Question about SMOOTH-ON products - looking for pointers

[DarthVeach]

Hey all,
As many years as I have been making costumes I have never dove into the world of molding and casting. But seeing how many times I have made things for myself in double or triplicate, I think it is time I learned so I can make that one master and cast my copy pieces.

I have been reading not only here, but a lot of other forums and the majority of you guys really seam to like Smooth-On products. The good news for me is I found a local distributor not 15 minutes from where I live!

Basically I just want to know how you guys that do this, got into the whole molding / casting genre. Was there a website or book you recommend. I know the basics as I have an art background. And I have also been reading up on Smooth-On's website.

Also, can you give me a brief reason why you guys prefer Smooth On? Is it less toxic than resins and fiberglass? I know you still have to use some safety gear for it, but is it more user friendly and safer?

Basically any advice would be appreciated!! Thank you in advance!!

 

[defstartrooper]

I'll put money on it a good number of people here own this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builder-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a

smooth-on have tutorials on their site and you can find lots of videos on various moldmaking/casting techniques on youtube.

 

[Hecubus114]

yeah, smooth-on caters to beginners - cant go wrong with them!

 

[DarthVeach]

Thanks for the recommendation on the book trooper!! Just bought it cheap on Ebay!

OH! Forgot to ask, if the local distributor does not have what i want (so far I am hearing Rebound 25 and Smooth Cast 320-322 are the best combos) where do you guys recommend ordering from? For reliability and price? (I am in Ohio) Thanks again!!

 

[exoray]

yeah, smooth-on caters to beginners - cant go wrong with them!

Exactly, nothing wrong with their products and they certainly cater to the the general public...

so far I am hearing Rebound 25 and Smooth Cast 320-322 are the best combos

A decent generic starter combo, selection will vary on your needs, and a lot of the selection will come from experience...

Also for more starter how-tos go to Alumilite.com and look at their videos also a company that caters to the newbies, and you can get small sizes of their products at many local hobby shops and even the Hobby Lobby chain... If you go to Hobby Lobby do with with the 40% off one item coupon they have on the website almost every week...

Besides that the best way to learn is to practice, start small and work your way up...

Here is what I did when I started... I cast a few coins, one side only... Then I made a two part mold and did a two sided coin... After that I stepped it up a notch and cast a Stormtrooper helmet off a LEGO guy, both inside and out so it was functional... From that point it was full steam ahead to bigger and bigger and more complex items... Little items are great to practice on as the cost is low so you are not out $100s on your first buggered mold...

 

[Eaglewood]

I would check out Brick in the Yard. They carry Poly Tek products and Mitch Rogers there always answers my phone calls and is more than happy to give advice.
I deal with Smooth-on also and they are very helpful too. They each have their products that are better than the other. Dont lock yourself into one manufacturer. Look around and experiment. Sometimes the expertise you find from other sources is worth the extra cost if there is any .

Again--BITY has lots of good video tutorials on you tube also.

Good luck!

 

[Darth Cross]

Hey DV, I'm guessing that the distributor you're talking about is Permaflex. I've done a lot of business with them over the years and they are great people to work with. Feel free to ask them about anything pertaining to molding and casting. They are very knowledgeable and will give you good advice on materials.

Richard

 

[GunsAndGloryFX]

I'll put money on it a good number of people here own this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builder-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a

Smooth-on have tutorials on their site and you can find lots of videos on various moldmaking/casting techniques on youtube.

That book is my second BIBLE. Absolutely love it. Strongly second DefStarTrooper's recommendation!

Smooth-on's tutorials are awesome. Watch them all twice. I did. =D The company has been great to deal with. Only once did they send me the wrong color pigment--when I called they put the right one in the mail immediately and told me to keep 'em both. :cool

I also like www.burmanindustries.com because they're slightly cheaper than Smooth-On, but far less user-friendly. No tutorials and had fair/poor customer service experiences.

I recommend learning your Shore Hardness Scale (Smooth-On has a great graph that explains it) and study your materials/mold releases. That way, your molds will be rigid/soft enough, and your casts won't get stuck.

Also, google whatever materials you're using and make sure they don't inhibit each other. For example, many silicones and some urethanes hate latex...even a box of latex gloves in the same room can bagel up your work.

Try to get access to a vacuum chamber too. Degassing your materials will save a lot of repair later, and make your molds last longer. =) I'm blessed that they have one at work.

the best way to learn is to practice, start small and work your way up...

So true--and fun!

 

[Rhett J Martin]

Those are my guys too. Love em! Rebound 25 is more advaced stuff. Start with Oomoo or Mold Max 30. Take your piece to be cast with you next time you go, they'll walk you through what you'll have to do. Enjoy!

 

[GunsAndGloryFX]

Also, can you give me a brief reason why you guys prefer Smooth On? Is it less toxic than resins and fiberglass? I know you still have to use some safety gear for it, but is it more user friendly and safer?

Sorry, all resins and epoxies I've ever used require good ventilation or proper breathers if there's you've got no airflow. Manufacturers don't make much of a difference. Silicones and stone (hydrocal etc) put off virtually no gasses, so you can use them regardless of ventilation.

 

[ToddsCostumes]

Having in-person support is invaluable if you are just getting into it. Smooth-on has a huge range of products and you won't go wrong with them. Other companies might have a little better this or that, but that's not a biggie, especially if you're just starting out. Besides, Smooth-on has small trial kits to learn with.

As for specific products, there's usually more than "one way to skin a cat" and several materials might be suitable, having their own positive and negative points. Don't get on too much of a head trip, just get started and experiment.

-Todd