Alumilite "Amazing" Mold Putty Question..

[tubachris85x]

I know it's not the top of the line silicone molding product but I need to use it (or something very similar) to make a one-off mold to replace a significantly damaged part of a helmet. I'm currently doing a commission on a Clonetrooper helmet, which (at least to my knowledge and comparison) is clearly a recast of a Master Replicas helmet. The thing is, that I own the real MR helmet already. The part in question is part of the chin greeblies (not all of it). My thought was to use this to make the one-off mold and cast the part I need so I can use that rather than attempt to sculpt the piece. The concern though, is whether or not this stuff can/will lift paint or damage the surface?

I don't think it necessarily can or will, but I'd like to avoid damaging my display piece over it. Thanks

 

[cavx]

If it one of those two part silicone products, it should be fine. The only thing I don't like about using these products (In Australia we have PinkySil Putty in both a soft A25 and harder A40 shore) is -

1. If you don't cover all the are in one run, you get nasty seam lines.
2. it is easy to trap air under this stuff and if that happens, your casts won't be great.

What you can do with this stuff though is lay down a "print coat" of liquid silicone, let that fully cure and them layer this stuff up to build it up. This will just stick to the cured silicone and you end up with a much better capture of detail and can even make the mold free standing.

 

[AndyJ]

If you want something with known properties, Smooth-On has Equinox (platinum) silicone putty, and Poyo (tin) silicone putty.

It is very unlikely it will grab the paint--if you're worried, spray some Ease Release on it to create a barrier.

 

[Gridlock]

I've had terrible experience with Alumilite products, and only good things to say about Smooth-On products...
my 2 cents.

 

[joberg]

Care to expand on that feedback Gridlock? Just asking 'cause I'm about to pour Alumilite in an open silicone mold (it's sprinkled in baby powder btw to remove any bubbles).

 

[tubachris85x]

Thanks for the help. I went ahead and just ordered the Equinox from smooth on.

 

[TazMan2000]

If you're making a mold for a single casting, why not just use clay? It is easy to clean off if some of it gets stuck in crevices, but I've had good luck with that blue Alumilite clay. If it doesn't turn out, no harm done, but it is certainly less expensive than that putty, and much quicker as well. If you do use the putty, you may want to use a demoulding agent which Alumilite makes as well.

TazMan2000