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Step 11Making the Mold
Since I had to make the Instructable with materials that could be bought from local stores (due to the Craftsman Contest deadline), my materials are less than ideal, but they worked!
Go down to a store such as Home Depot or Lowes (I went to Lowes) and pick up a 4 pack of Silicone Caulk. Along with this you need about 5ml of Glycerol (I had 10mL). Supposedly this makes the Silicon caulk better for making a mold (I found this info here), and I used 2.5ml of glycerin per canister of caulk (about 10.1 fluid ounces).
Make sure you mix the silicone and the glycerin well! Slather it onto the wooden LED. I also sealed the base, but later this only caused more headache, so I recommend not putting any silicone on the bottom. Also, make sure you put enough silicone on the lip (it's easy to only put a thin layer there, which will rip later, like mine did)
I made the complete mold in 2 layers, using 1 can per layer.
WARNING: This stuff smells really, really bad (imagine a vinegar smell that's like 100x more powerful and burns your eyes and throat). Use with proper ventilation.
Go down to a store such as Home Depot or Lowes (I went to Lowes) and pick up a 4 pack of Silicone Caulk. Along with this you need about 5ml of Glycerol (I had 10mL). Supposedly this makes the Silicon caulk better for making a mold (I found this info here), and I used 2.5ml of glycerin per canister of caulk (about 10.1 fluid ounces).
Make sure you mix the silicone and the glycerin well! Slather it onto the wooden LED. I also sealed the base, but later this only caused more headache, so I recommend not putting any silicone on the bottom. Also, make sure you put enough silicone on the lip (it's easy to only put a thin layer there, which will rip later, like mine did)
I made the complete mold in 2 layers, using 1 can per layer.
WARNING: This stuff smells really, really bad (imagine a vinegar smell that's like 100x more powerful and burns your eyes and throat). Use with proper ventilation.
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Dec 26, 2008. 9:35 PMspange
says:
I've used a product called 'Mold Builder' by Castin' Craft. It works really well and costs about $15 for a 16 oz can.
Reply
17
Dec 27, 2008. 8:13 AMguyfrom7up (author)
says:
Do they sell it at a local place? I most of over looked it, because Michaeles sells a whole bunch of Castin'Craft stuff (thats where I got my resin). If they have it, I'm mad now because I had to work with that stinky silicone!
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Dec 27, 2008. 9:13 AMspange
says:
Yes, I bought it at Michael's. I've often wondered about using Plasti Dip for a mold, but I still have some Mold Builder left.
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Dec 27, 2008. 9:13 PM
kathynv
says:
kathynv
says:
Sorry to say, PlastiDip won't work. When the casting material heats up, the "cured" Plasti-Dip will melt, leaving you with an unholy mess. I wish I had better news for you.
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4
Dec 25, 2008. 7:33 AMThe Lightning Stalker
says:
Don't confuse silicone with silicon. Silicone is a clear petroleum oil whose polymer form is used in caulk. Silicon is the deep purple glassy material used in semiconductors.
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17
Dec 26, 2008. 4:11 PMguyfrom7up (author)
says:
Oops, forgot about that! I think I might have used them interchangably in the instructable, I'll get on that ASAP, thanks!
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4
Dec 26, 2008. 5:18 PMThe Lightning Stalker
says:
You're welcome. I'm happy to help!
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