Two Part Silicone Mold Putty for Miniatures:
Two part silicone mold putty is an easy to use, non toxic material for creating simple but detailed molds. It is the easiest, fastest means of producing a flexible, accurate, reusable mold which can be used with numerous materials to produce multiple miniatures, dollhouse miniatures and replacement parts.
Silicone mold putty is a non pourable form of rtv silicon. The two part putty form requires less skill and time, and does not require mold forms or containers which the pourable rtv silicone requires.
The two part putty is often found via polymer clay suppliers, art stores, jewelry or miniature suppliers.Buy Direct
What is Silicone Mold Putty?:
Silicon mold putty is a two part rtv silicone use to create flexible, reusable molds which will withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the brand and it's strength, highly detailed molds are easily made for use with a number of materials including liquid / solid polymer clays, some metals, and two part epoxy resin. Some of these putties are food safe and may be used with chocolate or other foods.
The material is firm when mixed and has limited use for molds where there are significant undercuts, or where a two part mold is required. It is most effective for simple press or one sided molds.
Safe Handling:
Provided you are not allergic to silicones, silicone mold putty is safe for use and does not give off toxic fumes. If you intend to use it for a food purpose, make sure you obtain a food safe putty.
If stored in its original air tight packaging in cool, dark conditions, silicone mold putty will last for more than a year. It is important not to leave it exposed to air.
When mixing the putty, have the item you wish to copy in a clean dry state, and prepare slightly more putty than you think you will need. Extra putty can be added later if necessary, but you must make sure this does not create ridges in the mold.How to Use Silicone Mold Putty:
All brands of this putty are mixed one part A to one part B by volume or weight using a simple kneading technique. There is no requirement for gloves. The two different materials are always colored differently, allowing the user to easily tell when the putties are fully mixed as there will be no streaks. It is best to complete the mixing in a minute or less.
After mixing, the putty is immediately pressed around or against an object to create a tight fitting mold and left to set for a few minutes. The average working time is less than five minutes, with the longest times occurring in cooler temperatures.
Planning Your Mold:
The putty must be in firm contact with the original to create a clear impression. Leave openings large enough to remove your original from, and also large enough to allow you to fill the mold with your molding material. If you will be using a liquid material, you must make sure the opening is on top of your mold and the sides are level around the opening. You will need to leave the mold to set without it falling away from the original. Silicon does not stick to other materials so a mold release is not necessary, the putty may stick to fibres.
Copyright prohibits copies of work which is not your original.
Successful Molding:
Silicon molds can be used at oven temperatures and are safe with liquid or firm polymer clay, resin, epoxy resin, some metals, even chocolate, batter and gelatin. (If food safe silicon is used!)
Tips:
- Until you get used to the amounts you will need for molds, prepare one or two small extra masters to create molds for. Mixed putty cannot be saved for future use.
- Leave the original to sit in the putty for at least 20 minutes after the putty has set, to ensure it is fully cured. Heat will speed curing time.
- Press the putty into the deepest areas first, or press out from the centre, to avoid pulling the putty away from the original as you create the mold.
- If you didn't mix enough putty, don't panic! Make sure the first coat at least thinly covers the detail areas you want to copy. You can add backing material later.
Brands Available:
A wide variety of brands are available with slightly different characteristics including firmness, strength, food safety and the maximum temperature the material will withstand. Similar colors may be similar materials. Prices vary as does the packaged amount, so check for the type of putty in the price and package size you want. In general, putties which create the best detailing are not available through big box craft stores. Check with jewelry suppliers or online.
In alphabetical order, brands and suppliers include:
- Aero Marine Silicone Rubber Putty
- Alley Goop 2 Part RTV Silicone Mold Putty
- Alumilite Mold putty
- Amazing Mold Putty
- Angie Scarr MinitMold
- Castaldo Quik Sil 2 Part RTV Mold
- Easy Mold Putty from Dick Blick Art Materials Buy Direct
- Expert's Choice Mold Putty
- Jiffy Mold by paperclay
- Po Yo Silicon Mold Putty
- Puffalina Miracle Mold
- Ranger Mold-N-Pour
- Wacker Elastosil Putty
