Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 2Making the moulds - Intro to latex and Equipment listing.
Latex was used for the moulds due to its 'ease' of use. I was already aware of chocolate moulds being made from latex. It is also non-hazardous when dried, it does produce some nasty fumes in its liquid state though.
Latex is used by applying thin layers on top of the desired object. Latex air dries and dries the fastest (around 1 to 2 hours) when the layer is thin (around 1mm). In order to obtain a solid/rigid mould multiple layers must be applied. This is the process that takes the most time. To produce a mould of 1cm thickness, approximately 10-15 coats will be needed. I, like most people don't spend much time at home, which means I can only add a new coat when I come home. Hence, if 3 coats are added a day (one when you wake up, one mid day and one before going to bed) it will take around 1 week to produce a good mould. I made mine in 3 days and you will see what it looks like when things are rushed.
Caution: Latex in its liquid state produces a very strong paint like smell. It is recommended to be used in a well ventilated area.
EQUIPMENT
Latex: varieties defined by thickness.
First purchase was from Aldax Moulds, Kwik Mold Latex No.70 (500ml). Total including postage was $15. Very low viscosity, this created very thin layers, which ment more time spent creating the mould. As suggested by the manufacturer it is ideal for the first few coats which will imprint the details.
Second purchase was from Industrial Rubber Supplies, whilst they didn't know much about it "I don't even know why we stock it", it was a lot thicker. Total cost was $27.50 for 1L. Approximately half of the container was used for this project, compared to the insignificant amount of thinner latex used.
Casting object: (Not exactly sure what the correct term is)
This is the object that will eventually be replicated with chocolate. Ideally it should have a flat base, this allows for you to fill your moulds (definitely the easiest). However, any simple shapes should work, but may require two half moulds, similar to how Easter eggs are created. Latex is very soft and stretchy, so shapes do not have to have tapered edges to make removal easier.
Containers: any containers will work, I used takeaway containers.
Paintbrush: medium sized brush for painting the latex onto the casting object.
Newspaper: always good to have around your working area.
Fan: Latex air dries, the circulation of air around your mould will speed up the drying process.
Latex is used by applying thin layers on top of the desired object. Latex air dries and dries the fastest (around 1 to 2 hours) when the layer is thin (around 1mm). In order to obtain a solid/rigid mould multiple layers must be applied. This is the process that takes the most time. To produce a mould of 1cm thickness, approximately 10-15 coats will be needed. I, like most people don't spend much time at home, which means I can only add a new coat when I come home. Hence, if 3 coats are added a day (one when you wake up, one mid day and one before going to bed) it will take around 1 week to produce a good mould. I made mine in 3 days and you will see what it looks like when things are rushed.
Caution: Latex in its liquid state produces a very strong paint like smell. It is recommended to be used in a well ventilated area.
EQUIPMENT
Latex: varieties defined by thickness.
First purchase was from Aldax Moulds, Kwik Mold Latex No.70 (500ml). Total including postage was $15. Very low viscosity, this created very thin layers, which ment more time spent creating the mould. As suggested by the manufacturer it is ideal for the first few coats which will imprint the details.
Second purchase was from Industrial Rubber Supplies, whilst they didn't know much about it "I don't even know why we stock it", it was a lot thicker. Total cost was $27.50 for 1L. Approximately half of the container was used for this project, compared to the insignificant amount of thinner latex used.
Casting object: (Not exactly sure what the correct term is)
This is the object that will eventually be replicated with chocolate. Ideally it should have a flat base, this allows for you to fill your moulds (definitely the easiest). However, any simple shapes should work, but may require two half moulds, similar to how Easter eggs are created. Latex is very soft and stretchy, so shapes do not have to have tapered edges to make removal easier.
Containers: any containers will work, I used takeaway containers.
Paintbrush: medium sized brush for painting the latex onto the casting object.
Newspaper: always good to have around your working area.
Fan: Latex air dries, the circulation of air around your mould will speed up the drying process.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
The "Casting Object is usually called the "master" or master form.