How to make a rigid Epoxy mold, compatible with platinum silicones

As we well know, platinum silicone is a very flexible and elastic material, which has a surprising ability to reproduce large amounts of pieces, such as reborn dolls, Sex Dolls, masks, any replica that requires hyperrealism, etc.

However, working with this type of silicones presents a drawback, and that is that they have very specific particularities with inhibition problems. For this reason, if we want to take advantage of its magnificent qualities, we need to use a mold that is compatible with platinum silicones.

Therefore, in this Feroca article, we will show you the step by step to make a small Epoxy rigid mold of one piece, compatible with platinum silicones. However, it would be extrapolable in the event that you want your figure to have mold on both sides.

Step by step in video to make rigid Epoxy mold, compatible with platinum silicones

Tutorial to make an Epoxy mold, suitable for platinum silicones

Materials for making the Epoxy mold

Epocoat Grey Epoxy Resin

One of the favorite products in the workshop of our expert in the field, Juan Villa.

One of the greatest references in Spain in the realization of props, props, replicas of fossils, archaeological pieces, figures for museums and an endless number of masterpieces.

Thixotrope epoxy resin, which converts it into Coat gel. Hard, resistant and very stable. Suitable for working in a multitude of applications, among which are: vacuum, injection and FX molds for silicone casting , manufacture of precision tools, etc. As you will see, it is a multipurpose resin.

Epoxy Putty Axson SC-258

This light Epoxy putty we are going to use to reinforce our mold. A fantastic paste-putty , very resistant, and at the same time, extremely light.

You will see how it has very curious properties to make this type of molds, especially small-medium size.

Remember also, according to the specifications of the products, to use a mask, gloves and all the necessary protections.

Step by step to create our mold

The previous step to make the mold will be to model your piece. To do this, it uses the Monster Clay plasticine, of professional modeling. Once we have our part modeled, it will be possible to create the mold. Let's say this is step zero.

Organize the work area

• The first thing we are going to do is prepare the work area. We are going to have a small plastic on a table, to pose on this our small modeled piece.

• If it were, for example, a larger sculpture or a sculpture of round bulge, then we would have to differentiate the two parts, we would first make the top and then the bottom.

• Also, do not forget to leave at hand all the utensils you might need, such as scale, cutter, modeling stick, mask, gloves, etc.

Preparation of Coat Epoxy gel

• For this, we must first mix the Gel Coat Epoxy, Epocoat Grey, in proportion, which comes in two components part A part B.

Specifically, 100 to 15 is the ratio, but do not worry, this is perfectly reflected in the product sheet and you can also see it on the Feroca website.

In addition, these boats come perfectly labeled, with working times, proportions ... This makes it much easier for us to use them.

• Now, in this case, we are going to make a small amount. To do this, it will be enough with 100 grams of part A that, next, we will catalyze using 15 grams of part B.

• Mix well and make sure, above all, that the walls and the bottom is well mixed. After this step, we would already have our Coat gel ready and prepared, with a very pleasant consistency to use.

Register the part

• Once we obtain this mixture, we will apply with a brush a first layer of registration on the whole piece so that it takes all the details very well.

• It is a resin with approximately 40 minutes of working time, although this will depend on the weather.

• Although its total curing time is 16 hours, it will start to polymerize for approximately 30 minutes, allowing us to add the next layer. But first, we put a small amount, let it register well and then we reinforce it so that it takes a little more thickness.

You can also perform this step if you need your piece to have certain snags. This will depend on the shape it has, we already know that no two exact molds, nor two models are the same.

That is, now what has to worry us the most, is that it perfectly records all the details of the modeling.

• Next, we must wait for it to polymerize our Epoxy resin.

Reinforcement layer with putty

• Next, we are going to use our light putty to give a reinforcement (it is an alternative to not have to give more layers, depending on the type of model) and, to provide a perfect finish to the mold.

The putty or light paste of Axson SC 258, has a great particularity, and is that it weighs practically nothing and is very easy to use.

• We are going to put two halves: half of one component and half of another, which we do by volume.

• Well, once we have part A and part B in equal parts, what we are going to do is a mix. Having some water on hand will help you smooth it out and can also work to make it  easier to mix both parts. But in this case, add very little, as it could become very sticky.

• You have to check that it does not have color streaks and that everything is well homogeneous.

• With this resulting putty we will reinforce. To do this, we are going to cover our entire piece, pressing so that it is well adapted to our registration layer. You can use a little water to smooth.

• And, at this point, if you want you can write a name or number to remember what you have here, what is the type of mold to store it, store it in the workshop, etc.

• We have a working time of 40-50 minutes, although you already know that this depends on the temperature, and can be reduced to about 20-30 minutes. Its total curing time is about 7 hours.

• In case the piece is larger, you could use a fiberglass fabric to reinforce it and laminate it with an Epoxy resin. That is, when working with an Epoxy family, you can laminate a reinforcing fiber also with an Epoxy resin.

Obtaining and perfecting the mold

• Next, let's let it dry and harden.

• After this time, our Epoxy light putty will be completely rigid. We will obtain a very resistant mold, but at the same time light.

• The next step will be to finish cleaning and perfecting the mold. To do this, you can clean all the Monster Clay plasticine we had inside, with the modeling stick or with wooden tools.

• In addition, you can help yourself with a little solvent to remove the last remains of plasticine.

• As well as review other details and remove burrs with a cutter or sandpaper.

The result will be a compact mold that has registered perfectly, with a light weight and fantastic consistency. It is compatible with platinum silicones and is ready to be used.

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