I was just looking at the Micro Mark cataogue, which shows a number of different one and two part molding rubber compounds. The current catalogue pages 26 and 27 show a considerable number of items for making molds and castings, while on page 76 they list a Mold Maker Liquid Latex rubber, a single component item, 32 ounces for 22.85.
An article on molding parts I just scanned into a JPEG file show the author spraying the master with spray paint to seal the surface and make striping it from the mold easier.
It's been a while since I read articles in MRR and RMC about making rock molds, but I seem to recal the rocks may have been sprayed with water or "Wet Water" (water with a couple drops of liquid soap added.
If you get the liquid rubber, just get a couple random rocks of little interest and expirement.
Bob W [FL]
If it ain't broke.... Fix it till it is !
Brent,
The only brand I know of is Woodland Scenics "Latex Rubber" it's number is C1204. Since I have no Michaels or the like around I am not sure what you should look for. Try asking for Latex Rubber. If that doesn't work ask your LHS to add it to his next order. They are usually happy to do this, they can special order, but that usually costs more and for that you'd probably do better to place an order with a mailorder or online store.
Good luck,
Mark:
The raw plaster of the master will present a problem in that it will adhere strongly to the rubber in places with the result that you will risk either tearing the rubber or damaging the master when you try to remove the mold. I found that sealing the plaster master a couple of coats of Minwax Polyacrylic varnish gave a nice surface and the rubber molds separated nicely. I sprayed the finished mold with a little wet water (water plus a drop or 2 of liquid dish detergent) before adding the plaster and the finished castings separated nicely.
Joe
The pieces I have now are brand new raw plaster. They have never been painted or stained. I didn't know if the latex rubber would react with the plaster, i.e. soften it which would destroy much of the details.
This is a timely and interesting subject for me as I am contemplating trying to mold some interesting rocks my daughter collected for me. Can anyone please give me a brand name or two. Also is it available at Michaels? My two nearest hobby shops don't carry anything like this. As always thanks.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
cowman One thing I will suggest is that after a couple of layers of latex, cover a layer, while still wet, with some fiberglass tape (wallboard tape), then give it another layer or two. It makes the mold much stronger and it will last a lot longer. Good luck,
One thing I will suggest is that after a couple of layers of latex, cover a layer, while still wet, with some fiberglass tape (wallboard tape), then give it another layer or two. It makes the mold much stronger and it will last a lot longer. Good luck,
I have used used dryer sheets. Due to the finer mesh they are a little more difficult to get soaked with the latex but seem to have resulted in comparable results. I have used my 'dryer sheets supported molds' many times without a problem.
I bought several plaster portals and stone walls from Woodland Scenics and intend to use them as masters for making latex rubber molds. Is there any special prep I must do to the plaster portals/walls before I apply the latex rubber?