Here is how you can make your own rubber molds
I have been asked several times this summer if I make rubber molds. I
don't, but decided that I would post a couple of do-it-yourself articles
for those of you who feel inclined to give it a try.
First let me explain why I don't make them.
* The number one reason is time. It is a slow
process and therefore
time consuming. I like to get things done. From start to finish a rubber mold will take about 4 0r 5 days. Figure about 4 hrs
each day depending on size. I am talking about molds that are 12 to 18 inches
tall.
* When you are done and ready to use your mold it you
need to be an
experienced concrete caster to get good results. You should have a real
cement mixer and a vibrating table. You can do without these but they
make the job easier and go a long way toward getting you the results you are
looking for.
* You need patience. I am inclined to break out
the mold to soon; I
have to see the results. After years of doing this I still open the
molds too soon, especially if it is one that is new to me. Of course
99% of the time this ruins the casting. I get lots of
practice this way!
* I want to sell molds that you can take out in the back
yard with the
kids and mix up a batch of concrete in a bucket, pour into your mold,
and in a couple of days you will be taking a very nice casting out of
it's mold. The pleasure of seeing a great casting that
did not take long to do is what I go for. If you
want to do artwork – start stirring up your silicone.
* When you use semi - rigid plastic molds you can do
this. This is fun,
rubber molds are a lot of work. Once you master all the steps and pull the rubber off your first
real good casting the satisfaction is terrific, but it is not going to happen in a couple of days.
You should plan on at least a month or more to become a good novice.
I will write about making rubber molds using silicone caulking
compound soon. That is what I use when I need to make a flexible mold.
Notice I say need, not want.
Del Germyn
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