Silicone for molds with your own hands. Silicone molds

Silicone molds have found their application in everyday life for a long time. The effectiveness and convenience of their use have repeatedly proven themselves. And if earlier it was easier to buy them in specialized stores, now you can also make silicone for molds yourself at home. This completely simple and uncomplicated operation is available even for those who have no idea about construction or repair.

What is silicone?

This material is famous for its excellent characteristics: elastic and compliant, but at the same time strong and reliable. It is thanks to this that the use of silicones has become so frequent in repair, construction and other spheres of life.

First of all, it is necessary to determine which parts can be made from it. For the production of molds use casting silicone. Depending on the type of model, there are different ways of making them. For cutting forms, one technique is used, and in the production of more complex, for example, split or bulk, silicone material is poured into a specially prepared matrix.

The forms produced by this method are distinguished by universal use. They are suitable for pouring in them as gypsum or melted wax, and more aggressive substances, such as resins, molten plastic and other materials. Despite its compliance, silicone molds can withstand even concrete. The convenience of their application is also explained by the reusability.

Self-made

The simplest is the manufacture of a split silicone mold. It is made by pouring the material into a suitable matrix for these purposes. There are several types of silicone, depending on how it is used. That composition, about which domestic preparation will be discussed today, is poured directly into the intended vessel. But there are also species that are applied with a special brush or spatula.

Thus, all types of silicone are divided into casting and coating. Moreover, the composition, consisting of two components, has a multi-purpose purpose. It can be used both for mold casting, and for making casts, masks and other objects. In a model of such a silicone, you can pour in wax, soap, gypsum, tar and even metals, for example, tin or alloys. With its help, you can even create artificial stones and other objects of architecture.

Working with silicone

First of all, it is necessary to degrease the object from which the mold is removed. We make the correction itself on it with cracks, dents, chips, because the surface plays a very large role. If there are flaws, it should be sanded using putty or other anti-corrosion building materials. Before pouring silicone, it is desirable to test its composition in order not to spoil the form. To fill the two-component composition is suitable. To begin with, you need to make a container where the silicone will be directly poured. To produce the matrix will go any hard, stable material. It can be glass, plastic, plywood boards. You can use ready-made boxes or containers. If the matrix is to be manufactured independently, then its parts should be fixed with glue or hermetic material.

It is necessary to put a structural clay on the bottom of the box. The height of its layer should reach the middle of the height of the container. On top of the clay should not have cracks, protrusions or other flaws. The smoother the surface, the better. On top of the plasticine put the object from which the removal of the form is planned. It must first be degreased for better adhesion to the material. After that, we make small holes in the plasticine layer to avoid deformation.

Calculation of volume

The manufacture of silicone begins with the calculation of the necessary material for pouring. Make the calculation will be easier if you pre-pour sand or other similar material into the container. Volume of granular substances will be approximately equal to the volume of the composition required for pouring. Mix silicone for molds, made with your own hands at home, it is necessary in a separate vessel.

Composition of silicone

To make a solution that needs to be poured into the matrix, it is necessary to take only two materials - silicone and catalyst. A hundred parts of the main material will require two or three and a half parts of the catalyst. The latter is most conveniently introduced into the mixture with a syringe. The composition must be mixed thoroughly.

Its solidification depends on the temperature. If it is over forty degrees, it can greatly accelerate the solidification of the mixture.

It should be borne in mind that even at low temperatures it starts to harden fairly quickly. Usually the process of solidification of liquid silicone is about two days. With strong heating, the mixture begins to harden in fifteen to twenty minutes. Also, the rate of solidification is affected by the amount of catalyst added and the humidity in the room. It is recommended to use silicone molds for the intended purpose not earlier than the third day.

Filling technique

When making models, you can not use lubricants based on silicone. For these purposes, fat or waxes are provided. You can also use a solution of soap instead of a special lubricant.

Prepare silicone for molds with your own hands is easy. But you need to carefully approach the technique of pouring. It is best to introduce silicone into the matrix along its edge, with a very thin trickle. With an inaccurate infusion in the form, bubbles may appear.

Plasticine from the matrix can be removed immediately after the top layer hardens. But still, it should be removed very slowly, so as not to damage the shape that has not yet solidified. After that, the surfaces should be lubricated again with special solutions.

Then proceed to re-flood. For this purpose, a compound of a two-component silicone mixture is premixed. This liquid is filled with the second half of the mold, remaining free after clay.

Drying

After carrying out the above manipulations, the mold should be left to cure for at least 24 hours. After this time it can be opened and removed model.

Since this algorithm is designed to produce separate forms, as a result of the performed actions we get two parts that need to be fastened together. For this, the halves of the mold must be folded together. The bonding points must exactly match the edges. To fasten these halves, you can specially designed for this resin, wax or liquid plastic.

Further storage

Forms of silicone are designed for reusable use. However, at the same time, special requirements are put forward for their storage. When storing or staying at a low temperature for a long time, it is necessary to keep silicone molds in a warm room for at least twenty-four hours. Now they are fully ready to serve for casting gypsum or other mixtures.

A matrix made with this technology can be used repeatedly. You have become acquainted with how to make silicone for molds with your own hands. If the process seems to you too time consuming, then such models can always be purchased at a specialized store. Usually they are sold by construction centers. And silicone, the price of products from which is not too high compared to self-made, will not differ in quality from matrices made at home. Depending on the size and order for the filling of a material suitable molds, their price can start from 50 rubles. for a unit.