At PoxyArt we stock a big range of silicone moulds for resin. We are a South African based company and will deliver to your door. Let’s have a look at some of the Need to Know facts about resin.
A soft silicone mould is what you are looking for when working with resin. Resin does not stick to silicone and therefore it is the best material to use for your resin castings. Sometimes the standard moulds just aren’t what you are looking for and you need to consider making your own mould using either liquid silicone or building a wooden/plastic box mould.
Almost any silicone mould can be used for resin, so shop around in the baking section as well. Always look at the internal finish of the silicone mould. If the casting surface is glossy, your resin casting will come out glossy. If the casting surface is matt, your resin casting will come out with a matt finish as well.
A release agent is something you apply to the surface of your mould before you cast your resin. Release agents are definitely needed when you are making your own mould using Perspex or melamine board.
A release agent might prolong the life span of your silicone mould but is not a must have. When using an Art resin and a soft silicone mould you should have no problem getting your cured resin out of your mould.
Tip: Be careful when using heat or flame on silicone moulds, they will melt and stick to your resin. You will loose your mould and your resin casting. When using heat or a flame keep it at a distance and for very short periods.
Your mould will not last forever. The general life span of a silicone mould is 12-20 castings. Your moulds will start to lose the glossy finish and turn white, some of the thinner moulds like bookmarks will also start to lose its shape. It is then time to replace your mould.
Using a release agent might help protect your mould and possibly get a view more casting out if it.
Using a solvent free resin, like PoxyArt Craft resin, should also be less damaging to your moulds.
Cleaning and storing your moulds are always last on our list but it is a must do.
You have casted your resin and unmoulded, now what? Remove all the dried resin from your mould. You can use some clear tape or Prestik to help you get into all the small corners. Return your mould to the plastic bag you received it in. You can now pack it away for the next time you need to use it.
In some cases, you might need to wash your mould, use cold water and dish liquid. Do not scrub the mould as it will damage the gloss finish. After washing let it air dry or use your heat gun, on a low setting to get rid of all the water drops. Return your mould to its plastic bag and pack away.
Your mould should always be stored flat and out of direct sunlight.
To make life simple, we have added the volume to each of our mould to the product description.
Alternatively you can download our volume list HERE
You can also add water to your mould to determine what volume is needed. Always make sure that your mould is completely dry before casting resin into it.
