Making silicone molds is easy and very fun! If you are a b2b buyer or purchaser and need a large number of custom silicone molds, Growjaa silicone manufacturers can consult us to give you professional advice and the most competitive quotation!
1. Tips you need to know before processing
When you first start making molds, remember to have all the tools you need ready and keep your work area clean.
Dust and small particles love to cling to silicone, so be sure to clean your surface before you begin.
Use clean hands and make sure the surface you are working on is flat and straight so that the silicone is evenly spread around.
Choose the right design. For a shiny effect on the surface, your original design must have a shiny surface, you can paint the surface of your design or cover it with a layer of resin and cure it completely to the touch.
Choose the right enclosure for your design by considering adequate space on the sides and the depth of the final mold. This way you don't waste silicon filling unnecessary gaps and have enough space so that the mold doesn't tear due to the thin silicon layer. The casing can be of metal, hard plastic or cardboard nature.
When mixing silicone, use a 1:1 weight ratio for best results.
While mixing, stir the silicone for at least 3 minutes, depending on the amount used, to thoroughly mix and reduce air bubbles.
Make sure to wait at least 12 hours for the mold to cure before using the resin.
Touch the silicone and it will feel a little sticky.
Never heat, burn and clean directly on the mold, if necessary, use tape to clean the surface and gently clean the inside with dish soap and water.
2. Supply list:
The main piece (mold), this piece must be non-silicone in nature, if you are using clay make sure it is sulfur free. You can mold from plastic, porcelain, ceramic, glass and most metal items
Resin craft tape and glue gun
Crust (you can use a cookie cutter depending on the size of your creation)
liquid silicone
Plastic cups and sticks
Electronic scale measures the weight of silicon
3. how to make silicone molds
When you make a silicone mold, every step needs to be done carefully. Here are the more detailed steps:
1). Model preparation:
Make sure the model surface is smooth, clean and free of dust or grease. A brush or compressed air can be used to clean the surface.
If your model has small grooves or details, consider using a model topcoat to help the silicone flow into these details better.
2). Model fixed:
Use brackets or support material to secure the model inside the container where the mold is made, making sure there is enough clearance between the model and the bottom and sides of the container, which will become the mold part of the silicone.
3). Make mold support:
Use rigid materials, such as plastic sheets or wooden boards, to build the mold support structure. This prevents the silicone from deforming or losing its shape.
The support structure needs to be secured around the model while ensuring that it does not interfere with the flow of the silicone.
4). Prepare silicone:
According to the silicone manufacturer's instructions, measure the appropriate amounts of silicone A and B components. Make sure to mix them according to the recommended proportions.
Stir the silica gel evenly, but avoid stirring in too many air bubbles.
5). Pouring silicone:
Pour the silicone in slowly and evenly, making sure it fills all the details of the model. A funnel can be used to control the flow more precisely.
Once the silica gel has filled the container, gently shake the container to help air bubbles rise to the surface.
6). Wait for hardening:
Follow the silicone manufacturer's instructions and wait for the silicone to completely harden. This may take several hours or longer, depending on the type of silicone and environmental conditions.
7). Take out the model:
When the silicone has completely hardened, carefully remove the silicone mold from the container. If the model is complex, it may be necessary to cut a small opening in the mold to make removal easier.
8). Clean the mold:
Check the mold for residual silicone and remove them if necessary. Make sure the mold is clean inside and out.
9). Backup support structure:
Leave the structure previously used for support in the silicone mold to ensure the mold retains its shape.
10). Make the shell (optional):
If desired, a shell can be made from a hard material to support the silicone mold and maintain its shape. This shell can be made of plastic board, cardboard and other materials.
Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to replicate using a silicone mold, inject the desired material and wait for it to harden
Silicone molds can be used to make a variety of commonly used products, especially those requiring complex shapes, high precision, soft or detailed surfaces.
Here are some common product types:
Crafts and Artwork: Make intricate crafts, sculptures, decorations, and more.
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Candles and Candle Styling: Create candles with unique shapes and details.
Plaster model: used to make architectural models, sculpture models, etc.
Humanoid models: Used for making art and model making, such as human sculptures, dolls, etc.
Models and Toys: Make model airplanes, vehicles, characters, etc.
Candies and Chocolates: Used to create candies and chocolates of special shapes and details.
Jewelry and jewelry: Molds used to make jewelry or jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, etc.
Reproducing Artwork: Making copies of artworks such as sculptures, ceramics, etc.
Crafts: Used to make various crafts, such as retro stamps, watch straps, leather goods, etc.
Specially shaped gypsum boards: Used in the construction and decoration industries to produce decorative boards with special shapes and details.
Medical and prosthetic limbs: Production of medical models, imitation prosthetics and orthopedic equipment, etc.
Customized silicone products: Make various silicone products that require softness, durability, and high precision, such as seals, gaskets, handles, etc.
Copy parts: Used to quickly copy mechanical parts, saving manufacturing costs and time.
Please note that making these products requires the use of appropriate materials such as resin, plaster, chocolate, etc., depending on the intended use of the product. When using silicone molds to create products, make sure you choose the type of silicone that is suitable for your specific use!
special reminder:
If you need to make silicone cake molds, or silicone ice trays and other edible products, you need to choose food-grade silicone molds that are harmless to the human body. If you have higher requirements, you also need to choose medical-grade silicone raw materials to make silicone molds!
