Casting and Creating Modeling Work With EnvironMolds, LLC

While wax or clay modeling materials are used as it is, most other mold making and casting materials feature two components – generally a base and a catalyst - which have to be mixed together before use. Some materials need to be mixed with water (like plaster or alginate). In either case, you have to follow the prescribed mix ratio (can be by weight or volume) to the letter, to get the proper consistency, curing and finish.

In clay modeling making an accurate mix in the specified ratio is not the only thing that is important. The two parts that are being combined also need to be mixed thoroughly to get the desired effects. In fact, many a times the two different components are of different colors and can cause an undesirable marbled effect if not mixed properly. In some cases, it can also turn out lumpy and quite unusable.

Careful and comprehensive mixing alone will ensure a uniform color and consistency throughout. Following are a few tips on the same:

•    Large volumes often end up inadequately mixed and quite ineffectual. This is why professional artists often prefer to mix small quantities of their mold making and casting materials at a time.

•    Use a firm grip and a steady hand to mix in circular motions.

•    Keep scraping the sides and bottom of the container you are mixing in so that nothing remains settled anywhere. To avoid this, many artists even pour the mixture into another container and mix again.

•    Always over mix rather than under mix!

It’s a fact that silicone and latex casts are difficult to paint on. If you stick to clay modeling, painting and finishing is easy. But when it comes to silicone rubbers, regular acrylic or oil based paints will not adhere well and they may end up chipped or cracked when painted on latex surfaces.

EnvironMolds supplies a range of specially formulated latex and silicone paints, dyes, pigments and solvents that are suitable for coloring intrinsically or painting the surface.

For example, if you have made a silicone cast and need to paint on it, EnvironMolds provides 10 different colors like red, blue, yellow, black white, purple and even Quinn Blush for perfect skin effects. Only such silicone based paints will stick to silicone surfaces.

It is best to mix the silicone paint and silicone medium on a disposable paper plate as the paint will stick to most surfaces when dry. Also be careful about how much quantity you mix. Silicone paints dry very quickly, giving you very little time to finish painting. If the paint begins to set, it will not adhere properly to the silicone surface and can cause a blotchy effect. This is known as ‘cold gap’.
Therefore, you have to be very careful and mix only tiny amounts of a single color at a time. Use it quickly before it begins to dry (can be within a minute at times). Regular practice will give you an idea of the setting times too.