Silicone molds have been used 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 purchase them in specialized stores, now you can make silicone for molds with your own hands at home. This completely simple and labor-intensive operation is available even to those who have no idea about construction or repair.
What is silicone
This material is famous for its excellent characteristics: elastic and pliable, but at the same time durable and reliable. It is thanks to this that the use of silicones has become so frequent in repair, construction and other areas of life.
First of all, it is worth determining what parts can be made from it. For the production of molds, pouring silicone is used. Depending on the type of model, there are different ways to make them. For cut forms, one technique is used, and in the production of more complex ones, for example, split orvoluminous, silicone material is poured into a specially prepared matrix.
The forms made by this method are distinguished by universal use. They are suitable for pouring both gypsum or melted wax into them, as well as more aggressive substances such as resins, molten plastic and other materials. Despite their malleability, silicone molds can even withstand concrete. The convenience of their use is also explained by their reusability.
Self-made
The easiest is to make a split silicone mold. It is made by pouring the material into a matrix suitable for these purposes. There are several varieties of silicone, depending on how it is used. The composition, the home preparation of which will be discussed today, is poured directly into the intended vessel. But there are also types that are applied with a special brush or spatula.
Thus, all types of silicone are divided into filling and coating. Moreover, the composition, consisting of two components, has a multi-purpose purpose. It can be used both for casting molds and for making casts, masks and other items. Wax, soap, gypsum, resins and even metals, such as tin or alloys, can be poured into models made from such silicone. It can even be used to create artificial stones and other architectural items.
Working with silicone
First of all, it is necessary to degrease the object from which thethe form. We do the correction of cracks, dents, chips on it ourselves, since the surface plays a very important role. If there are flaws, they should be sanded with putty or other anti-corrosion building materials. Before pouring silicone, it is advisable to test its composition so as not to spoil the shape. For separate pouring, a two-component composition is suitable. First you need to make a container where silicone will be poured directly. For the manufacture of the matrix, any rigid, stable material will go. It can be glass, plastic, plywood boards. You can also use ready-made boxes or containers. If the matrix is to be made independently, then its parts should be fastened with glue or sealed material.
At the bottom of the box you need to put structural plasticine. The height of its layer should reach the middle of the height of the container. From above, plasticine should not have cracks, protrusions or other flaws. The smoother the surface, the better. An object is placed on top of the plasticine, from which it is planned to remove the form. It should be pre-degreased for better adhesion to the material. After that, we ourselves make small holes in the plasticine layer to avoid deformation.
Volume calculation
The production of silicone begins with the calculation of the necessary material for pouring. It will be easier to make the calculation if you first pour sand or other similar material into the container. The volume of bulk solids will be approximately equal to the volume required for pouring the composition. Mix silicone for molds by your ownhand-cooked at home, must be in a separate vessel.
Composition of silicone
For the manufacture of a solution that must be poured into the matrix, you should take only two materials - silicone and a catalyst. One hundred parts of the base material will need two or three and a half parts of the catalyst. The latter is most conveniently injected into the mixture with a syringe. The composition must be thoroughly mixed.
Its hardening depends on the temperature. If it is over forty degrees, then this can significantly speed up the solidification of the mixture.
It should be borne in mind that even at low temperatures it begins 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 added catalyst and the humidity of the air in the room. It is recommended to use silicone molds for their intended purpose no earlier than the third day.
Filling technique
Do not use silicone-based lubricants when making models. For these purposes, fat or wax products are provided. You can also use a soap solution instead of a special lubricant.
It's easy to make silicone molds with your own hands. But you need to be very careful with the pouring technique. It is best to introduce silicone into the matrix along its edge, in a very thin stream. Incorrect pouring may cause bubbles in the mold.
Plasticine from the matrix can beremove immediately after the top layer has hardened. But still, it should be removed very slowly so as not to damage the still unfrozen form. After that, you should again lubricate the surfaces with special solutions.
Next, you should start re-filling. To do this, a composition of a two-component silicone mixture is pre-mixed. This liquid is poured into the second half of the form, which remained free after plasticine.
Drying
After performing the manipulations described above, it is advisable to leave the form to harden for at least 24 hours. After this time, it can be opened and the model removed.
Since this algorithm is designed to make separate molds, as a result of the actions taken, we get two parts that need to be fastened together. To do this, the resulting halves of the form must be folded together. The bonding points must exactly match along the edges. You can fasten such halves with a specially designed resin, wax or liquid plastic.
Further storage
Silicone molds are reusable. However, there are special requirements for their storage. If stored for a long time or at a low temperature, it is necessary to keep the silicone molds in a warm room for at least twenty-four hours. Now they are completely ready to serve for pouring gypsum or other mixtures.
Matrix made using this technology canapply repeatedly. You got acquainted with how to make silicone for molds with your own hands. If the process seems too time-consuming to you, then such models can always be purchased at a specialized store. Usually construction centers are engaged in their sale. Moreover, silicone, the price of products from which is not very high compared to self-made ones, will not differ in quality from matrices made at home. Depending on the size and what material the molds are suitable for pouring, their price can start from 50 rubles. per item.
