I've built hundreds of molds - fiberglass, urethane, silicone. Smooth-On makes good products. Here's a couple of tips: When pouring, hold the container high above the mold (15-20 inches) and pour slowly. What you want is a thin stream of urethane or silicone. This will help release entrained bubbles. To get a good approximation of the volume of an oddly shaped mold, fill it with play sand and then pour the sand into an appropriately sized measuring container like a Mix-n-Measure bucket. You will find the volume of mixed material within a percentage point or two.
You’re just a fun person to watch and inspirational as well! Thank you for all your tips on making a rubber mold. I will take what you have taught me and run with that.
“Binge watch”. Dude I haven’t done one project but I feel like I can go to Home Depot right now and make anything. Thanks. I’m so trying some of these projects.
There's actually a good reason for using the "right" modelling clay. It's not so much a concern with urethane, but casting silicones will react to the presence of metals. (They wont cure properly.) And latex will go hard if you use a clay with sulphur in it. (That's how rubber tires are made.) As well, latex will discolor in the presence of some metals. (Not really a big deal, but nice to know.)
I could just die. I didn't know this stuff existed. I'm going to go nuts when things get back to normal. I have so many projects imagined in my head now. I know how to finish off my porch, gonna build a concrete bar in back after we build the back deck and no telling what else. So glad I found you!!!! 😍😍😍
Put a rounded over needle or tiny brad in your exacto holder and use that to cut the clay from around your model. It works much better than the knife blade.
That is awsome i I also learned about smooth on a few years ago but was afraid to try it because the videos that I saw for making silicone mold had you using a vacuum chamber and I didn't want to spend all the money thanks Michael now I know you can do it without all that crap
Never seen a video of yours before. New mold maker, having trouble with a car badge because of the posts on the back, but you give me hope I can figure it out. Your awesome. Liked and subbed!!!
Well done! I’ve used smooth-on products for 30 years. They have more products than you can count for any project. Read and follow directions and they work every time. Build on!
Mike I have used Oomoo (By smooth on) for molds, but if you need to in a pinch you can use pure silicon caulk mixed with corn starch. It is cheap and gives pretty good definition, if you can stand the smell lol
Michael, I hope you and your family are staying safe through this Covid19 menis. Thanks for doing a video at this time. It's boring to say the least sheltering in place. Learned new things as always with your videos. 😊
@@MichaelBuilds thank you. You know me always making things. I am the only one in my county that goes out with a homemade covid virus mask and wearing purple surgical gloves. Lol. Going out today to find some activated charcoal for filters for my mask.
Great video, saved me with a project I'm working on for a model railroad layout. I ordered a couple of model stone walls and of course I received two different walls. Product came from china (forever delivery) so that's what I get. But I came across your video and wala! gonna attempt to make a mold of the model stone wall. With the mold I'll be able to make as many walls as I would like expanding the layout.
Most molders put a lip of wood on the end of the wood boards, arrange them like he has them and use C-claps to hold the boards together. Then molders put thin strings of clay in the cracks to seal it. I've molded since 2000, when I started, the guy at the supply store told me to use Vaseline as a general all around release and sealer wherever needed, I've used nothing else since, but WD-40 should be a fine substitute.
Hey, great video! I was working on the Pantages Theater remodel in Tacoma, WA and saw this stuff being used to replicate damaged molding. I was amazed at how well it worked. It was like Photoshop for real life. Copy and paste. I spent a little time playing with it but wasn't nearly as successful as you were. Now I'll try again using your method. Thanks for the inspiration!
"Aw come on!" i like this channel. you can simply put a small rod like a wire right there to reenforce it. would you advise using fiberglass to strengthen the tail?
Thanks you sir. I am really glad you made the video on this. I was wondering how to make a mold. Just keep up the good work. Thanks for the great videos also.
I worked at a place that used Smooth-On 2part metal filler; kinda like industrial jb weld. Except WAY cheaper and WAY stronger. After it set, u could even drill and tap it. To say Smooth On makes good shit is a monumental understatement
I'm a Vietnam Combat Marine and I purchased 4 EGA to mount on my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. They are all rigid and I need to make a mold of them that I can put against the side of the truck to cast them with the proper curves to paste to the truck. I plan to paint the truck a gloss black including the EGA. I would welcome any suggestions you might have to help me. Thanks.
