Clay two part mold?

[MerEmma]

Had no idea where to put this--it's not mer-related but it is costume-project related. Lots of people here know a lot about molds and clay so I'm hoping someone here might know what to do. I don't have any pictures uploaded currently but I should have some up if needed sometime this weekend.

I made a clay claw from Sculptex clay, and it needs a two part mold. I have Mold Star Silicone 16, Mann's Ease Release 200, ONYX black liquid plastic and the claw itself. To make a two part mold, you have to build up around the claw before pouring the silicone, correct? For a reference, the claw looks something like this and is about six inches long: http://www.dreamvisioncreations.org/claws/raptor%20claw.png

But since the claw is made of clay, I can't use clay to build up around it since it will stick. Smooth-On recommended putting the mold release on the clay to act as a sealant, but my small scale didn't work. They then recommended buying some acrylic spray to seal the Sculptex, but they don't know what else to tell me.

Surely someone here has made a two part mold for extra fins? Or something? Besides that they sent me a very complicated tutorial on how I could do it but I'd like to see any other ideas people might have for me. Would an acrylic spray work? Is there something besides clay I could use to build up around the claw? My dad said to wrap it in that clear plastic wrap I can't remember the name of but Smooth-On said that wouldn't work very well.

Please if you can offer any advice I'd much appreciate it!! :)

[emma11]

Clear acrylic will work fine. Also mold release would work fine, also if you use a different kind of clay, oil based vs wet based they won't attach to each other for the clay wall.


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[MerEmma]

So I could use Sculpey (wax based) with Sculptex (oil based)? The mold release test I tried did not work at all, so it might just be the Ease Release 200 or something. :\

[emma11]

Yup! you should be fine with that! You can use the same stuff if you have the right spray as well.

http://www.paint-sculpt.com/tutorials/mold-making-tutorial/laying-up-your-clay.html

There's a tutorial that works really really well for what you're trying to do, especially with the soft mold cause those can be a little tricky. Don't forget the keys in the side or you'll never get it to line up right and it'll just be more of a headache than anything else!

I'd also suggest running the mold in resin, cause that will give a nice hard finish PLUS the little clicking sounds that happen when the raptors walk on the floor. ;)

[MerEmma]

The claws are plastic and already make the little clicks on the floor, although this one that i'm making doesn't come in contact with the floor so I don't have to worry about that anyway. :P

Thank you for that tutorial! It looks like that'll be very helpful. I think I might have enough Sculpey around to try it tomorrow, so whenever I get around to it I will share my results. :D Thanks so much!

[emma11]

Please do!! I'm always happy to answer questions like this! I'm working on 2 foam latex aliens at the moment so I know your 2 part mold woes!


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[MerEmma]

Ooooh, are they based off a TV show or something specific or just aliens? Sounds really neat. :D I've had a lot of mold issues, lol, but now at least I've probably got it figured out.

[emma11]

They're original designs to get myself out there in the prosthetics world. Sfx makeup is what I want to do for a living. :). Have fun with the molding!!


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[PearlieMae]

There is another option, Smooth On sells Near Clear, and you put your original in a box and fill the box with the near clear (or maybe it's called Sorta Clear), and once it's cured, you slice into it, down to your original, and then you have the two halves of your mold. It's clear so you can see how deep to cut.

[MerEmma]

That's pretty neat--too bad Smooth On didn't recommend THAT product to me!

[MerEmma]

Any idea on whether or not I can pour Mold Star (platinum cure) indoors? The humidity is really bad outside (80%) and I'd rather do it indoors since I know that can be bad for the silicone and not let it cure and the like. I really need to do it before too much time passes since I know silicone can get old too.

[MerEmma]

Found out the silicone won't cure if the humidity is above 60% and it has to be above 70F outside...not sure if Florida has ever had a day like that before. I don't know how Raven/Eric/Floridian tail makers do it. Indoors with a de-humidifier?