Silicone Mold Usage- and Care Guide
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> Deutsche Version
2. No Torching - DO NOT EVER torch the epoxy resin in the silicone mold to pop any air bubbles that have formed! Torches can put out temperatures up to 1500 °C (2730 °F) and before you realize it, torching in the silicone mold will breakdown the silicone and cause it to fuse to the epoxy resin and tear the mold. Even a rapid pass from 15 – 20 cm (6" - 8") height will be enough to breakdown the silicone mold with repeated abuse! If you want to prevent air bubbles, or if you have air bubbles, then you can do one or more of the following:
a. torch the epoxy resin in a separate container and then pour it into the silicone mold,
b. after mixing the epoxy resin, remove the air bubbles in a vacuum chamber,
c. heat the mixed epoxy resin a few minutes au bain-marie to a maximum of 40 °C (100 °F),
d. use a pressure pot while curing, it will make the air bubbles so tiny that you won’t see them anymore,
e. spray a fine mist of isopropyl alcohol (best is 99.9%) into the mold just before pouring and on the epoxy resin surface after pouring. This can be repeated a few times at short intervals, but don’t overdo it to avoid traces and other unwanted surface irregularities.
3. No Over Stretching - When unmolding your finished piece, do not over stretch your silicone mold. This will lead to the surface to become dull and begin to form tears that will shorten the lifespan of the mold.
4. Stuck finished pieces - If a finished piece seems stuck and won’t unmold, then don’t panic and don’t start tearing up the mold! First check that the cure time and temperature for the epoxy resin that you used are correct, as this can cause the cure time to be shorter or longer depending on these conditions. Increasing the room temperature may shorten the cure time. If the piece is still being stubborn, then put the mold in a freezer for 30-60 minutes. This will not hurt the silicone and should make the piece pop right out, unless the silicone is fused to the epoxy resin due to overheating (torch!).
5. Read the Instructions for your epoxy resin - This is an extremely critical step, even if you are used to a product it’s always a good idea to reread the label and refresh your knowledge as occasionally companies change and update their instructions. Also read and follow all safety warnings as these products are very strong chemicals that can potentially harm you if improperly used. If you cannot find the instructions or if you are not sure, then go to the brand's website as they will have posted the instructions there.
6. Pouring in layers - Do not pour a layer thicker than specified by the epoxy manufacturer (product specifications). If you pour too thick, you run the risk that the epoxy in the mold will become extremely hot due to an exothermic reaction and will most likely damage your piece and the mold. Incidentally, pouring in thinner layers reduces air bubbles in your piece.
> Deutsche Version
Our molds are made from Platinum Silicone, they have a high-gloss surface and they are food safe and skin friendly. Make sure that you always use high quality epoxy resin and ALWAYS follow the instructions for the epoxy resin product you use.
You also want to keep your Silicone Molds clean and well maintained >>
6 Tips to keep your molds in good shape:
2. No Torching - DO NOT EVER torch the epoxy resin in the silicone mold to pop any air bubbles that have formed! Torches can put out temperatures up to 1500 °C (2730 °F) and before you realize it, torching in the silicone mold will breakdown the silicone and cause it to fuse to the epoxy resin and tear the mold. Even a rapid pass from 15 – 20 cm (6" - 8") height will be enough to breakdown the silicone mold with repeated abuse! If you want to prevent air bubbles, or if you have air bubbles, then you can do one or more of the following:
a. torch the epoxy resin in a separate container and then pour it into the silicone mold,
b. after mixing the epoxy resin, remove the air bubbles in a vacuum chamber,
c. heat the mixed epoxy resin a few minutes au bain-marie to a maximum of 40 °C (100 °F),
d. use a pressure pot while curing, it will make the air bubbles so tiny that you won’t see them anymore,
e. spray a fine mist of isopropyl alcohol (best is 99.9%) into the mold just before pouring and on the epoxy resin surface after pouring. This can be repeated a few times at short intervals, but don’t overdo it to avoid traces and other unwanted surface irregularities.
3. No Over Stretching - When unmolding your finished piece, do not over stretch your silicone mold. This will lead to the surface to become dull and begin to form tears that will shorten the lifespan of the mold.
4. Stuck finished pieces - If a finished piece seems stuck and won’t unmold, then don’t panic and don’t start tearing up the mold! First check that the cure time and temperature for the epoxy resin that you used are correct, as this can cause the cure time to be shorter or longer depending on these conditions. Increasing the room temperature may shorten the cure time. If the piece is still being stubborn, then put the mold in a freezer for 30-60 minutes. This will not hurt the silicone and should make the piece pop right out, unless the silicone is fused to the epoxy resin due to overheating (torch!).
5. Read the Instructions for your epoxy resin - This is an extremely critical step, even if you are used to a product it’s always a good idea to reread the label and refresh your knowledge as occasionally companies change and update their instructions. Also read and follow all safety warnings as these products are very strong chemicals that can potentially harm you if improperly used. If you cannot find the instructions or if you are not sure, then go to the brand's website as they will have posted the instructions there.
6. Pouring in layers - Do not pour a layer thicker than specified by the epoxy manufacturer (product specifications). If you pour too thick, you run the risk that the epoxy in the mold will become extremely hot due to an exothermic reaction and will most likely damage your piece and the mold. Incidentally, pouring in thinner layers reduces air bubbles in your piece.
Follow these tips and you will make many great creations with our molds.
You can download this guide here.
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