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Using Premium Molding Latex
Directions:
In preparation for the reproduction of an object by the construction of a rubber mold, it is important that the object being copied be free of dirt, grease and oils.
Fill a soft brush with soapy water and gently squeeze out the excess. This will make the brush easier to clean after use.
Dip the brush in the molding latex compound and coat the model being copied making sure to fill all crevices and not allow any air spaces to remain. If necessary, the compound may be diluted with a little distilled water for the first coat only, to make sure that it flows into all of the crevices. If any bubbles appear on the surface, blow gently on them to break them.
After the first coat of compound is applied, allow it to dry. A warm place with a slight change of air would be favorable for drying. Temperatures and humidity will greatly affect drying time. Drying should generally be complete within 8 to 24 hours at 72 degree F. A fan and/or elevated temperature (up to 150 degrees F) could be used to accelerate the process.
Note: Drying too long may create a hardened surface on the latex film that will prevent the next coat from adhering to it.
When the latex has dried sufficiently, it will lose its milky appearance and become either somewhat amber or light beige in color, depending upon which compound is being used. At this time a second coat of latex can be applied and dried in the same manner. By repeating these steps, coats are built up until the desired wall thickness is attained. Extra strength can be manufactured into the mold by reinforcing the mold. Small articles usually need no reinforcement, larger molds may be reinforced with strips of gauze, cheesecloth, chopped fiberglass matting, or burlap. After the initial 3 or 4 coats of molding latex have been applied, impregnate the reinforcing material with the molding latex, then lay or wrap the material around the mold. After this coat has dried it should be followed with two or three coats of molding latex.
When the mold is complete, it should be stripped off the original and thoroughly dried for several days to complete the drying/curing process. Customers report that drying in a warm room or oven at 110 degrees to 160 degrees F is best to avoid ply separation.
Note: Ply separations will occur if the mold is used without being completely dried.
Do Not Freeze
Note: Van Dyke's Taxidermy Supply Co. offers these instructions in an advisory capacity and assumes no liability. Such information is the same as used in our own successful experiments, and since we have no control over the environment or the materials upon which our products or instructions will be used, no success is guaranteed. Trial must be performed to account for individual circumstances. In all suggestions, we recommend reading the formulas that have been provided for your evaluation. These are proven formulas that you may find beneficial, from the experience of other tanners.
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