How to Make a Silicone Mold

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Silicone molds are always popular because they are easy to use and come off easily.On the market there are various shapes and sizes and in the most varied designs, but sometimes finding the most suitable one for a personalized object is impossible, so you have to make it yourself.To do this you can always buy a two-component silicone mold kit in store or save more and create your own "homemade" mold!
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Use Silicone and Liquid Soap

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  1. The water should be at room temperature, not too hot or too cold, and there should be enough to dip your hands in.[1]
  2. You can use almost any type of liquid soap, including body wash, dish soap, and hand soap.Continue stirring until the soap has completely dissolved.[2]
    • Plan on using about 1 part soap to 10 parts water.[3]
    • You can also use liquid glycerin.This will react with the silicone and cause it to thicken.[4]
  3. Buy a tube of pure silicone from a DIY store (check to make sure it's not the quick-set type) and put some in the bowl.It must be a sufficient amount to cover your item.[5]
    • Construction silicone may also be labeled “silicone sealant.”
    • If the tube does not come with a syringe you will need to purchase a silicone cartridge gun, insert the tube into it and cut the end part to puncture it.[6]
  4. Put on a pair of plastic gloves and dip your hands into the container to collect the silicone in your fist and squeeze it.Continue working it in the water until you feel it is no longer sticky.This operation will take approximately 5 minutes.[7]
  5. First, make a ball with the dough by rolling it between the palms of your hands and then press it onto a flat surface using light pressure.The thickness must however be greater than that of the object you want to obtain the mould.[8]
    • If the silicone is sticky, put on gloves and work the surface with a thin layer of liquid soap.[9]
  6. Press the object into the dough (taking care that the motif you wish to reproduce is facing down) and gently press the edges of the mold against the object so as not to leave any gaps.[10]
  7. Silicone will never become rock solid, it will always be flexible.Simply wait a few hours for it to stiffen enough to allow you to fold it without it ruining.
  8. Grab the mold by the edges and bend it backwards to loosen it from the object.This should release or pop out on its own, so turn the mold upside down to let it pop out completely.
  9. Fill the mold with modeling clay which you will then extract and leave to dry.You can also try using resin with this mold, but you will need to let it dry and harden before taking it out.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Use Silicone and Corn Starch

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  1. Buy a tube of pure silicone from a DIY store (the container is usually shaped like a syringe) and squeeze a little into a dish and throw it away.You will need a sufficient amount to cover the object you want to mold.[11]
    • Construction silicone can also be found under the label "sealant silicone".Check carefully that it is not the quick-setting one.
    • If it does not have a syringe you will first have to get a silicone cartridge gun, insert the tube and cut the end part to puncture it.[12]
  2. If you can't find cornstarch, try using corn flour or potato starch.Keep the box handy as you may need more.[13]
    • If you want to obtain a more colorful mold, you can easily add a few drops of acrylic paint because it will not affect the effectiveness of the mold.[14]
  3. Continue kneading until the silicone and cornstarch form a smooth dough.It may feel dry and crumbly at first, but keep kneading, adding a little more cornstarch if it's too sticky.[15]
    • There may be some cornstarch left in the dish, but it doesn't matter:it means that the silicone is now saturated with it.
  4. First, make the dough into a ball by rolling it between your palms.Then place it on a smooth surface and flatten it, compressing it slightly;the thickness must however be greater than that of the object for which you wish to obtain the mould.[16]
  5. Make sure you place it face down and that the side you see is the back.Then, with your fingers, press the edges of the mold against the object so as not to leave any gaps.[17]
  6. This operation will take about twenty minutes.Once the dough has hardened, you'll be ready for the next step.As you can see, the dough will still be flexible, but you will no longer be able to affect it or change its shape.[18]
  7. Grab the silicone mold by the edges and gently bend it backwards to release it from the object, then flip it over to release it completely.If necessary, pull it out with your fingers.
  8. You can fill the mold with wet modeling clay which you will then take out and let dry, but you can also pour resin into it, let it dry and then take it out.Use the same procedure adopted to extract the first object also for subsequent ones.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Use Two-Component Silicone