Instead of going to the trouble of sculpting around your piece, would it be easier/less time consuming use a pasta machine (I have one I got for crafting) to 'roll out' a uniform thickness and set the piece on the clay pressing down slightly to eliminate gaps. OR....adding the clay to the bottom of the piece THEN putting it on the board and pressing down - whichever works best. It seems like it would be easier to me. I'd be sure to make the 'pasta clay' the same size as the base.
This was such a great video!! I want to use it to make cement daisies!! Can you please make a video on how to make a nice size cement pot with a flower garland?? Please teach us that!
I want to do a foam wall around my patio. Windows and doors cut out adobe style. I want to add this idea to the wall before spraying on the final finish.
Oh my God ! Hi Michael This video is just what I was looking for it is so good and easy to follow ! ;however, It is your humor and super sexy speaking voice that takes my breath away ! You entertained me from begining to end.I can't wait to try it on my clay Jesus sculpture I just finished You are a natural born teacher! Thank you I can't wait to view every one of your videos . Deb
F.Y.I. a watered down P.V.A. wash will seal most porous surfaces and dries very quickly. Sorry if I am stating the obvious to fellow mould makers. but for newbies it's a quick tip and helps eliminate some of the bubbles on the mould surface. Yep I spell Moulds with a 'U' cos I am a Brit. :)
Anyway you might be able to go over how to make a mold for a dollar store plastic skull? I’d like to use your advice from this video to make more of these.
Love your channel. I just discovered it and am looking forward to more of your videos. I'm already working on making my own curved bar top. Let's see how it goes in this the Arizona heat.
I would like to try making molds for my own stand up garden statues. Something taller and wider. Could you show how you'd go about doing that. Maybe using polymer clay as the original? Thanks, just subscribed!
Hi Michael ,great video, I have cast my first project but had little holes, how do i get rid of them in the process. Hope you can help. Thanks Steve Klink NZ
I have a new pair of cycling cleats that no one currently makes covers for. I was wondering if you think I could use the molding material as the cycling cleat covers? Basically the mold itself would be the cover over my cycling cleats.
you mention you should have used a support to keep the tail from breaking. what support would you use on a model that small? obviously too small for rebar
What a wonderful video, idea and system. We can even get the stuff here in Australia so I will most definitely be using your advice (always brilliant) for molding the things I need for my model railway and might even try a few cake molds for special events. By the way, love the way the lizard turned 180 degrees when you dropped the box.
Thats badass,i dig the mayan sculpture your goin to mold,i got a similar one except is 44 inches in diameter maybe 3/4" to 1" thick how much of the stuff do u think ill need to make a mold out of it,TIA.
So I noticed that for the bowls you used mortar mix and for these smaller pieces you used cement all. Would the cement all work well for the bowls too?
I see that this is an older video, however, it was exactly what I was looking for. I am trying to find the vita flex 40, it is no where to be found unless they are calling it something else now. Is there anything else you would recommend for making a mold for concrete from an existing concrete figure?
I've been enjoying your videos especially since I've been wanting to take the plunge in creating a concrete countertop and let me tell you you've given me the confidence I need! Your videos are awesome and I can't help but get up "Peter McKinnon" vibe from your videos maybey it's you're B-Roll! Lol then you just mentioned Monty McKinnon, isn't that Peter's dad!? 🤯
I know this is an odd question but I want to make (medium-ish) gargoyle and then make a mold. To then make it from concrete so that it’s far more stable. But I’m not sure if paper mache, that’s what I’m thinking of making it out of, will be suitable to make a mold from?
Quick question: If I would like to add a pop of color, like a bright orange or yellow, how would I do this? I would like the lines to be that bright In the concrete coffee table top.
does either the vita flex 10 or 20 tear easily? and how many concrete casting can you get out of a mold before it degrades to being unusable? Thanks for the video!
They both seem extremely durable to me. You have to REALLY TRY to tear them even then it’s hard to do. So far I have not seen a limit to how many castings uoy can get out of them but we’re talking Thousands
I've built hundreds of molds - fiberglass, urethane, silicone. Smooth-On makes good products.
Here's a couple of tips:
When pouring, hold the container high above the mold (15-20 inches) and pour slowly. What you want is a thin stream of urethane or silicone. This will help release entrained bubbles.
To get a good approximation of the volume of an oddly shaped mold, fill it with play sand and then pour the sand into an appropriately sized measuring container like a Mix-n-Measure bucket. You will find the volume of mixed material within a percentage point or two.
Oh my god that’s brilliant! I’m definitely going to try this next time!
Wow! Thanks for sharing this knowledge with us.🌞🐠🐠🖖
I'll give them a try. Thank you sir!
