Rubber Mould Making Workshop

This intensive 3-day workshop offers a deep dive into the art of rubber mould making, guiding participants through the process of creating multi-part moulds suitable for casting a variety of materials such as wax, resin, plaster, jesmonite, and herculite. Whether you're a sculptor, prop-maker, or hobbyist, this course will equip you with the essential skills needed to create precise, durable moulds for your projects.Day 1: Understanding Materials & Mould DesignWe begin with an overview of the key materials used in rubber mould making, including silicone rubber, plaster, and hessian. You'll learn how to determine whether a two-piece or three-piece mould is necessary based on the complexity of the object, and how to strategically place seam lines to ensure a clean cast. With the basic theory covered, you'll dive into the practical side of things, starting by constructing a clay bed around one side of your chosen piece in preparation for the first rubber pour.Day 2: Pouring & Reinforcing the Rubber MouldBuilding on Day 1, you'll learn how to mix and pour liquid silicone rubber over your piece, focusing on techniques like using thixotropic rubber to ensure proper coverage on vertical surfaces. You’ll create rubber keys and add texture to ensure that the mould pieces align perfectly. Once the rubber cures, you'll learn to cut dovetails into the mould to further secure the alignment. We'll conclude by pouring the plaster case (also called the "mother mould") to encase the rubber, ensuring that the flexible mould retains its shape during casting.Day 3: Completing the Mould & Exploring Casting OptionsThe final day mirrors the steps from Day 2 as you repeat the process for the remaining side of the mould, completing your two- or three-part mould. After completing your mould, we'll discuss casting materials and techniques, highlighting options such as wax, resin, jesmonite, plaster, and herculite. You'll also understand why rubber moulds made in this course are unsuitable for casting with clay slip. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a functional, reusable rubber mould ready for casting.This course is designed for both beginners and those with some prior mould-making experience who wish to refine their skills. Participants will receive personalised guidance throughout the process and leave with an in-depth understanding of the mould-making workflow. Materials provided: Silicone rubber, plaster, hessian, clay, sculpting tools, and reference materials.By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a functional, reusable rubber mold ready for casting. Read more details