I have tried just about every type of mold making and casting material over the years
and this is by FAR the very BEST you'll ever find.The detail is incredible.
Just look at the detail I was able to achieve using these techniques.
The cross on the right is the original on the left is the casting.
same with the vintage metal hinge. The owls on the top are the original.
Making your Molds
Here's what you'll need:
A non stick craft sheet
A old paintbrush - believe me you want a cheap one as it will no
longer be good for anything when your through.
Mold Builder By Castin Craft. (I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby with a 50% off coupon.)
So it was only around $8.00 and this stuff goes a long long way!!
A old cloth or paper towels for cleaning off that brush after each coat.
Some charms, old jewelry or anything you want to cast. metal, wood, glass.
just about anything will work.
If you have a precious keepsake you just can't bare to use
here's the perfect way to re-create them to use over and over.
castin craft sells a special sealer if your worried about damaging any precious items.
I have never used it though and haven't had any trouble with it.
Brush on a thin coat of Mold Builder,
being careful not to get any on the backside.
If you do wipe it off with a paper towel right away.
Set on the craft sheet and let dry
You'll want to do several pieces at one time.
remember to wipe off that brush each time!!!!
You can use a heat tool or hair dryer to speed up the drying process for the first few layers.
Do not overheat or you'll get bubbles.
For your second coat lay pieces on your craft sheet and paint another coat of the mold builder
making sure you paint an area around the piece about 1/2" .
Don't move piece from now on!!
Do all your pieces the same way and let dry.
You will need to repeat this process of coating your piece 8 to 10 times.
I know this sounds like a lot but its needed to support your casting.
Let each layer dry between coats.
It will take a couple of days to build up all these coats if left to dry naturally..
When your pieces have been coated and dry.
Peel them away from your original.
They will look like this. A kind of yellowish color.
They are very strong but flexible at the same time.
Making Your Castings
Now your ready to make your castings.
You will need a craft sheet. cheap baby lotion ,
The molds you created and Apoxie Sculpt.
This is a two part Epoxy Resin. A Resin and Hardner. Its super strong
It can be painted, sanded, drilled, cut, stained ,molded, carved
and its pretty much indestructible.
I've used it for years when I would make feet for my carved birds of prey.
You can find it online at Epoxy Sculpt or possibly at your local craft store.
You will need to use some baby lotion on your hands.
This will prevent the Apoxie Sculpt from sticking to your hands and your mold.
Rub a little lotion inside your mold coating it lightly.
It will work as a release but will not weaken or damage the Apoxie Sculpt
Now take one part of equal amounts of the Apoxie Sculpt.
Guesstimate what you will need to fill your pieces.
Remember this stuff goes a long way! Mix with your fingers until thoroughly mixed
begin to fill you mold with your resin pushing into mold with fingers.
You'll want to make sure you reach every nook and cranny.
Smooth over the back with a little lotion.
Now let it set for a few hours.
It will depend on how big your project is to determine how long it will take to dry.
I usually poke the back with my fingernail. If it dosen't go in its set.
Now peel the mold away from your resin
and your ready to sand edges if needed, paint, stain or finish as desired.
Your new molds can be used over and over again
I hope you found my tutorial helpful.
If so please let me know you stopped by.
If you have any questions feel free to ask
Call your friends and have a mold making party. Its a blast!!
Have Fun!!!!!
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