Preliminary research
I have consistently been drawn to natural objects throughout the first half of the semester, and among them, seashells have emerged as one of the most relatable and metaphorical subjects. They resonate with me deeply, encapsulating the concepts of protection, concealment, and separation from the surrounding environment. Thus, I have chosen to further explore the concept I uncovered last week. Seashells, with their intricate and aesthetically pleasing details, offer an opportunity to preserve their natural beauty in a cast. Their textures, featuring ridges, spirals, and intricate patterns, make them intriguing subjects for casting, allowing me to emphasize these captivating details.
This marks my inaugural attempt at mold-making, and I have dedicated considerable time to background research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the process. Here are some modifications to simplify the mold-making procedure:
- Select a Single Shell: Rather than attempting to cast multiple shells or a complex arrangement, I will commence by casting a single seashell. This approach streamlines the process by focusing on one distinct shape.
- Mold Material: I will opt for a mold-making material that is easy to handle, such as silicone rubber or latex. These materials offer flexibility and are highly effective at capturing fine details.
- Mold Container: The choice of a simple, flat container for mold creation minimizes the need for complex mold box constructions, simplifying the pouring process.
- Release Agent: Prior to pouring the mold material, I will apply an appropriate release agent to the seashell. This step is crucial in preventing the mold from adhering to the shell.
- Air Bubbles: To reduce the occurrence of air bubbles within the mold, I will pour the mold material slowly over the shell while gently tapping or vibrating the container to release any trapped air.
- Demolding Ease: During the mold-making process, I will take into account the creation of a cut or seam along the mold. This will facilitate the demolding process without causing harm to the original seashell.”
Process Documentation
“Of all the materials I’ve experimented with, silicone has proven to be the most challenging. I initiated the process with a starfish project, constructing its base using Dash clay. Subsequently, I positioned the base within a paper box and proceeded to pour the silicone from the top. However, even after half an hour, it had not dried. Through several trial-and-error attempts, I discerned that two key factors contributed to this initial failure.
First, I had not allowed the air-dry clay to completely dry. Consequently, the starfish floated to the surface during the drying process. Second, achieving the precise mix ratio between the silicone components proved to be a formidable challenge. Deviating from the specified ratio resulted in curing issues and a compromise in mold quality. I believe this deviation was the primary reason for the incomplete drying of my silicone mold.
Although the first endeavor ended in disappointment, the experience significantly informed subsequent attempts. Despite this, I encountered additional challenges that tested my patience. Air bubbles, when trapped within the silicone mold, led to imperfections in the final cast. Addressing this issue necessitated the use of proper degassing techniques. Silicone rubber has a finite working time before it begins to cure, emphasizing the need for efficient work to avoid material wastage. Similar to air-dry clay, all silicone materials undergo some degree of shrinkage during the curing process. Mold makers must take this into account to ensure that the final cast matches the desired size. Furthermore, I discovered that not all casting materials are compatible with silicone molds. Specifically, materials that generate high heat during the curing process did not yield successful results.
Lastly, the curing time for silicone molds can vary depending on the product used. The silicone rubbers I employed had longer curing times, necessitating patience during the demolding process. Despite these challenges, careful planning and the application of proper techniques can help mitigate them and maximize the benefits of silicone molding.”
