Alumilite Explains: How to Choose a Silicone

[@RudeToys]

I generally thought it would be one of these bloody videos that sell you load of rubbish and talk loads of junk, but I must say I was pleased To see you give a clear and very helpful set of insights and information towards mould making Thank you

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Happy to help!

[@CaptainEshara]

As someone who's completely new to mould making, this is one of the best and easiest explanations of what silicone choice i need, thank you

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Happy we could help!

[@didimedina4858]

This video was incredible. I went from newb to guru in less than 10 min.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Love to hear it!!!

[@daniellec2172]

I love that you offer clear, cross-brand technical information without just selling your own products, which so many other companies do. Even the types of resin video was like that too. Respect. Very few brands seem to want to explain anything that would actually allow the customer to make an informed decision, it's terrible and makes it seem as if they're insecure about anyone knowing anything. Appreciate this so much that it makes me lean towards buying your products.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you so much for the feedback!! We love to provide our customers with the education they need to use our products!

[@phizc]

I can't tell if your comment was sarcasm or not.. 🤷‍♂️

[@kinangeagle133]

Dude, for some reason you made 2 of my most needed videos recently. I’m trying to get started on building a sim racing wheel, and I really need to make a mold for some PU grips. So i was doing research and by pure coincidence, you just made a “how to choose silicones” and a “how to make box molds” video. Thank god

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're glad we could help! We love making these videos so if you have any subjects you need covered, send them our way!

[@wolflahti412]

The decision tree breaks if my part is a 3-D print or made of clay and the mold needs to be food safe.

[@iMrCEO]

you can use for your molds either Smooth-Sil 940 (food grade) or SORTA-Clear numbers 18, 37, or 40 and for your 3d prints this video --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3qWd3Shec6cqpYsi=kRqLiz-M4zRK-_yA

[@cranksinatra7810]

This really is the most complete and informative video I've watched so far for mold making, THANK YOU

[@JerryBWagoner]

Another great video! Thank you for continuing to do these. This was a topic I still needed. And as a fellow dork I can say that we enjoy the fun atmosphere that you all do these videos with.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You're the best, Jerry! Glad you found it helpful and glad to have a fellow dork around :)

[@jerrelbaker5334]

With mold kit can I use soft plastic to make mold? It will be two part mold?

[@jenniferkelley3777]

All the info I was looking for. Thank you so much!!!!!!🎉

[@BrandiWineRn]

Wow thanks for the simplification of choosing different types of molds!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@artemsverhunov7413]

Thank you for the video! What silicone would be the best for producing an inflatable food grade mouthpiece? Not a mold for it but the product itself.

[@CincinnatusPublish]

I picked up your Tin 2 and used it to make a new negative of a plastic mold I have since I didn't want to ruin the original while working with resin and cement (separately). It doesn't have any real deep cuts, but it's an oversized mold of the front of a face. There was a lot of run off on the first two coats, which isn't surprising, and I used burlap right after I applied the first layer that incorporated your thickener (third layer), and then another two coats with the thickener. From there I coated it with several layers of plaster and burlap dipped in plaster so it would hold its form when I eventually poured resin or cement into it. It took me two hours to demold because of suction (suction is expected), but when I finally released it, I was surprised by how much quality there was to the product!!! I've never done this before and while I was able to talk to a friend who use to do this sort of work decades ago, your videos were INVALUABLE!! Thank you so much!!!

[@MistyDawn9801]

Glad I went on this journey with you guys! Also the fact we caught you meowing three times!

[@summertime11413]

What a lovely personality you have! .... I'm trying to research mold making for small flat back accessories to use in Crafts. This video was so educational and fun at the same time, due to your engaging delivery .... You were absolutely BORN to do this! 🙏🏾🤗 Bless you and thank you for your help. Now excuse me while I go binge watch your video catalog! 🤭 New Sub ... UK 🇬🇧🌼👍🏾

[@mariia4702]

Super helpful video, thank you so much!

