Print PDF
Favorite
Email
This instructable is how to create a precious metal clay (PMC), metal clay (copper and bronze) or polymer clay mould from which to cast an organic odd-shaped item.
This Instructable will not cover how to use or fire Precious Metal Clay, rather how to create and test your moulds to ensure the desired effect is reached before destroying expensive clay!
As with everything, have your work station set up neatly with all items you will require to make the process easy.
Spend the time getting to know every tool and chemical, and rehearse the order beforehand. Also, when creating the two halves, you want them to overlap and have some quirky ridges so the halves won't slide around when you are trying to mould the precious metal clay.
This Instructable will not cover how to use or fire Precious Metal Clay, rather how to create and test your moulds to ensure the desired effect is reached before destroying expensive clay!
As with everything, have your work station set up neatly with all items you will require to make the process easy.
Spend the time getting to know every tool and chemical, and rehearse the order beforehand. Also, when creating the two halves, you want them to overlap and have some quirky ridges so the halves won't slide around when you are trying to mould the precious metal clay.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Materials and Problem Solving
The Mould compound can be purchased where precious metal clay is sold.
Items required:
2 part quick and cold temp setting mould compound (such as silicon or rubber)
Organic Object from which to create mould
Ounce/Gram Scales (if you wish to be precise)
Olive Oil
Plastic Wrap (Saran or Glad Wrap)
Clay, plasticine, etc (children's clay/dough of any sort that results in a smooth surface will suffice)
Ruler or flat hard object
Smooth working surface
A. Read your compound instructions carefully and don't throw them away like I did! There will be a set "mixing time" and then the compound will start setting - be very aware of this and do a few test balls first while watching the second hand on a clock to know how the compound works.
B. Measure out each part of the mould compound exactly according to the required ratio using the scales.
C. Warm each part of the mould compound separately by working in hand until malleable.
MY NOTES
At first I was having trouble as the mould compound was setting looking like a kitchen sponge, which made my mould rough and lost a lot of detail. The sponge look can result for a few reasons
a) the two parts are NOT very close to required ratio amount (weigh them!)
b) OR your mould compound is too old and has gone off (who would have thought rubber can have a shelf life!)
c) OR You are mixing the two parts for too long and the compound is trying to set
d) OR each part is not at its optimal temperature for use
e) or a mixture of all 4 reasons.
Mine was a mix of reasons a, c and e so after some more test runs I figured out that I couldn't mix past 20 seconds, had to warm up the separate parts for a while and "eyeballing" the amounts didn't work for me.
Items required:
2 part quick and cold temp setting mould compound (such as silicon or rubber)
Organic Object from which to create mould
Ounce/Gram Scales (if you wish to be precise)
Olive Oil
Plastic Wrap (Saran or Glad Wrap)
Clay, plasticine, etc (children's clay/dough of any sort that results in a smooth surface will suffice)
Ruler or flat hard object
Smooth working surface
A. Read your compound instructions carefully and don't throw them away like I did! There will be a set "mixing time" and then the compound will start setting - be very aware of this and do a few test balls first while watching the second hand on a clock to know how the compound works.
B. Measure out each part of the mould compound exactly according to the required ratio using the scales.
C. Warm each part of the mould compound separately by working in hand until malleable.
MY NOTES
At first I was having trouble as the mould compound was setting looking like a kitchen sponge, which made my mould rough and lost a lot of detail. The sponge look can result for a few reasons
a) the two parts are NOT very close to required ratio amount (weigh them!)
b) OR your mould compound is too old and has gone off (who would have thought rubber can have a shelf life!)
c) OR You are mixing the two parts for too long and the compound is trying to set
d) OR each part is not at its optimal temperature for use
e) or a mixture of all 4 reasons.
Mine was a mix of reasons a, c and e so after some more test runs I figured out that I couldn't mix past 20 seconds, had to warm up the separate parts for a while and "eyeballing" the amounts didn't work for me.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
I have tried using this putty to get an imprint of flowers from a button and it did not work. But it was able to pick up texture from some sea shells.
I would just suggest trying!