"Latex mold making" Topic

I would like to make some molds out of latex rubber-basically I want to make some basic dirtmound "masters" for hedges/bocage and cast them for my 15mm Rennaisance.My friend Talisman has been making latex molds for years and showed me some.However,it seems latex molds on their own seem like they can be flimsy,and susceptible to flexing and warping while casting if an off,non level shape.

While watching a video on Youtube on the subject,I saw an interesting idea-after your final layer of latex is dried but before you remove the latex from your master,you can create a "mother mold" by applying a heavy layer of regular plaster on top of the latex mold,making sure you flatten the top.Once it cures,you can remove the mother mold and then de-mold your master.The mother mold gives a firm seat or nest for your latex mold to sit in while you cast with it.Anyone done this?

Yep.

It works great.

smooth-on.com

These guys are good resources for both information and products.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
bunkermeister.blogspot.com

I use latex for molds. Put a super thin layer on, let dry. Then a normal layer, and then use cheesecloth. Push the cheesecloth into the latex and let dry. then add generous amounts of latex reinforced with cheese cloth. Super strong and flexible mold, can't stress enough the use of cheesecloth.

For really strong moulds, apply your first 5 or so latex coats thin to get all the detail, then make a mix of latex with added filler, you can use talcum powder or plain flour to mix it to a thick whipped cream consistancy, then apply building up more layers (don't forget to let them dry, which can take a while) This will end up with a quite sturdy flexible mould which you can still reinforce with a secondry plaster one. Also this method limits ruining the mould by accidental ripping or tearing. cheesecloth is good too, as is any absorbent cloth types (Jcloths, bandages etc)