[@123Goldhunter11]

Great info. Thanks. I'm trying to make some finials for a steel fence with 1" pipe uprights. Now I have to figure out what material to pour that's hard but not brittle.

[@tek4]

I've used amazing clear cast bar top for years. I love the resins you have, and this video hits home with my 35 yo @$$. I like this video a bit more then I should. However I thibk you guys nailed the right tones, and informational mix. Huge props my friends.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad it hit home for you - we're here to help any time!

[@tek4]

@@AlumiliteCorporation i live to vacuum cast with your resin, and the long cure time if the amazing clear cast let's me remove the disolved gass rather then hiding it causing weak spots imo. I've never had one issue with alumilite products. Heck even the dyes are super concentrated and 😍 beautiful.

[@p.s.r.drawings]

I wish I could have seen this video sooneeeer! Great and easy explanation! Thank you very much!😄

[@just8thanks]

I feel like you just saved me HOURS of time. Thanks a Ton! Great video

[@dougbrown7186]

Just starting this journey of casting my on parts for scale model making and have been watching a lot of You Tube videos. Finding this one has explained a lot of things I was struggling with. Great video! I did notice that on your two piece molds none of them have any pour spouts or vent holes, how is the resin poured into them?

[@sharonshadbolt8477]

Thank you very much. All the information that I needed. Thanks, Sharon.

[@alaamouh2765]

I would like to add one route in multi part mold For people hwo doesn't have a release agent some platinum silicone after being cured will not stick to the new poured silicone which is a really helpful feature if you don't have a release agent

[@atomicredhead]

I sure hope you are getting this question. I'm trying to make a silacone mold for a taper candle. I poured silacone over a couple of wax taper candles. And my candles are bendy, and cloudy. I'm using rebound 25 silacone.

[@stan_the_man1749]

I believe rebound 25 is a platinum cure silicone. your issue may be cure inhibition since your candles are wax. Try a tin cure silicone like High Strength 2 or 3 mentioned above.

[@FelipePaez]

I'm going to build a project and for educating me, I will buy my epoxy and silicone from you guys...

[@WiekingderViking]

What a great conversational style!

[@saj9814]

this playlist is very helpful thanks

[@higuide2]

Thanks for this man. I stuck through it and you answered everything I needed to know. Alumilite LET'S GOOOOO

[@abrahamanthony7106]

Great video! You just gained a customer because of it.

[@doctorpine]

This video is very helpful thank you very much. Any chance there is a silicone to use for high temp situations? Do any of these have different temperature ratings?

[@Murphbuzzy531]

Thank you for the great video. Explained very well. I'm new to resins and wanted to make my own and this HELPED a lot. Thanks Going to get me some Alumilite. To let you know this was my first video on this subject, I've heard of your product.

[@catherineharris4746]

Simply outstanding, Thank You!👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@victorboyd9881]

Where did you get that yellow milk crate?

[@rwbot]

This was super helpful. Appreciate the decision tree format rather than firehosing specs. I have a requirement that isn’t explicitly covered by the tree though - heat resistance (230C/450F max in my case, like for air fryers) how does it affect the tree?

[@KBrown-xr7vy]

This video was so helpful.

[@alexolinel_mua5133]

This is very helpful, thank you so much.

[@skiilunceford1384]

Have you ever used InfiniMold? It's a re-meltable/re-useable mold.

[@stompy1209]

Excellent guide, I really could have done with finding your channel sooner. Many thanks 🙏

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Well we're glad you're here now! Thanks for watching!

[@yawahviskinda3038]

I’m trying to make a 3” concrete silicone tulip molds with lids and my logo on it what can I use?

[@jillclay936]

excellent, one query re library life? how many castings should i expect to get from the finished mold. brilliant tutorial!!!

[@charlesabbethy490]

Decision tree, what great idea. Thanks 🐸

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You got it! Thanks for watching!

