molding and casting 101

[whodaky]

Really nice work Bill.
And a great tutuorial.
Geoff aka whodaky

[Ddms]

I[I] think [/I]I'm done making a set of 1/24 hot -rod louvers from styrene . I want to cast more copies from resin , so I need to make a silicone mold. I've never done this before, so right off I need to know how to prep the styrene for molding. For one thing, there are nicks, gouges and scratches that need to be filled. Or sanded off.

What can I use to fill these that won't cause problems with the mold? Putty ? My favorite, thick Tamiya primer ? Or something else entirely, like CA?

Once that's done, will I need to coat the styrene with anything to help in releasing the silicone?

Thanks!

[xken]

Ddms,

Follow this link for some casting tutorials and also all the materials you would eventully need.

Model Making | Smooth-On, Inc.

Ken

[bills69camaro]

Ddms,

If this is your first attempt at molding and casting the Smooth-on
link is a great place to start.
Your casting will only be as good as your master, removing the nicks
and gouges is a good idea! Primer , or CA would be good.

Bill

[strevo]

Ddms,
Be careful with CA if you use it. Some silicones will react with it causing them to not cure properly. I've always found a nice smooth coat of Krylon acrylic crystal clear paint to cover up any different materials helps me, although any paint or primer would probably work the same.
-Steve