Looking for new ArtResin project ideas or new ways to use resin in your art?
How about trying a silicone mold?
Silicone molds and epoxy resin are a perfect match 😊
Why silicone?
It's simple, really. ArtResin will stick to almost anything with the exception of plastic, vinyl and - you guessed it - silicone.
Silicone mold VS plastic mold
Unlike a plastic mold which is thin, stiff and could rip or warp while you're trying to unmold your work, a silicone mold is flexible, allowing you to peel back the silicone mold away from the resin cast and it will pop right back into shape, meaning you can use them over and over again. Plastic molds often require a mold release spray which can cause the exterior of your resin to turn cloudy.
Silicone molds are a popular resin accessory for good reason:
They're perfect for making petri dish art!
Check out our tutorial How To Create Resin Petri Dish Art.
You can make a beautiful keepsake by preserving petals in resin, just like artist Elle Dunn does.
Or make a fun craft by preserving fall leaves in resin, just like we did for our Resin Napkin Holders
Of course, one of the most popular uses for silicone molds is for embedding objects to make epoxy resin coasters.
You can easily pick up silicone molds at hobby stores and online too - there are lots to choose from! When you're shopping around, however, make sure you keep an eye out for a very important feature ....
What does the interior of the mold look like?
Heck yes, it matters and here's why ...
the finish on the interior of the mold will determine the finish on your cured resin!
In other words, a matte interior will give a matte finish to your epoxy resin whereas a glossy interior will give your cured resin a glossy finish.
It's true!
Look at these two examples, both from the same batch of ArtResin, tinted with purple ResinTint. The sample on the left was poured into a silicone mold with a shiny interior, and the sample on the right was poured into a similar mold, but with a matte interior.
See the difference?
Pretty neat, huh?
Here's our Video Friday episode so you can see the molds (and the results) for yourself!
So remember ... if a matte finish is your thing, go for a silicone mold with a matte interior. But if you want the beautiful, high gloss, ArtResin finish, a glossy interior is the way to go!
💡 TIP: You can find silicone molds online and at most hobby and craft stores. However, be aware: they will eventually wear down. You'll know this is happening when your resin starts to stick when you're unmolding, or you mold may even rip. To prolong the life of your molds, avoid using a flame torch (use a heat gun instead) and avoid using alcohol to clean them out. Sticky tape works really well to pick up dust, dirt, and stuck on resin bits.
Learn more about the mold making material and read our guides about mold making:
- How to use mold making material
- How to make a resin box mold
- How to make your own food safe silicone molds
- One part vs two part molds
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
