Many people struggle to keep the clay from sticking to the mold. More often than not, clay sticks to the mold, and it is a frustrating task to take out the clay from the mold. To get the best shape of clay, you need to put in a lot of work.
People use many different methods to avoid such problems, but here we will show you the best way to make your task easier and enable you to make beautiful things with your favorite color of clay.
This article will show you how to avoid this common problem to create without frustration.
What is Mold, And What Causes The Clay to Stick to The Mold?
Molds are made of rubber or silicone to make clay figures. So, when you press the clay in the mold, it adheres to it because of its sticky nature.
This is because air bubbles are trapped in the clay when making a figure using a mold. When you try to get the clay out of the mold, some part of the clay sticks to the mold.
If you pull the clay, then it will break, and your beautiful creation will be destroyed. So, this is a big problem faced by many beginners and professionals.
Follow these instructions, which we will provide in a while, and you will be able to create easily without wasting time or clay.
What is The Best Way to Avoid Clay Sticking to The Mold?
When you pull the clay away from the mold, it can distort the design. It is a common problem we encounter. This is particularly true with Bronze Clay. It dries fast, which makes it challenging to work with. It’s also the reason why most sculptors use it in their sculptures.
Anyway, there is more than one way to keep the clay from sticking to molds. It just takes a little preparation and know-how.
Here are some simple techniques for keeping clay from sticking to molds:
Using Cooking Spray
You can use regular cooking sprays, like Pam or Crisco. They prevent the clay from sticking to molds while giving your finished pieces a smooth surface.
Just make sure you don’t let your clay pieces dry in the mold before removing them. The cooking spray can affect the quality of your finished pieces if not applied properly.
But that’s not the only reason for using cooking sprays. For Bronze Clay, spraying molds with cooking spray prolongs the drying time of your clay pieces.
Using Talcum Powder
Talcum powder also prevents the clay from sticking to molds while smoothing your finished pieces.
To apply talcum powder, just pat a thin layer on your mold or sculpted piece before you apply the clay. Then use a soft brush to remove excess talcum powder from the surface. If you’re using a two-part mold, apply a thin layer on both sides of the mold.
When you remove the clay from the mold, use a soft brush to remove excess talcum powder from your finished piece. Try not to leave any loose powder as this might affect the appearance and/or color of your final product – it can make your finished pieces too white or grayish.
Using a Mold Release Spray
Now, this is the best way to keep the clay from sticking to molds. Professional sculptors use it because it’s easy to use, environment friendly, and inexpensive. It works very well for all types of clays, including Bronze Clay.
Mold Release Spray is a must if you plan to make multiple copies of your original clay. No more breaking and chipping the molds!
To apply, simply spray it on the mold and wipe off excess with a cloth. Spray generously because you want to form a protective barrier between the clay and the rubber mold.
It won’t affect the clay in any way. In fact, it contains a lanolin base that will help preserve your mold because it lubricates and helps to remove excess clay from the rubber.
Additional Tips
When attempting to prevent the clay from sticking to a mold, keep the following things in mind:
- Most molds are made of rubber or latex. If your mold is made from a different material, it should work fine.
- The mold should be very lightly oiled, just enough to give the clay something to grip onto when you press in the clay. If there’s too much oil in the mold, it can cause problems when you try to remove
- Using cooking spray, talcum powder, or a mold release spray can help keep the clay from sticking to the mold
- It’s important to remove the clay from the mold as soon as it’s finished so that it doesn’t distort
- Apply a thin layer of talcum powder to both sides of the mold if using a two-part mold
- Never let the clay pieces dry in the mold before removing them
- Do not use cooking sprays inside molds or on finished pieces because it will affect their quality
- If you’re working with Bronze Clay, the use of a mold release spray will prolong its drying time
- Always use a soft brush to remove excess talcum powder or cooking spray from finished pieces
Conclusion
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a foolproof way to keep your clay from sticking to the mold, by following these simple steps, you can avoid frustration and wasted time while keeping your workspace clean. The best part is that most of them are easy and inexpensive to do. And if you’re ever in doubt, just remember that prevention is key- the less time the clay spends stuck in the mold, the better!
