Question: Molds & Silicone Rubber

[decaturvader]

I have been playing around with:
http://www.smooth-on.com/Silicone-Rubber-an/c2_1113_1136/index.html

My fellow brothers at the Mego forums got me to try it as I attempt to make custom figures.

Problem is, I have limited experience and don't know how to ask the right questions :rolleyes

Anyways, I want to make some costume parts.
I figure I can make the sculpture no problem..it's a small piece I will duplicate a hundred times over.

The parts I wish to make need to be light in weight, flexible, and paintable (airbrushing).

I envision making a casting in silicone of my piece.

I would then figure on pouring in another silicone to the mold, let that cure, and walla. Demold, paint and it is ready for stitching to fabric.

Is this even making sense to you guys who've used all sorts of these products?

Thanks much in advance.

 

[clonesix]

Pouring silicone into a silicone mold? Make sure to have plenty of release.

There is a thread about molding info from Polytek that is a good place to start: http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=72482&highlight=polytek

It has a LOT of information and you will need some time to sort through it.

 

[Rhett J Martin]

I higly recommend Flex Foam 25. It takes some getting used to, but can take all the same types of paint and glue that resins can, as well as dye, but it's got a nice flexibility to it, so it can take many more times the abuse. It also an capture details cleanly. I'm about to start making proton packs outta the stuff. Very tired of mashing my Ion arm into peoles faces.

Best of luck with you project!

 

[swgeek]

My only problem with the oomoo is that it tends to tear easily.
As Hotshot says, you might think about using a self skinning foam.

 

[exoray]

Ample mold release on original part, and make a urethane rubber mold... Cast your silicone parts in the urethane mold... Or the reverse...

 

[decaturvader]

thanks for the tips guys!

The Flex Foam stuff
http://www.smooth-on.com/gallery.php?galleryid=084&cPath=1121

looks like it just may be my ticket!
The silver bullet powder they describe in that sword tutorial would even work for my needs and if done right, eliminates the need to airbrush detail.

Seeing how my piece is thin and only seen on one side, if this stuff expands, I will have to re-think my mold. Since I am assuming how this stuff works, it will not be a case of laying my mold on a level surface, and just pour in the flex foam. If it is not in a cavity as that sword tutorial, i imagine this stuff will grow and do weird things.

They say their mold is a Mold Max 30...I have no clue how that differs from the oomoo I already use. Guess I need to read up on their site unless you guys and give me the quick-n-dirty reasons.

i love this place. my brain fires; I just need help learning how to do this stuff.