Molds are an artist’s best friend when it comes to working with epoxy resin. With it comes to intricate designs, multitudes of different coloring, and even the need to save every last drop of epoxy, molds are the answer.
What is an Epoxy Resin Mold?
An epoxy resin mold is an enclosure for your project to keep the epoxy in a particular shape or place. These can be bought already shaped or can be created custom to create that river table you’ve been dreaming of.
Molds are extremely helpful, but need to be built and used properly in order to add any value. Because art resin epoxy is an adhesive, if your mold is made out of materials that it will bind to, then the mold defeats its temporary purpose and becomes permanent.
Additionally, your mold also must be created air-tight. If you have gaps or holes in your mold, your epoxy will slowly leak out causing quite an expensive mess. In order to create the perfect mold, follow these steps below.
The Epoxy Mold For Your Project
There are two paths to an epoxy mold, purchasing one already formed or creating your own. The easiest method would be to purchase a mold if what you’re aiming for is a more traditional shape, and something you’ll use frequently.
However, many epoxy resin art projects are unique and require their own custom mold. Custom epoxy resin molds aren’t complex if you’ve got the right supplies and design in mind. And once you’ve got a mold, it can last you multiple projects!
Epoxy Resin Mold Supplies
There are a few options when it comes to your supply needs:
Creating a mold from an object: If you’re looking to create something from an already existing object like a seashell, Silicone Putty might be your answer. It allows you to mold around objects to get their form and intricate details captured in your pour.
Fixing up or replicating a unique shape: If you’re looking to create a mold from something a little larger or clunkier, putty might make things more complicated. In this case we recommend using a silicone paste. This will let you spread the paste onto your object, then pull it off when it’s hardened and formed.
Intricate detail pieces: In the case of extremely fine details you’ll want to use a silicone liquid kit. This will allow the mold to get into the tiniest of spaces so that you can recreate all the detail you’re looking for.
Large pieces to adhere or pour around: If you’re working with large sections of wood or objects and you want them all adhered together, you’ll need a large custom mold. Thankfully, they can be easy and quick to DIY. Use HDPE as your border and caulk the edges to clear out all the gaps.
Epoxy Resin Mold Tips
Before you dive into your project make sure you’ve done your research. Different types of molds have different purposes, and interact with epoxy resin differently. Putting in the work in the beginning of your project leads to a smoother process and a beautiful outcome.
