How To Use Two Part Moulding Compound

Moulding compound is a room temperature vulcanising silicone which produces tough, strong, long lasting moulds ideal for using with precious metal clay (PMC). It is safe, non-hazardous and non-toxic and gives off no unpleasant fumes or odours. On this page we give instructions, tips and advice when using the compound to create moulds for metal clay jewellery designs, with examples from a project we created ourselves.

Notes before you start

Great care must be taken not to accidentally contaminate and accidentally start the hardening process of the moulding compound within the bag – follow our instructions to ensure success. With a little care and common sense you will find this easy to avoid.

Always handle the coloured putty first as the white is the activating putty (this will cut down on the likelihood of unwanted contamination of the coloured putty). Make sure you thoroughly wash and dry your hands in between handling the two colours. Never touch one colour and then the other, even when you are taking some out of the bag, as even this can start the hardening process.

Timing

Choose the item you wish to make a mould from and make sure you have it to hand – timing is crucial so you do not want to waste any of the 2 minute working time.

Working time = 2 minutes 

Curing time = 15 minutes

The compound will leave an oily residue on your hands whilst working but do not worry – this is ordinary mineral oil, also commonly known as ‘baby oil ’.

Watch Our Tutorial On How To Use Moulding Compound Below

Please note that the colour and brand of moulding compound we stock can vary but the process is the same!

Step 1: Mix

Take equal parts of both coloured and white putty (try to be as accurate as you can but these need not be measured precisely). Mix the two parts thoroughly. Try to mix quickly and remember a uniform colour is not necessary. Here's a simple method of ensuring an even mix: shape 2 parts into thin pancakes on a work surface, place one on top of the other and mix them rapidly by pushing down with your thumbs and kneading or rolling between your palms. Do this for around a minute and be careful not to over mix as this can result in non-curing of the mould, the total moulding process must be completed within a 2 minute working time.

Step 2: Create an imprint

When you have finished mixing firmly press the item you would like to create a mould from into the compound. In these images, we have a used a shell.

Step 4: Wait

Leave the mould for at least 15 minutes. Check it has cured by pushing a fingernail or similar into the mould – if the compound has cured properly it should spring back into shape.

Step 5: Remove

Carefully remove your object. Your mould is now ready to use and fill with metal clay! Place a piece of metal clay into the mould, allow it to dry before carefully removing it from the mould. You can clean any rough edges using our sanding sponges and your piece will then be ready for firing.

This mould can also be used with polymer clay, resin, wax and low melting metals - so a brilliant way to incorporate into your crafts.

Follow our metal clay tutorials and read advice pages here

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