Using clay for mold making has many benefits. Molding using clay is a simple process and doesn’t require any special tools or knowledge, so it’s perfect for beginners looking to practice their craft. However, there are some challenges you may come across when working with clay as your chosen medium. Clay sticks to the mold when you try to take the object off of the mold after it dries. This can be frustrating because removing the clay from the mold takes time and effort, especially when you have several pieces to make. By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your clays from sticking to the mold and make your molds easier to use again in future projects.
How To Keep Clay From Sticking To Mold
The most obvious solution to the problem of clay sticking to your mold is to keep clay from sticking to your mold in the first place. While this can be easier said than done, there are a few considerations you can make to prevent clay sticking. – First, make sure your mold is properly prepared and cleaned before adding any clay. – Make sure the clay you are using is the right consistency for your project. If working with a type of liquid clay, make sure to add dry clay powder to it to stiffen it up and make it easier to remove from the mold and cut. – Make sure you are applying even pressure to the clay as you add it to the mold so that any air bubbles trapped in the clay are smoothed out and don’t cause sticking. – Once your clay object is molded and dried, use a clay shaver to carefully remove it. – While the object is still wet, you can also try sanding down any rough spots to help prevent it from sticking to the mold.
Use Natural Clay
Before you even begin making your mold, you can take steps to make sure that any clay you use doesn’t stick to the mold. Natural clays tend to be much less sticky than clays that have been chemically treated. – Commonly used clays such as Calico, Paper Clay, and Kaolin tend to be very sticky, and can make molding a challenge. – If you are having trouble getting your clay to release from the mold, try switching to a natural clay such as Bentonite, Portland, or Sodium Alginate. – You can also add a small amount of Alum to your clay to help keep it from sticking. – By switching to a natural clay, you can reduce the amount of chemicals and additives being used in your process, making your final product even more eco-friendly.
Sprinkling Cornstarch On Your Mold
If you are still having issues with your clay sticking to the mold, you can use a clever trick to reduce this issue. Sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch on the inside of your mold before pressing in your clay. Cornstarch is a naturally occurring substance that is also used in many processed foods. It acts as an anti-stick agent, reducing the amount of friction between the clay and the inside of the mold. – Cornstarch is a very common household product, and can be found at any grocery store or dollar store. – All you need to do to use cornstarch for this trick is sprinkle it lightly onto the inside of the mold. – You can also add a splash of water to the cornstarch to make it stick better. – Cornstarch will slowly dissolve into the water as it is used and will need to be reapplied occasionally.
Applying Oil To The Mold
Sometimes a light dusting of cornstarch isn’t enough to keep your clay from sticking to the mold. In these cases, you can apply a little bit of oil to the inside of the mold to help reduce the friction between the clay and the mold. – Any light oil will work for this, but you want to make sure that it is non-toxic so that it doesn’t leach into your clay and contaminate it in any way. – You can also mix a few drops of a non-toxic vegetable oil with a small amount of water to make an oil-water solution. – This way you can apply a thin, even coat of oil to the inside of the mold without it being too thick and leaving behind any excess liquid. – Once you’ve added the oil to your mold, you can let it sit for a few minutes to really permeate the inside of the mold and begin working.
Using Silicone Spray
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to keep your clay from sticking to the mold, silicone spray is a great option. Silicone is a naturally occurring chemical that has a variety of industrial, household, and artistic applications. It is often used in the making of molds, as it can help keep the clay from sticking and building up on the inside of the mold. – Silicone spray is available in many different brands and varieties, so you can find one that works best for you and your project. – Make sure to read the label on the can and follow any safety warnings or recommendations for use. – You can apply silicone spray directly to your mold, but be careful not to get any in your clay. – Silicone spray can be tricky to clean up, so use it sparingly and make sure to clean up any overspray or spills.
Using Dry Ice
If you want to take things to the next level and keep your clay from sticking to the mold no matter what, dry ice is the way to go. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, and is often used in commercial industries to keep things cold and preserve food. It can also be used to keep your clay cool while you work with it. – Because dry ice is frozen, it causes almost no friction. – The frozen CO2 stays in a solid state as long as you are using it, but as soon as it warms up and begins to thaw, it quickly evaporates. – If you can keep dry ice in a safe place, it’s a great addition to your molding process. – If not, be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, and clean up any spills immediately.
Conclusion
Once you’ve created your mold, the last thing you want to do is deal with the frustration of your clay sticking and making it difficult to remove. By following these tips and tricks you can keep your clays from sticking to the mold, making it easier to take your pieces out and reuse the mold again in future projects.