Those are great tips. You can use rice as well, makes clean up easier.
.
No worries about the tail break... they grow back!
LOL 😂
You’re just a fun person to watch and inspirational as well! Thank you for all your tips on making a rubber mold. I will take what you have taught me and run with that.
“Binge watch”. Dude I haven’t done one project but I feel like I can go to Home Depot right now and make anything. Thanks. I’m so trying some of these projects.
There's actually a good reason for using the "right" modelling clay. It's not so much a concern with urethane, but casting silicones will react to the presence of metals. (They wont cure properly.) And latex will go hard if you use a clay with sulphur in it. (That's how rubber tires are made.) As well, latex will discolor in the presence of some metals. (Not really a big deal, but nice to know.)
Man I've been up all night binge watching your videos! Love them.
Nobody ever ripped this guy off!! He's gonna always find the easiest/ cheapest way to compete ANY project!!
Your work is awsome! I've been in concrete for years and just learned some cool ideas from your chanel! Keep em coming
Thank you again for taking the time to make & share your videos with us, fork I love them.
I forking love you! ☺️
I could just die. I didn't know this stuff existed. I'm going to go nuts when things get back to normal. I have so many projects imagined in my head now. I know how to finish off my porch, gonna build a concrete bar in back after we build the back deck and no telling what else. So glad I found you!!!! 😍😍😍
Put a rounded over needle or tiny brad in your exacto holder and use that to cut the clay from around your model. It works much better than the knife blade.
So happy I stumbled across this video...this will help me a lot with my next project...Thank you! ...and you're hilarious!
I’m happy you found me too hehe
You have a great personality that makes your videos very interesting and enjoyable to watch.
i like it. "aw come on!"
1 video in and I subscribed (with notification ON) this guy is the type of DIY I can relate to. 👍
thank you so much Grimm! And welcome to the channel! 👍🏻😊
Michael Builds I appreciate it, Thanks man!
That is awsome i I also learned about smooth on a few years ago but was afraid to try it because the videos that I saw for making silicone mold had you using a vacuum chamber and I didn't want to spend all the money thanks Michael now I know you can do it without all that crap
This is a hell of a product especially becasuse if you make dioramas you can make your own molds for rocks that would probably outlast ones you buy
You buy rocks?
I got rocks
I got lots a rocks.
I knew there had to be a product like this, I just never ran across it, so, thank you for the video!
Never seen a video of yours before. New mold maker, having trouble with a car badge because of the posts on the back, but you give me hope I can figure it out. Your awesome. Liked and subbed!!!
Well done! I’ve used smooth-on products for 30 years. They have more products than you can count for any project. Read and follow directions and they work every time. Build on!
Glad to see someone is working. Good Project.
Mike I have used Oomoo (By smooth on) for molds, but if you need to in a pinch you can use pure silicon caulk mixed with corn starch. It is cheap and gives pretty good definition, if you can stand the smell lol
What’s the ratio of call to corn starch please?
Sorry. I meant caulk.
Ever make a rubber stamp for concrete? To provide texture to newly poured concrete?
Michael, I hope you and your family are staying safe through this Covid19 menis. Thanks for doing a video at this time. It's boring to say the least sheltering in place. Learned new things as always with your videos. 😊
Thank you so much Honey Bee! Hope you’re doing well too!
@@MichaelBuilds thank you. You know me always making things. I am the only one in my county that goes out with a homemade covid virus mask and wearing purple surgical gloves. Lol. Going out today to find some activated charcoal for filters for my mask.
Great video, saved me with a project I'm working on for a model railroad layout. I ordered a couple of model stone walls and of course I received two different walls. Product came from china (forever delivery) so that's what I get. But I came across your video and wala! gonna attempt to make a mold of the model stone wall. With the mold I'll be able to make as many walls as I would like expanding the layout.
Great video, love the no nonsense light hearted style. Awesome content too, many thanks
I was going to watch college Football this Saturday,but I thought I'd learn Something! Now I now how to make a frog mold !
How did miss this video? I love the idea of molding concrete! 😊
Most molders put a lip of wood on the end of the wood boards, arrange them like he has them and use C-claps to hold the boards together. Then molders put thin strings of clay in the cracks to seal it. I've molded since 2000, when I started, the guy at the supply store told me to use Vaseline as a general all around release and sealer wherever needed, I've used nothing else since, but WD-40 should be a fine substitute.
Loved this. Will this work for Christmas ornaments that are round? I have some old ornaments I would like to duplicate.
