This simple tutorial will show how easy and fun rubber mold making is. We start with an interesting rock or other object, This rock is a piece of granite that has some interesting structure.

Rubbermolding is easy


Rubbermolding is easy

The first step is brushing a coat of rubber mold onto the rock or object to be molded. Make sure you cover everything.


Rubbermolding is easy

When using Mountain Modelcraft rubber mold you have the advantage of being able to speed up the drying time with a heat gun. It will take about 3 minutes to dry enough to recoat.


Rubbermolding is easy

This is what it looks like when you can recoat. Notice the rubber mold has become somewhat transparent. You will need to apply six coats of rubber mold in the same manner.


Rubbermolding is easy

After 6 coats of rubber mold our project looks like this.


Rubbermolding is easy

To strengthen the mold a layer of cheesecloth or gauze is cut and imbedded in the 7th coat.


Rubbermolding is easy

The rubber mold is brushed on, any pleats that form in the cheese cloth or gauze are easily laid down.


Rubbermolding is easy

When you are satisfied that the cheese cloth or gauze is down tight and completely covered with rubber mold, let the mold dry for 24 hours.


rubbermolding is easy

The mold is now dry and ready to remove.


rubbermolding is easy

Carefully pull the rubber mold from the rock or object


rubbermolding is easy

You'll notice the mold removed very cleanly from the rock.


rubbermolding is easy

I like to bed my molds in sand when pouring. The sand helps prevent distortion from the weight of the plaster.


rubbermolding is easy

Molding plaster or plaster of paris is mixed to the consistency of pancake batter and poured into the mold. No release compounds are used.


rubbermolding is easy

It will take about 45 minutes for the plaster to set up, make sure it is dry before you attempt to remove it.


rubbermolding is easy

Pull the mold off the plaster, be careful not to damage it.


rubbermolding is easy

I do my painting with acrylic paints, they are widely available in many colors and clean up with water.


rubbermolding is easy

Apply the color you want with a wet brush. You will need to dip the brush in water several times as you work the paint into the cracks and cuts in the rock.


rubbermolding is easy rubbermolding is easy

Add dots of contrasting color and blend them in with a wet brush. Mold making is a great project for kids, remember teaching others is very important!


Thanks for looking-- Dave Conrad

Visit the Mountain Modelcraft home page to learn more