
Place the container on a flat and stable surface with the cut/opened side facing up. Place the object in the container and press it against the duct tape. Do not let objects touch the sides of the container or touch other objects. Also, make sure the design of the item is facing up and the bottom is facing the duct tape.
- Flat back objects are the best choice for this project.
- If necessary, clean the object before placing it in the silicone mold.
Step 6. Measure the amount of silicone needed according to the instructions on the package
You should always mix Part A and Part B. Some types of silicone must be measured by volume, while others by weight. Read the instructions on the package carefully, then measure according to the instructions.
- Pour the silicone into a cup that is usually sold with the silicone mold making kit. If you don't have one, pour it into a disposable cup.
- You will need sufficient amount of silicone to immerse the object as deep as 0.5 cm.
Step 7. Stir the two parts of the silicone until the color is even
You can do this with a skewer, ice cream stick, toothpick, or even a stick. Keep stirring until the colors are evenly mixed and there are no streaks or streaks remaining.
Step 8. Pour the silicone into the container
Use a stirrer to help scrape out the remaining silicone so it doesn't go to waste. The silicone must cover the top of the object at least 0.5 cm deep. If it is too thin, the silicone mold may tear.
Step 9. Allow the silicone to solidify
The length of time it will take will depend on the brand you are using. Some brands will be ready to use in just a few hours, while others will have to be left on overnight. Refer to the instructions on the silicone label to find out exactly how long it will take. Do not touch or move the mold during this time.
Step 10. Open the silicone mold
Once the silicone has dried and has turned solid, remove the duct tape from the container. Carefully remove the silicone mold. You will see fine hairs of silicone around the mold. If it feels annoying, just cut it with scissors or a knife cutter.
Step 11. Remove the object from the mold
Anything you put in the case will get caught between the silicone. Gently bend the silicone to remove the object. The trick is like removing ice cubes from the container.
Step 12. Use the mold
Now you can fill the empty space with resin, clay, or even chocolate if the silicone is food grade. If you are using clay, remove the object while it is still wet. However, if using resin, let it sit until the resin is completely solid before removing it from the mold.
Tips
- Even if nothing will stick to the silicone, it's a good idea to spray the inside of the mold with a special lubricating fluid before pouring resin into it.
- Molds made using construction silicone and liquid soap or cornstarch cannot be used for baking or making candy. This silicone is not food safe.
- If you want to make fondant or chocolate molds, purchase a two-piece silicone mold making kit. Read the label to make sure it's food safe.
- Molds made from 2-part silicone will be stronger than construction silicone. That's because the 2 part silicone uses professional mold making materials.
- Silicone molds will not last forever and will eventually break.
- Molds made from 2-part silicone are best used for molding resins.
Warning
- Do not touch the silicone construction with your hands directly. Silicone can irritate the skin.
- Construction silicone can generate steam. Make sure your work area is well ventilated.
