"Do Prince August moulds deteriorate?" Topic

I've unearthed a box of Prince August moulds I used as a child. They look okay, but I can't have used them for well over 20 years. Do you think they will still work alright (I was thinking of selling them)?

Regards

I would think they would be OK. The only time they deteriorate would be after many many casts. Wear out is a better word for that.

They should be okay, as Joker mentioned they wear out mostly from use, not age. The mold is basically two pieces of vulcanized rubber.

I still have old ones and they are fine. It is the number of castings you make that will wear them out over time. I have YET to wear mine out though.

I set fire to some of mine and the survivors, although a little singed, continued to cast perfectly.

Mine are over 30 years old and the rubber is still fine, no cracks aging problem or whatever. They probably haven't seen more than a dozen casts or so though, therefore they wouldn't be worn out. Unfortunately, I'm missing 1/2 of a classic skeltons mould :P and just when my son is getting interested.

PS Weird coincidence this thread, as I just hauled my own moulds out day before yesterday and was reviewing the PA site.

<cue Twilight Zone theme>

I have three of their molds, all bought many years ago, that have seen perhaps 4 dozen figures run through each. The molds are still in good condition and would work today.

yes they will be ok my son still uses his after 10-15 years that he got as a boy from my brother in law

Thanks very much for all of the helpful replies.

Some of mine have had a few hundred casts in them and are beginning to show fine cracks 'round the edges, if that's any help.

Vulcanized rubber will deteriorate from exposure to light, but unless you're leaving them outside or on a window sill I wouldn't worry about that. Overheating them will damage them too. But age by itself should not be an issue.