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  1. You can find it in stores that specialize in modeling and mold-making supplies, and sometimes in craft supply stores, if well-stocked.Many kits consist of two containers marked "Component A" and "Component B".Sometimes you have to buy them separately instead.
    • Do not mix the two components yet.
  2. Get a cheap, thin plastic food container and, using a cutter, cut off the bottom[19] without worrying about whether you are making a precise or careless cut.This will be the top of your mold.
    • Choose a container that is a little larger than the object you want to mold.
  3. Remove the container lid.Cut long strips of packing tape and use them to cover the top of the container.Overlap the strips on top of each other about a half-inch of their width, and allow a couple of inches of tape to hang over the edges of the container.[20]
    • Run a finger along the edge to seal everything well.
    • Make sure there are no openings, otherwise the silicone will leak out of the container.
  4. Once you fill the container with silicone there is a chance that a small amount may seep out from under the tape, but this will prevent it from leaking out and ruining your work area.[21]
  5. Place the container (with the open part facing upwards) on a flat, stable surface and place the objects inside by pressing them against the adhesive tape, taking care that they do not touch the sides of the container and that they are spaced apart.Also make sure that the part with the pattern is facing upwards and that the back part is pressed firmly against the adhesive tape.[22]
    • This method is best suited for items that have flat backs.
    • If necessary, clean the items well before starting.
  6. You will always have to mix compounds A and B together.Some types of silicone must be dosed based on volume, others based on weight.Read the instructions included in the package carefully and stick to the recommended dosages.
    • Pour the silicone into the cup provided with the kit.If it is not included, pour it into a disposable plastic cup.
    • You will need enough silicone to cover the surface of your object with a layer of about half a centimeter.
  7. You can do this using a chopstick (or similar object) or a plastic fork, spoon or knife.Continue mixing until you get a uniform color or you no longer see streaks.
  8. Use the tool you mixed with to help you clean the cup thoroughly, so you use all the silicone.There surface of your object must be covered with a layer of silicone approximately half a centimeter high.In fact, a silicone mold that is too thin could tear.[23]
  9. The time it takes to harden depends on the brand you are using.Some allow you to use the mold within a few hours, while for others you have to wait until the next day.Consult the instructions included in the kit for more precise information regarding the waiting times for hardening.Do not touch or move the mold during this time.
  10. Once the silicone has hardened, remove the adhesive tape from the container and gently remove the mold you have obtained.You may notice subtle smudges of silicone around the edges.If you don't like them, remove them using a pair of scissors or a utility knife.
  11. The items you put inside the container will be stuck inside the silicone.Gently bend the silicone back to release items (much like you would an ice tray to remove cubes).
  12. Now you can fill the cavities of the mold with resin, modeling clay or even chocolate (if the silicone is for food use).You can unmold objects made using modeling clay while it is still damp.For those made with resin, however, you have to wait for it to dry completely before you can demould them.
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Advice

  • Although objects won't stick to silicone, it may be a good idea to spray the inside of the mold with a release agent before pouring the resin.
  • Molds made using construction silicone and liquid soap or corn starch are not suitable for baking or for making confectionery because this silicone it is not suitable for food use.[24]
  • If you want to make a candy or chocolate mold you will need to purchase a two-part silicone kit and make sure the instructions specify that it is suitable for food use.
  • Two-component silicone molds will last longer than those made with construction silicone, as the materials used to make them are specific for professional reproduction work.
  • Silicone molds won't last forever.Over time, in fact, they tend to deteriorate.
  • Two-component silicone molds are the most suitable for making resin reproductions.
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Warnings

  • Avoid touching construction silicone with your hands because it can irritate your skin.
  • Construction silicone can produce harmful fumes, so make sure your work area is well ventilated.
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Things you will need

Use Silicone and Liquid Soap

  • Waterfall
  • Liquid soap
  • Basin
  • Object of which you want to obtain the mold
  • Plastic gloves
  • Construction silicone, silicone sealant or silicone sealant

Use Silicone and Corn Starch

  • Disposable container
  • Starch or corn flour
  • Object of which you want to obtain the mold
  • Plastic gloves
  • Construction silicone, silicone sealant or silicone sealant

Use Two-Component Silicone

  • Kit for two-component silicone
  • Disposable cup
  • Stirring stick
  • Plastic food container
  • Cutter
  • Packaging tape
  • Object of which you want to obtain the mold
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