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3 Care Tips for a Silicone Mold

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How to Protect Silicone Molds

Silicone makes valuable molds because it’s resilient, can be used for many castings, and works with a wide range of materials. To get the most out of your mold, a few basic care steps are necessary to keep it in good shape. Here’s how to make yours last.

1. Store Correctly

Your molds should be kept somewhere cool and dry that’s out of the sun. Heat and UV radiation can weaken the material, while moisture may facilitate bacteria and mold growth.

When you store the molds, don’t stack them on top of each other; this can bend or warp the silicone, and if stored bent, they’ll solidify that way. For extra support to protect from warping during long-term storage, leave a soft cast such as candle wax in the mold when you put it away.

2. Remove Casts Gently

The material is stretchy and flexible, but if you stretch it too fast or too far, it will still tear. For this reason, always prepare your molds with a releasing agent.

When taking a cast out of the mold, don’t just pull roughly from one end. Instead, ease the cast out, working the mold off a section at a time. If a cast is stuck, try letting it cure longer and at a higher temperature. If it’s still stuck, put the mold in the freezer for half an hour and try to remove it again; this won’t damage the silicone but will slightly shrink the cast to divide it from the mold.

3. Clean Carefully

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on your molds, as these can damage and roughen the surface, causing issues with microbe growth and cast adhesion. Instead, use mild soap and warm water. Clean the mold gently but thoroughly, especially when switching casting materials.

For quality results, turn to BJB Enterprises, Inc. for polyurethane casting supplies. Since 1970, BJB Enterprises in Tustin, CA, has provided high-quality polyurethane products and materials to a variety of manufacturers across the world. Combining unmatched technical expertise and knowledge of materials, BJB helps customers find real-world solutions for their applications.

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