Smooth-on --- Mike Harmon

[Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans]

Any questions regarding materials used to create texture pads, molds and skins.

[Bruce Krauth]

Which product is the best/most simple to create texture skins? In researching different websites, I was overwhelmed by the number of different products that all do something a little bit different but basically the same thing. It appears that most products are anticipating a typical mold application. Is there a simple 2 part system that can be poured/brushed on, allowed to set up, and then peeled off? And is a release agent always necessary?

[Mike Harmon, Reynolds Advanced Materials/Smooth-On]

Bruce The answer depends on a few different variables. Different mold rubbers work better with some materials than others. Smooth-On's Vytaflex rubbers, for example, are designed for casting concrete, where our Reoflex works ideally with plaster. Urethanes typically are less expensive, but silicones can be used without release agents more often than not. Brushable rubbers come in both urethane and silicone variations. If you are in a hurry, use a silicone since cure times are typically shorter. Latex can be used if time is not an issue, but many people find them a pain to use. Check out the how-to segments on our website www.moldmakingmaterials.com to see what might work best for your project. Look at our Brush-On 40 for your "brush & peel." Soft rubber molds do need a hard shell to back them up for casting. This shell mold can often be plaster or plastic, and in a few seperate sections. Without the shell mold, the soft glove mold will not hold the casting material or the detail you want.

Bruce Krauth said:

Which product is the best/most simple to create texture skins? In researching different websites, I was overwhelmed by the number of different products that all do something a little bit different but basically the same thing. It appears that most products are anticipating a typical mold application. Is there a simple 2 part system that can be poured/brushed on, allowed to set up, and then peeled off? And is a release agent always necessary?