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.
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.)
“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.
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.
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!
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!!!! 😍😍😍
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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 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.
"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?
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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 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!
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 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.
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
If there was a fantastic button I’d click it. I’ve been a subscriber since your first video and shared with countless others. You have inspired myself and others to step outside our “comfort zones”. Thank you. I’ll definitely be trying this 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?
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.
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
Mike - I want to make concrete counter tops .How thick do you recommend? Can I use the Rapid set Mix for this? I have a 18' long section with an L that is 4 feet... would this still work?
Did YOU help this channel today? Three to Four steps. #1.Subscribe #2.Thumbs Up #3.Make a comment. #4.SHARE If you can't think of anything to say; Copy & Paste this message. Thank You PS: Feel free to paste this comment on any of your favorite videos.
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.
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?
Ive been trying to figure out how to make a mold of a planter I have. It is a near life sized head with an opening in the top for soil/plants. Any ideas for me Michael ?
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 😂
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.)
“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.
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.
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!
Man I've been up all night binge watching your videos! Love them.
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!!!! 😍😍😍
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.
Nobody ever ripped this guy off!! He's gonna always find the easiest/ cheapest way to compete ANY project!!
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
Your work is awsome! I've been in concrete for years and just learned some cool ideas from your chanel! Keep em coming
I knew there had to be a product like this, I just never ran across it, so, thank you for the video!
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!
Thank you again for taking the time to make & share your videos with us, fork I love them.
I forking love you! ☺️
You have a great personality that makes your videos very interesting and enjoyable to watch.
i like it. "aw come on!"
Glad you all are safe. And stay SAFE.
Ever make a rubber stamp for concrete? To provide texture to newly poured concrete?
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 !
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.
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
Looking forward for that sweater that says "come on!"
Ye thats good one
Glad to see someone is working. Good Project.
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.
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.
Great video, love the no nonsense light hearted style. Awesome content too, many 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.
Terri Juanette thats a great idea😃
such a cool niche video for a somewhat niche product. awesome. thanks so much
How did miss this video? I love the idea of molding concrete! 😊
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 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 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.
I like the “ COME ON” s please do more of “come on” and save time
"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?
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.
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 project
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
*IN A WORLD ONE MAN SETS OFF TO SAVE ART FOR ALL MANKIND*
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.
Loved this. Will this work for Christmas ornaments that are round? I have some old ornaments I would like to duplicate.
Thanks Donna
Time to come back friend! We need more videos!
Do a video on making two part mold for reproducing antique ceiling tile I need to make about 80 pieces
Thank you for a very educational video. I learned a lot! Carry On.
The Official: "I Mean... C'mon!" Count: --1.) 05:52 -- 2.) 07:01 -- 3.) 07:20 -- 4.) 08:06
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!!!
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.
Super fun and informative video as usual. Your projects and style are unique.
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.
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!
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!
hi can you tell how much you can stretch that circles ... regarding to 20A and the thickness....tnks
Cool! Very creative and inspiring! thanks!
Great job , could you please show how to make mold for spoon rest? 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!
Love your channel, man!!
Been following you since you started. You are awesome!!
Thank you so much! I love hearing from my OG’s! 👍🏻😊
Thanks for sharing the awesome video. one question: how do you reinforce the tail area? thanks!
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.
This 'Like' is for the "I mean, come on"
Lol 😂
I'm about to buy some smooth on products and I'm wondering too if I should buy those seal and release agents
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.
Id also pony up for the correct mold release agent that Smooth On sells, its like $12.
Everytime he mentions a cut corner I go, "My mannn" audibly lol
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
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.
Thanks, more tools for the cranium tool box !
Michael, I would love to see you make a rustic, non-combustible fireplace mantel with Rapidset...
I use smooth on to make WWII airplane parts. I make a mold than cast it out of resin. Than I make a sand mold and cast the part.
I'm new but I enjoy watching your videos 👍 keep on posting Mr build looking fwd for more vids
Very cool! Thanks for the video!!
Thank you so much Annie!
dude you are my hero
You are my hero!
The first time you said “I mean, come on🤷🏻♂️”, I knew I was going to subscribe to this channel.
Great job, Michael! Thank you!
If there was a fantastic button I’d click it. I’ve been a subscriber since your first video and shared with countless others. You have inspired myself and others to step outside our “comfort zones”. Thank you. I’ll definitely be trying this too
This is a great tutorial. Thanks! Subscribed.
Enjoyed your video very much
I love your projects men I appreciate a lot of respect
Wow! Thank you so much Jose!
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?
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.
Dude Great Video & Info!
Thank you so much.
What about exploring alternative release agents? Wd40 really smells bad and is difficult to get off some finished projects.
How would you have made the reinforcement for the tail?
You mentioned “reinforcing” the tail…. How would you do that?
you should make a mold of a roll of toilet paper, cast an 8 pack, take it to wal-mart and set up a hidden cam and watch the fun...
Leave it on the sidewalk. Weighing about 120 pounds make out of concrete and watch people try to pick it up.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣That's so mean.
@@karinasamaniego8765 It might be mean but it would be moderately funny like the old nickel nail gag.
Make it a 2 piece set and mold a Silicone Dump next to it
I love your channel! Respect!
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
Can I use this to put on a gloved hand and then pour resin into it?
'I mean... Come on!'
Looks like a t-shirt to me.
Once again. awesome video !!!!
Mike - I want to make concrete counter tops .How thick do you recommend? Can I use the Rapid set Mix for this? I have a 18' long section with an L that is 4 feet... would this still work?
What advise do you have for someone who wants to make molds for concrete planters?
A lot of fun dude. Thanks.
Did YOU help this channel today? Three to Four steps.
#1.Subscribe #2.Thumbs Up #3.Make a comment. #4.SHARE
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Love your channel Mikey! Just subscribed and look forward to more content!
Thank you so much Steven! And welcome to the channel!
They just want you to use a non-sulfur modeling clay. Reason being it can interfere with the curing of the urethane. It’s a little important.
What would you use to reinforce the piece where it broke? Just ad fiberglass or what? Ty. And nice video. Subscribed.
Can I pour hot gold liquid without damaging the mould?
If not what can I use to make a gold moulding
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.
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?
Ive been trying to figure out how to make a mold of a planter I have. It is a near life sized head with an opening in the top for soil/plants. Any ideas for me Michael ?
Very helpful amazing vids!!!!