How to Make a Latex Mold for Multiple Castings
- 1
The space between the legs and in the crooked arm must be filled in.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Fill any holes that pass through the object with modeling clay. For example, if your object is a cowboy mounted on a base, the gap between the legs must be filled. Any of these holes left open will prevent the mold from being removed. The clay layer can be thin so long as it fills the hole completely. - 2). Brush a thin layer of hand soap onto the figure to prevent the latex from permanently bonding. Allow the soap to dry before continuing.
- 3). Hold the figure at the base or feet. This bottom section will not be molded, as you need a hole to pour in your casting material.
- 4). Dip the figure into a container of molding latex, then pull it out. Remove it slowly to reduce the risk of air bubbles. Pop any that form against the figure with a toothpick.
- 5). Set the figure down on a sheet of aluminum foil, standing on its legs or base. This allows excess latex to run off.
- 6). Let the latex on the figure dry. The drying time depends on the size of the figure and the viscosity of the latex. You can accelerate it with a hair dryer.
- 7). Dip the figure into the latex a second time and allow it to dry. Dip the figure a third time if your molding latex is thin. Allow the latex to dry.
- 8). Draw a line down the middle of the latex with a marker, dividing the figure into equal front and back halves.
- 9). Cover one half with three layers of plaster bandages, dipped in water to activate them. These will form a shell that helps the latex keep its shape. Do not extend the bandages past the marker line.
- 10
Allow the bandages to dry. - 11
Coat the edge of the bandages along the marker line with petroleum jelly. - 12
Apply three layers of bandages to the other side, overlapping the first side slightly. The petroleum jelly will prevent the new bandages from sticking to the old ones. - 13
Allow the second half of the shell to dry. - 14
Remove the shell from the latex mold. - 15
Peel the mold off the figure like a glove. A coating of hand soap to the outside of the mold will lubricate it if needed. - 16
Push the mold right-side-out again (removing it from the figure turns it inside-out). Close the two halves of the shell over it, rolling tape around them to hold them closed.
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