Thanks Donna
Hey, great video! I was working on the Pantages Theater remodel in Tacoma, WA and saw this stuff being used to replicate damaged molding. I was amazed at how well it worked. It was like Photoshop for real life. Copy and paste. I spent a little time playing with it but wasn't nearly as successful as you were. Now I'll try again using your method.
Thanks for the inspiration!
"Aw come on!" i like this channel. you can simply put a small rod like a wire right there to reenforce it. would you advise using fiberglass to strengthen the tail?
Thanks you sir. I am really glad you made the video on this. I was wondering how to make a mold. Just keep up the good work. Thanks for the great videos also.
I worked at a place that used Smooth-On 2part metal filler; kinda like industrial jb weld. Except WAY cheaper and WAY stronger. After it set, u could even drill and tap it. To say Smooth On makes good shit is a monumental understatement
Glad you all are safe. And stay SAFE.
such a cool niche video for a somewhat niche product. awesome. thanks so much
Dude, C'mon! Lovin' it.
Your vid is just what I was looking for.
😂 "I'm cheap and lazy." Lol you mean you're frugal and efficient... lol ❤ Mine kind of thinking right there.
Thank you for a very educational video. I learned a lot! Carry On.
Love your channel, man!!
Been following you since you started. You are awesome!!
Thank you so much! I love hearing from my OG’s! 👍🏻😊
I'm a Vietnam Combat Marine and I purchased 4 EGA to mount on my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. They are all rigid and I need to make a mold of them that I can put against the side of the truck to cast them with the proper curves to paste to the truck. I plan to paint the truck a gloss black including the EGA. I would welcome any suggestions you might have to help me. Thanks.
Looking forward for that sweater that says "come on!"
Ye thats good one
Super fun and informative video as usual. Your projects and style are unique.
Instead of going to the trouble of sculpting around your piece, would it be easier/less time consuming use a pasta machine (I have one I got for crafting) to 'roll out' a uniform thickness and set the piece on the clay pressing down slightly to eliminate gaps. OR....adding the clay to the bottom of the piece THEN putting it on the board and pressing down - whichever works best. It seems like it would be easier to me. I'd be sure to make the 'pasta clay' the same size as the base.
Terri Juanette thats a great idea😃
Great video, nice high quality content!
Thank you so much Derek!!!
hi can you tell how much you can stretch that circles ... regarding to 20A and the thickness....tnks
This was such a great video!! I want to use it to make cement daisies!! Can you please make a video on how to make a nice size cement pot with a flower garland?? Please teach us that!
I want to do a foam wall around my patio. Windows and doors cut out adobe style. I want to add this idea to the wall before spraying on the final finish.
Oh my God ! Hi Michael
This video is just what I was looking for it is so good and easy to follow ! ;however, It is your humor and super sexy speaking voice that takes my breath away ! You entertained me from begining to end.I can't wait to try it on my clay Jesus sculpture I just finished You are a natural born teacher!
Thank you I can't wait to view every one of your videos . Deb
😊
F.Y.I. a watered down P.V.A. wash will seal most porous surfaces and dries very quickly. Sorry if I am stating the obvious to fellow mould makers. but for newbies it's a quick tip and helps eliminate some of the bubbles on the mould surface. Yep I spell Moulds with a 'U' cos I am a Brit. :)
I'm new but I enjoy watching your videos 👍 keep on posting Mr build looking fwd for more vids
Do a video on making two part mold for reproducing antique ceiling tile I need to make about 80 pieces
Anyway you might be able to go over how to make a mold for a dollar store plastic skull? I’d like to use your advice from this video to make more of these.
Love your channel. I just discovered it and am looking forward to more of your videos. I'm already working on making my own curved bar top. Let's see how it goes in this the Arizona heat.
Cool! Very creative and inspiring! thanks!
I would like to try making molds for my own stand up garden statues. Something taller and wider. Could you show how you'd go about doing that. Maybe using polymer clay as the original? Thanks, just subscribed!
Hi Michael ,great video, I have cast my first project but had little holes, how do i get rid of them in the process. Hope you can help. Thanks Steve Klink NZ
I have a new pair of cycling cleats that no one currently makes covers for. I was wondering if you think I could use the molding material as the cycling cleat covers? Basically the mold itself would be the cover over my cycling cleats.
you mention you should have used a support to keep the tail from breaking. what support would you use on a model that small? obviously too small for rebar
Thanks for sharing the awesome video. one question: how do you reinforce the tail area? thanks!
Love your channel Mikey! Just subscribed and look forward to more content!
