Here at Alec Tiranti, we offer a range of products for different artistic modes at a professional standard of quality. As part of our range, we include a variety of products for mouldmaking, whether you are a complete beginner or a professional requiring mouldmaking materials.

What is Mouldmaking?

Mouldmaking is a process of fabricating moulds for casting, which would involves shaping a liquid or liable raw material. Artists often use mouldmaking techniques in order to create reproductions. The mould uses a negative impression of the original sculpture in order to then recreate the solid form, enabling the artist to easily replicate the original and create a series of reproductions. The mould can be made from a variety of materials, including plaster, liquid latex, silicone rubber or vinyl rubber. We will demonstrate the materials that we offer for mouldmaking, which can be used for a simple one-piece block as well as a complex mould consisting of multiple pieces that connect.

Vinyl Rubber Mouldmaking

Vinyl rubber is a re-useable rubber which is heated to a liquid and poured over the sculpture where it cools back to its original flexible state. It is suitable for casting a range of materials, including plastics, cements, waxes and resins. Vinyl is a good material for small numbers of castings and unlike other materials, it can be re-melted and formed into a new mould. It also has the added benefit of not needing preparation or release agents.

Silicone Rubber Mouldmaking

Silicone rubber is a highly accurate cold curing two-part moulding material that enables the broadest range of casting materials, including plastics, cements, urethanes and waxes. It is possible to cast a large number of reproductions, and we offer a selection of adhesives sealants and release agents for silicone rubber mouldmaking. Most work at temperatures between -20ºC and 250ºC, but there is an additional option that is firmer and can work up to 316ºC.

Polyurethane Rubber Mouldmaking

A third type of rubber used for mouldmaking is polyurethane rubber. This is ideal for casting materials such as plasters, concrete, urethanes and polyesters, and can even cast rubber components. For this type of rubber, you will need to use a release agent such as the one from Ambersil.

Latex Mouldmaking

Moreover, we offer latex mouldmaking material, which is air drying and typically used for casting plasters and cement, and can also be used with waxes and certain polyester resins. It is applied in layers to build up a desired thickness before receiving support in the form of plaster or fibreglass.

Alginate Mouldmaking

Finally, alginate is a safe and fast-setting mouldmaking material, suitable for creating moulds that are highly detailed, yet quick to complete, setting in either 2-3 minutes or 6-8 minutes, depending on the type you choose. As well as being able to create casts of different materials, it is safe for use when creating body casts, and can be used for artists working in the film and TV industry, including make-up artists and special effects departments.

Choosing Your Mouldmaking Material

When considering your option for moulding material, there are many factors to consider. You should think about the material that the original piece is made from, the material that will be used to cast the reproductions, as well as the quantity and the size of the sculptures, and the level of detail of the original sculpture that is necessary to replicate.