If you have a decorative item that you want to make a copy of, you can make a mold of that item. You don't have to be a specialist to get a professional impression. You can make an impression of any size, mass, and shape. Follow these steps to learn the basics of making an impression.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Laying out the container
Step 1. Decide if you need a one-piece or two-piece shape
If you are making an impression of an object that has one side flat, then you only need one impression. For complex 3D shapes, your impression will be in two parts.
Step 2. Measure your item in height, length and width
How else do you know what size your cast will be? Be sure to take all measurements.
Step 3. Make a box for your cast, taking into account its dimensions
The box can be made from any material. If the edges of the box are not airtight, you will need to glue them together with glue or a similar substance.
- Before you start cutting your box, add 2.5 cm each to the height, length, and width. You will need additional space for the mass of the impression.
- Cut 2 walls from the foam for the width and 2 walls for the length, taking into account the height of the object. Cut 1 square piece (width and length) for the bottom of the box.
- Glue the four walls and the bottom together with super glue. Make sure the box is sealed.
Method 2 of 3: Installing the Item
Step 1. Prepare the subject
The method you use will vary slightly depending on the type of nugget you are using:
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For a one-piece impression, secure the flat side of the object to the bottom of the drawer with an easy-to-peel adhesive. This will prevent the impression mix from flowing out.
Instead of an instant cast mix, use a molding clay
- For a two-piece cast, apply a layer of clay to the bottom of the box and attach the object to it, leaving only half of the object to be cast. When you submerge the bottom of the object about halfway down, smooth out the top layer of clay as much as possible before moving on to the next step.
Step 2. Prepare your impression compound according to the instructions on the package
There are several varieties of this composition, so find out about each of them before buying anything.
- The latex impression compound is cheap and easy to use, but cures for a very long time.
- Silicone impression compound is a more serious choice, whatever your project.
Step 3. Prepare the surface of the item
Before immersing the object in the composition, apply it to the front side. Pay special attention to crevices and other small details. This first layer will take care of all the little details, but you still have to do everything carefully.
Step 4. Pour the composition
Be sure to fill the entire box with your composition. The item must be completely immersed in it.
According to the instructions on the package, wait as long as necessary for the composition to harden
Method 3 of 3: Extract
Step 1. Break the box in which the impression was made
Remove the item from the cast. Your cast is now ready! To take the second part of the nugget, go to the second step.
Step 2. Repeat this entire process to prepare the second part of the impression as follows
- Break the box to reveal half of the cast.
- Remove the clay carefully, leaving half of the impression intact.
- Use a knife to cut 3-4 pyramid-shaped holes on the impression. These will serve as connections for the two finished mold halves.
- Make a new impression box, taking into account the length and width of the existing impression and leaving enough space on top to accommodate the second part of the impression.
- Place the item in the box, face down. Make sure it fits snugly so that the mix for the new impression does not run down the walls.
- Lubricate the face of the impression onto which you will pour the composition. This way, the two parts of the impression will not stick to each other.
- Pour the composition, let it harden, then remove the box and separate the two pieces together. Your two-piece cast is now complete.
Advice
- When deciding how to place your item in the impression box, be sure to consider where you will place the two finished molded pieces together and how you will remove the item from the cast. It is best to lay the object along, so that the composition pours out on the front or back of the object (and not on its top and bottom).
- You can use other material for the box. The main thing is that it retains the composition for the cast.