Thank you so much Steven! And welcome to the channel!
Great project
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
DAYUM, MICHAEL! Excellent Eyeballing on the remaining Vyta-Flex mix, yo! That takes REEL SKILLZ, MAN! WTG! ; )
What about exploring alternative release agents? Wd40 really smells bad and is difficult to get off some finished projects.
Great job , could you please show how to make mold for spoon rest? Thanks
What number do you recommend if I want to make mold of treeTreebark? or to make a pattern of Bricks to make patterns on sidewalks or walls.
Why that instead of silicone? Just curious. I haven't worked with concrete before
The first time you said “I mean, come on🤷🏻♂️”, I knew I was going to subscribe to this channel.
I love your channel! Respect!
What a wonderful video, idea and system.
We can even get the stuff here in Australia so I will most definitely be using your advice (always brilliant) for molding the things I need for my model railway and might even try a few cake molds for special events.
By the way, love the way the lizard turned 180 degrees when you dropped the box.
I like the “ COME ON” s please do more of “come on” and save time
Can I use this to put on a gloved hand and then pour resin into it?
Great video. Thanks🤙🏾
Thats badass,i dig the mayan sculpture your goin to mold,i got a similar one except is 44 inches in diameter maybe 3/4" to 1" thick how much of the stuff do u think ill need to make a mold out of it,TIA.
So I noticed that for the bowls you used mortar mix and for these smaller pieces you used cement all. Would the cement all work well for the bowls too?
This is a great tutorial. Thanks! Subscribed.
Can you put silicon in the molds also or no, will it just be melted into the mold?
I see that this is an older video, however, it was exactly what I was looking for. I am trying to find the vita flex 40, it is no where to be found unless they are calling it something else now. Is there anything else you would recommend for making a mold for concrete from an existing concrete figure?
Enjoyed your video very much
What advise do you have for someone who wants to make molds for concrete planters?
I've been enjoying your videos especially since I've been wanting to take the plunge in creating a concrete countertop and let me tell you you've given me the confidence I need! Your videos are awesome and I can't help but get up "Peter McKinnon" vibe from your videos maybey it's you're B-Roll! Lol then you just mentioned Monty McKinnon, isn't that Peter's dad!? 🤯
What so you mean by put some reinforcement in there?
Can I pour hot gold liquid without damaging the mould?
If not what can I use to make a gold moulding
Whats the main difference bw the rapid mortar and the cement all in projects like these - molds, concrete tabletops, stools, etc?
Michael, I would love to see you make a rustic, non-combustible fireplace mantel with Rapidset...
Once again. awesome video !!!!
What would you use to reinforce the piece where it broke? Just ad fiberglass or what? Ty. And nice video. Subscribed.
How would you have made the reinforcement for the tail?
I love your projects, they go into my creative arsenal of things to make. And I also love your energy. Stay safe! :-)
With the mold that you made does it also work with dragon skin silicone or would it combine together onto the mold
I know this is an odd question but I want to make (medium-ish) gargoyle and then make a mold. To then make it from concrete so that it’s far more stable. But I’m not sure if paper mache, that’s what I’m thinking of making it out of, will be suitable to make a mold from?
I definitely don’t see why not. Just make sure you seal the original VERY WELL so that the rubber doesn’t stick to it
Quick question: If I would like to add a pop of color, like a bright orange or yellow, how would I do this? I would like the lines to be that bright In the concrete coffee table top.
I love your projects men I appreciate a lot of respect
Wow! Thank you so much Jose!
Dude Great Video & Info!
Thank you so much.
What would you use for reinforcement to prevent the tail from breaking?
Use thin metal rods. Com' on.
Thin metal rods should do the trick
Possibly something as simple as a paperclip bent to match the shape of the tail.
does either the vita flex 10 or 20 tear easily? and how many concrete casting can you get out of a mold before it degrades to being unusable? Thanks for the video!
They both seem extremely durable to me. You have to REALLY TRY to tear them even then it’s hard to do. So far I have not seen a limit to how many castings uoy can get out of them but we’re talking Thousands
@@MichaelBuilds Thanks for the info and quick reply!
dude you are my hero
You are my hero!
You mentioned “reinforcing” the tail…. How would you do that?
Michael, Hope you and your family are doing well. Getting crazy on your side of the state. God bless. Jell-O shots 😂😂
Very cool! Thanks for the video!!
Thank you so much Annie!
*IN A WORLD ONE MAN SETS OFF TO SAVE ART FOR ALL MANKIND*