Silicone molds are increasingly trendy nowadays because of their versatility and captivating designs. Though using a silicone mold can open up so many possibilities, it needs proper care as well. Once you purchase the silicone mold, after you get trouble finding your favorite among several designs out there, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Taking care of the molds is not that difficult, but there are certain things to remember.
Cleaning through Soap and Water
One of the most important rules of caring for silicone mold is to keep it clean. Yes, keeping too much resin, glitter, and other silicone mold items can make it difficult to remove over time. It will last longer in the event of you looking after it well.
Using a small amount of dish soap and mild-warm water can help you keep it clean and reliable. Carefully, you should not overstretch the mold while you clean in mini areas, or else you would end up damaging it. It is highly considerable to note that you never use scrubbing sponges, steel wool, or anything scratchy like a toothbrush because these can cause scratching and tearing on the silicone’s surface and negatively affect future casts. The material sticks to untreated holes that spoiled spots on the silicon mold create over time. Also, these spots tear the mold when demolding the cast.
Temperature Control
You should not resort to running a torch or heat gun over the mold to eradicate excess air bubbles just in case you found in any guide or tutorial. Silicone cannot withstand the heat produced by fire, though it can handle hot temperatures produced during curing.
Recurred uses of this technique in the mold will eventually crumble the silicone and fuse to the epoxy resin. Therefore, you end up damaging it in its entirety. Torches and lighter can put out much higher temperatures, while silicone can withstand over 200 degrees Celsius.
The best practice is to spill the resin in a separate container if you have air bubbles, heat it, and then pour it into the silicone mold. Essentially, pouring from height can help to eliminate air bubbles when casting.
Use Mold Release Agent
As we know — silicone is a non-stick base agent, much similar to the coating on a frying pan; it is most productive when brand new. While new molds work effectively initially, you may see that the mold becomes harder to remove or takes more time. The reason is, manufacturers use silicone mold release agents in the manufacturing process. It allows the item taken out conveniently without damaging the new mold.
Essentially, liquid and spray are the forms that a mold release agent comes in, depending on what you are molding will pivot on what is fit for you. Utilize a liquid silicone release agent for smaller, more complex molds, for example, the dice molds and shaker molds. Apply a highly thin layer ten minutes before spilling any resin into the mold using a cotton wool bud to ensure you apply too much. Also, try to coat all the small gaps. Using a small amount in a thin layer will make the de-molding process much simple and prolong your mold’s lifespan.
Final comment
While it is essential to look after well the mold, it is also noteworthy to have a superior-quality silicone mold. To find the best ones out there, check out the non-stick and eco-friendly silicone molds right here.