The Letterville BullBoard: making molds: must I destroy the original?

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Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :

Hi folks. I have a friend interested in making a mold out of a sculpture of an eagle he has, but doesnt want to ruin it. Is there a way to protect it?

Thanks!

Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :

Felix,
The short answer is....the original will not be harmed if a flexable mold is made. Is this a full 3D piece or a relief?

Joe,
Makin Chips and Havin Fun!

Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :

Yes sir, Mr. C.

Actually, its something like the one you have in your office, but about twice the size.

Now that you mention that, what's Francis L.'s email?

PS. MY Pfiels don't like the weather here. They're rusting bigtime.. [Frown]

I cleaned them up a little & poured some oil on them.

Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :

Felix,

Like Joe said, if you use a silicone or urethane rubber mold, you can preserve the original.

Actually, you can preserve it even using a rigid mold but creating the parting line between the two mold halves becomes critical in order to be able to release the molds, and if there are any undercuts in the design, forget about it (unless you use rubber molds).

Silicone or urethane rubbers could become expensive depending on the size, but if you want to try a rigid mold, plaster works OK for a couple reproductions and a fiberglass mold would work for numerous repro's.

Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :

Felix,

This is the company that Francis goes with www.smooth-on.com/accs

Joe,
Makin Chips and Havin Fun!

Posted by CJ Allan (Member # 52) on :

Felix.........

Here's a great book on the subject, and will answer any and all questions ya have on this subject. This is assuming of course you want to make the molds yourself........otherwise, contact a moldmaker....... [Smile]

"The Prop Builders Molding & Casting Handbook"
Thurston James.....(author of "The theater Props handbook)
Pub by Betterway Books....Cinn, OH.
ISBN 1-55870-133-8 ISBN 1-55870-128-1 (pbk.)

This has about 325 pages, and is a hell of a good book for both beginners and Pros....!!

I'm getting into making some molds for my jewelry and some Kustom Kulture things I'm into doing now.........

Hope this helps..........cj

Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :

Oh yeah, smooth-on.com is the same place I get my mold rubbers and casting resins.

Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :

Did your friend sculpt the eagle?

Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :

No. I think someone up in Boston carved it.

Thanks for all the responses!

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