Silicone forms have been used in everyday life for a long time. The effectiveness and ease of use have repeatedly proven themselves. And if earlier it was easier to get them in specialized stores, now you can make silicone for molds with your own hands at home. This completely simple and easy operation is available even to those who have no idea about construction or repair.
What is silicone
This material is famous for its excellent characteristics: elastic and pliable, but at the same time strong and reliable. Due to this, the use of silicones has become so frequent in the repair, construction and other areas of life.
First of all, it is worth determining what parts can be made from it. For the production of molds, pouring silicone is used. Depending on the type of model, different methods for their manufacture are distinguished. For split forms, one technique is used, and in the production of more complex, for example, detachable or bulk, silicone material is poured into a specially prepared matrix for this.
The forms made by this method are distinguished by universal use. They are suitable for pouring in them gypsum or melted wax, as well as more aggressive substances such as resins, molten plastic and other materials. Despite their pliability, silicone molds can withstand even concrete. The convenience of their use is also due to reusability.
Do it yourself
The simplest is the manufacture of a split silicone mold. It is made by pouring material into a matrix suitable for these purposes. There are several varieties of silicone, depending on how it is used. The composition, which will be discussed today at home, is poured directly into the intended vessel. But there are also types that are applied with a special brush or spatula.
Thus, all types of silicone are divided into filling and coating. Moreover, the composition, consisting of two components, has a multi-purpose purpose. It can be used both for casting molds, and for making casts, masks and other items. In the model of such silicone, you can pour wax, soap, gypsum, resins and even metals, such as tin or alloys. With it, you can even create artificial stones and other architectural objects.
Work with silicone
First of all, it is necessary to degrease the object from which the form is removed. We do the adjustment on it of cracks, dents, chips, since the surface plays a very big role. If there are flaws, they should be sanded with putty or other anticorrosive building materials. Before pouring silicone, it is advisable to test its composition so as not to spoil the form. For separate pouring, a two-component composition is suitable. First you need to make a container where the silicone will be directly poured. For the manufacture of the matrix will go any hard, stable material. It can be glass, plastic, plywood boards. You can use ready-made boxes or containers. If the matrix is to be manufactured independently, then its parts should be fastened with glue or sealed material.
At the bottom of the box, lay structural clay. The height of its layer should reach the middle of the height of the tank. On top of the plasticine should not have cracks, protrusions or other flaws. The smoother the surface, the better. On top of the plasticine is placed the object from which it is planned to remove the form. It should be pre-degreased for better adhesion to the material. After that, we make small holes in the plasticine layer ourselves to avoid deformation.
Volume calculation
The manufacture of silicone begins with the calculation of the necessary material for pouring. It will be easier to make the calculation if sand or other similar material is previously poured into the container. The volume of solids will be approximately equal to the volume required for pouring the composition. Mix the silicone for the molds, cooked at home, in a separate vessel.
Silicone composition
For the manufacture of the solution, which must be poured into the matrix, you should take only two materials - a silicone and a catalyst. One hundred parts of the base material will need two or three and a half parts of the catalyst. The latter is most conveniently injected into the mixture with a syringe. The composition must be thoroughly mixed.
Its hardening is temperature dependent. If it is over forty degrees, this can significantly accelerate the solidification of the mixture.
It should be borne in mind that even at an insignificant temperature it begins to harden quickly enough. Typically, the solidification process of liquid silicone is about two days. With strong heating, the mixture begins to harden in fifteen to twenty minutes. Also, the amount of added catalyst and the humidity in the room affect the pour point. It is recommended to use silicone molds for their intended purpose not earlier than the third day.
Fill technique
When making models, do not use silicone-based lubricants. For these purposes, fatty or wax products are provided. You can also use soap solution instead of special grease.
It’s easy to make silicone for molds with your own hands. But you need to very carefully approach the pouring technique. It is best to introduce silicone into the matrix along its edge, in a very thin stream. With inaccurate infusion in the form, bubbles may appear.
Plasticine from the matrix can be removed immediately after the top layer has hardened. But still, it should be removed very slowly so as not to damage the form that has not yet solidified. After this, again lubricate the surface with special solutions.
Next, proceed with the re-flooding. For this, a composition of a two-component silicone mixture is pre-mixed. This liquid is poured into the second half of the mold, which remained free after plasticine.
Drying out
After performing the above manipulations, it is desirable to leave the mold for hardening for at least 24 hours. After this time, you can open and remove the model.
Since this algorithm is intended for the manufacture of separate forms, as a result of the actions taken, we get two parts that need to be fastened together. To do this, the resulting halves of the form need to be folded together. Bonding points should exactly match the edges. These halves can be fastened with specially designed resin, wax or liquid plastic.
Further storage
Silicone molds are reusable. However, special requirements are put forward for their storage. For long-term storage or at low temperatures, silicone molds must be kept in a warm room for at least twenty-four hours. Now they are fully ready to serve for pouring gypsum or other mixtures.
A matrix made using this technology can be used repeatedly. You learned how to make silicone for molds with your own hands. If the process seems too laborious for you, then such models can always be purchased at a specialized store. Usually they are sold by construction centers. Moreover, silicone, the price of products from which is not much too high compared to self-made ones, will not differ in quality from matrices made at home. Depending on the size and the material for which the molds are suitable for filling, their price can start from 50 rubles. for a unit.