Introduction to TAP Platinum Silicone

The Ultimate Guide to Mold Making with TAP Platinum Silicone

Mold making has never been easier with TAP Platinum Silicone, a revolutionary new material that offers superior quality, user-friendly features, and incredible versatility. In this guide, we will explore how to create both block molds and brush-on molds using TAP Platinum Silicone.

Why Choose TAP Platinum Silicone?

When it comes to mold-making materials, there are three primary options: latex, urethane, and silicone. Silicone itself comes in two formulations:

  • Tin-cure silicone – The most common and economical choice, often used as an industry standard.

  • Platinum-cure silicone – The highest-quality silicone with advanced properties, making it the preferred choice for professional and high-detail applications.

Benefits of Platinum-Cure Silicone:

TAP Platinum Silicone stands out due to its exceptional qualities:

  • Outstanding tear resistance

  • Greater chemical resistance for longer production runs and extended mold life

  • Excellent dimensional stability for reproducing intricate details with extreme accuracy

  • User-friendly features, including:

    • A simple 1:1 mix ratio (unlike the typical 10:1 ratio of other silicones)

    • Super low viscosity for easy mixing and pouring

    • Self-degassing properties, eliminating the need for vacuum degassing

    • Quick cure time—de-mold in as little as two hours

    • Soft, flexible material with a low hardness rating of 8 Shore A

How to Make a Block Mold

Block molds are great for creating solid, single-piece reproductions of objects. Follow these steps to make your own:

Materials Needed:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the mold box: Secure your model to a non-porous base (such as acrylic) using a hot glue gun.

  2. Build a containment wall: Attach acrylic strips half an inch away from the model to form a box, ensuring all seals are leak-proof.

  3. Determine silicone volume: Fill the box with rice, then measure its volume to estimate the silicone needed.

  4. Mix the silicone: In plastic or metal containers, mix the two silicone components in a 1:1 ratio, stirring for two minutes while scraping the sides.

  5. Pour the silicone: Slowly pour it into one corner of the mold box, allowing it to flow evenly over the model. The translucency of the silicone helps ensure full coverage.

  6. Let it cure: Within two hours, the mold is ready for de-molding.

How to Make a Brush-On Mold

A brush-on mold is ideal for vertical objects or when you need to save material and reduce costs—up to 60% less silicone is required compared to a block mold.

Materials Needed:

  • TAP Platinum Silicone

  • Thixotropic additive (for thickening)

  • Small brush

  • Model and base

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Attach the model: Secure the model to the base using hot glue.

  2. Apply the skin coat: Mix a small batch of TAP Platinum Silicone and brush a thin layer over the model, ensuring no air bubbles or missed spots. Allow it to gel for 30 minutes.

  3. Thicken the silicone: Mix a new batch of silicone and add up to 10% thixotropic additive to increase viscosity.

  4. Build up layers: Using a brush, spread the thickened silicone over the model, ensuring at least ¼-inch thickness.

  5. Create a flange: Extend the silicone two inches beyond the base to facilitate later use.

  6. Cure and remove: After two hours, peel off the mold. The mold can be supported using a cut-out cardboard box for stability.

Additional Benefits of TAP Platinum Silicone

Beyond its ease of use, Platinum Silicone offers another incredible advantage—it allows clear polyester resins to cure without tackiness or surface imperfections. This is particularly useful for transparent and jewel-like castings, such as:

  • Crystal-clear spheres

  • Gem-like decorative pieces

  • High-quality transparent resin parts

Conclusion

Whether you're making a block mold, brush-on mold, or two-part mold, TAP Platinum Silicone is the best choice for high-quality, precise, and easy mold making. With its unmatched user-friendly features and professional-grade results, this silicone is perfect for both beginners and experienced mold makers alike!

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