Introduction:
If you are a resin art lover and want to design a resin mold, then you are at the right place. The techniques used for making the resin mold simple but challenging simultaneously. To answer your query about how to make resin molds, you will have to read this blog. It is a complete guide for you to learn the techniques involved in mold making.
How to make resin molds?
Resin arts are now considered the most unique and creative type of art. The primary component of resin art involves resin mold making. Do you need to know what a molding technique is? The technique consists of an object that you want for molding. Then you have to pour a substrate and wait for it to shape the object. Hence, after it dries out, the mold is ready. However, the process seems very simple yet exciting. However, you will have to follow the techniques carefully.
Mold resin making involves different techniques that you can use for making them. Let’s now begin with the techniques you could use.
A professional approach how to make resin molds
Try this out if you are looking for a professional resin mold making method. You will have to use the silicon rubber method. It is often called the mold building material. After using this material, you will agree that it ultimately binds and produces the best mold. Let’s begin with how to create a mold for resin.
Consider the object you want a mold for. Get a silicon rubber package. It includes two bottles stating part A and part B. These are two different solutions. Take two measuring cups. Pour in both of the solutions in equal ratios. The instructions state that you have to follow one ratio, one technique. Mix both solutions thoroughly together in a beaker. Remember, the two mixtures blend entirely, and you don’t find any multiple-colored streaks. It would ensure that the overall mixture turns out with the same color.
Place the object you want to get the mold for in a plastic container. Fill that container with the mixture you already prepared. Make sure the object completely submerges in the solution. Then, let the mixture rest for at least 5 to 6 hours. After the mixture has dried completely, grab a scissor. With a scissor, you have to cut the plastic. Remove the plastic sheet from the mold. Afterward, take out the object inside the mold. It might require a good effort of yours. But don’t worry; you will be able to do it properly.
Your mold is now ready for the resin artwork.
Resin mold from silicon caulk
How to make a mold with resin? You can read below to get the guidance. The following technique requires a minimal budget to start. Suppose you want a free-style mold like the mold is not an object but an outline.
Place the paper on a silicon mat. Cut a piece of paper in a round shape or whatever shape you want. Now, take a silicon caulk gun and push its plunger inwards. But make sure to prick the nozzle of the silicon gun. Then only the silicon can come out of it. Carefully map the silicon in the same shape you want to get the design for. Make sure to have a good grip on the silicon caulk gun. Those who are new to this technique should practice a lot.
For making a resin mold, trace the mold. For better results, repeat the tracing step twice, as it would then produce a thick layer of silicon. Ensure there are no gaps left. Let the silicon dry for about 30 to 40 minutes. Your mold is now ready. The last step is to pour the resin into the mold to make it get a similar shape. Wait until the resin completely cures in the mold.
Now, let’s begin with the DIY methods for resin molding.
Cornstarch and silicon method
Use the first DIY technique to answer the query of how to make resin molds.
To start, take a sample that you want for the mold. Clean the surface with a paper towel to remove the dust. Then, using a brush, apply a mold-release paste on it. If you are wondering what a mold release does, then read ahead. It is a chemical that prevents the substance you are casting from sticking to the surface of the mold. If you don’t use it, the casting material will bind to the surface of the mold. Hence, it would result in producing a low-quality product.
Take a wide-mouth container like a plastic rectangular or oval-shaped box. The DIY resin molds technique begins with cornstarch. Put the cornstarch in the container, then add silicon to it. Make sure to use both materials in one ratio of one quantity. Wear gloves and then mix them efficiently. Knead the mixture to form a dough. Soon, the dough will get the right shape and consistency.
Spread a plastic sheet on the workstation and a subject on the workstation. Then, evenly spread the dough over the subject. After 2 to 3 hours of rest, take the mold out. Carefully remove the dough you pasted on the mold. You would feel it soft and less gooey. Removes its edges, and the sample mold is ready.
Hot glue technique
This approach how to make resin molds is a DIY technique. For this, the essential component to use is hot glue. Many of you would refrain from investing in the silicon rubber technique. That’s because it is pretty expensive. However, beginners should always seek manageable and effortless techniques. Such approaches help them achieve the best results with a little effort in mold making.
For a professional approach, hot glue is the best. Even if you don’t have hot glue, no worries. Take out the glue stick placed in your stationary box. Hence, you can also consider How to make a mold with resin using a glue stick. Rub the petroleum jelly on the object you want to get a mold for. The alternative to petroleum jelly is any oil available at your home.
Now place the objects on parchment paper or a silicon mat. It would prevent the paper or mat from sticking to the hot glue. Then, press the glue gun to release the hot glue it. Make sure the glue spreads evenly and thoroughly covers the object. You have to be very careful at this stage. Don’t worry if the glue drips on the paper. It requires more effort as you have to pull the trigger of the glue gun for a long.
The next step to knowing how to make a mold for resin is to make the glue dry. It could take at least an hour or two to dry completely. Afterward, hold the object and de-mold it. As you use petroleum jelly, the glue removal process becomes relatively easy. The mold is now ready for the resin art. Now apply the petroleum jelly once again on the molds. Then, pour in the resin mixture.
The use of silicon and water
The following way to implement the solution of how to make resin molds is ready. For this technique, use a container and fill in warm water. Use a dishwashing liquid and pour a small quantity into it. The purpose of dishwashing liquid is to reduce the stickiness of the silicon later on. Then, take a silicon tube and cut its nib. Push the silicon out by pressing the end of the tube tightly. As you know, breathing silicon would create respiratory issues. Therefore, wear a mask before doing this step.
Pick the silicon you pour into the solution. To your surprise, the silicon remains as it is but with less stickiness. Hold it in your hands and begin making a ball shape. The tip here is to make small dough out of silicon. If it sticks to your hands, then take some water and rub it on your hands. Continue kneading the dough in your hands until it is no stickier.
Now take a waxy paper and place it on the countertop. Then, spread the small dough of silicon on it. A tip for answering the query of how to make a resin mold is to use silicon in good consistency. Make sure to keep the dough thick, not too thin. Afterward, take the sample object you want a mold for. Apply water on the object’s surface and press it down on the silicon. This action will mask the shape of the object on the silicon. Wait at least a day for the silicon to dry out completely. After it has dried, remove the object. You will get the most accurately shaped molds ready for the resin filling.
What is the best technique for how to make resin molds?
It could be frustrating to find which technique is best or not. You got a chance to review both professional approaches and DIY approaches. However, the choice is up to you. If you are a beginner, the professional approaches could be challenging. Therefore, use DIY solutions for creating resin molds.
Conclusion:
For resin art, you have to learn molding techniques. Similarly, you must have learned how to make resin molds to ease this job. Try to use the method that suits you the most, and you can perform well.