How to Make a Latex Mold

Introduction:
Latex is a great mold making material. It is easy to use and can be used in many different casting applications. It’s very easy to find at your local craft or hobby shop and is an ideal choice for flat backed objects.

Safety:
Latex sets by releasing ammonia from the liquid latex. So please do this in a well ventilated area. This stuff is pretty easy to clean off of non-porus surfaces, but covering your work area is always a good idea.

Where to buy Latex:
Michael’s
Tapplastics
*Most craft stores carry this product

Materials:
- Liquid brush on Latex mold builder
- Plaster of Paris
- Disposable brush
- non-porus flat object
- Item wished to be molded

What can be used as a mold:
Pretty much anything! As long as it isn’t fabric or skin you can make a mold using latex of pretty much anything. I usually like to make my item out of clay and then make a latex mold of said item, but don’t limit yourself to just that. Be creative!

Getting Started!

1. Latex is self releasing, so it should release itself from anything you apply it to, i.e. your to-be-molded item. For this tutorial I used the clay amulet I made. Mount your item to your non-porus flat object, such as a piece of plastic or foam board. Make sure your item is flat against the board. If there are any large gaps between the object and board, take some non-airdrying clay and stick it in the gaps.

2. Once your item is mounted, start brushing thin coats of the latex on your object leaving at least a 1″ edge out from your object. The first coat is the most important layer, as it will be the one that has all the detail and will be the surface of your casted product. If air bubbles form pop them with a pin or use a can of air and spray the latex.

3. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Use of a hair drier can help speed up this process. The jar recommends about 12 coats, but the more coats you put on the thicker your mold will be. Keep tally of your coats by marking them on the un-used part of the board.

4. Once you have added all your layers (which usually takes about a week) cover the mold with plaster of paris while it is still on the board!

5. Smooth the top of the Plaster of Paris so is flat. This will serve as your mold molder.

6. Once the Plaster is dry carefully remove it. Then you can remove your latex mold from the board as well.

7. Spray some mold release on the latex mold and your good to go! Good luck!