[@robertkelley8015]

Great information! Question, how can I create a mold of a 3D printed part but I need the material on the left side of the decision tree? Sounds Iike it is not possible?

[@hazielushd4354]

Thanks for the Decision Tree and this amazing video; ✨ Although I have a couple of questions, can we have the definition of : "CA" , "Krazy" (wich is mentionned in the chart) ? Second question; Despite the fact that my master is 3D printed with FoodSafe filament (like PLA), or FoodSafe resin (like epoxy resin), can I still utilize FoodSafe silicone ? (Because it seems like silicone with high strength of 1, 2, and 3 is not suitable for food use.)

[@HeatherWhiteNetworks]

Brilliant. Thank you so much. Can't wait to get started

[@zinetx]

Are there any separately-sold products that alter the characteristics of the silicone? Something like what the retarder, flow improver, gel products do to acrylic paints? What I mean by that, is there a separate additives of silicone hardeners that change the shore hardness on whichever silicone type you have, for e.g.?

[@microgoji6937]

Can you use a proto putty molder for casting a life silicone rubber skin?

[@carlsong5182]

Great solved my doubt on the hardness got one 45a making a mold for Digimon vpet case

[@IsaacHerrador]

Hellouuu!, Good video, could you tell me some resin/polymer to use on silicone molds to produce final rubbery silicone phone case type products?

[@kaamn1829]

If you're trying to coat something (a very small magnetic disk) in medically safe silicone, how do we know what to use?

[@souljunkee33]

Thank you your video was a great way to confirm that I did learn how to choose silicones for mold making. I would say something like wish I had found it before I taught myself but I know that's just how I learn best anyways to sit there and come through all the scientific and learn the industry's jargon. Excellent confirmation I appreciate it and I believe your your warning to people that if they know about silicones they don't need the video is well-advised I appreciate now having the confidence to put myself in that category.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're glad we could confirm some of your self-learned knowledge! Keep making and let us know if you have a topic you'd like us to dive deeper into!

[@garrrbarr]

it seems like soft, flexible silicone is the best for molds because it's convenient. When is that not the case? What situations would a super soft silicone be too soft? Does it come down to that "dimensional stability" question? The shore hardness 10 and under are nice for demolding little figurines for example

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You're absolutely right that soft, flexible silicone is fantastic for many molding applications due to its ease of use and ability to capture fine details. However, there are situations where super soft silicone might not be the best choice. Here's a quick rundown of when and why a firmer silicone might be better: When Super Soft Silicone is Too Soft: When the Mold Needs to Hold Its Shape Under Pressure: If you're casting materials like concrete, plaster, or large resin pieces, the weight of the material can distort or collapse a super soft mold. In such cases, a firmer silicone (like one with a higher Shore A hardness) ensures the mold stays stable during the pour and curing process. For Thin, Intricate Designs with Fine Walls: Super soft silicone can flex too much when demolding, potentially distorting fine details or causing the mold to tear if the walls are thin. A slightly firmer silicone provides more structural integrity. When You Need Longevity and Durability: Softer silicones wear out faster, especially if the mold sees repeated use or you're casting abrasive materials. Firmer silicones can handle more cycles and resist tearing better over time. If the Mold Requires Rigidity for Precision: For applications like jewelry molds or parts with tight tolerances, a softer silicone might not hold the precise shape needed, especially under stress. A firmer silicone ensures the finished piece matches the original design perfectly. When Casting Heavy or Rigid Materials: Materials like metals (e.g., pewter) or dense resins exert significant pressure during curing. A soft silicone mold might sag or deform under the weight, leading to misshapen casts. Firmer silicones prevent this issue. Pro Tip: If you're unsure about the softness level needed, a medium-firm silicone (Shore A 20-40) is a versatile choice for most projects. You can also reinforce softer molds with a rigid shell or box to provide additional support during casting. Let us know if you'd like specific product recommendations for different Shore A levels or additional tips for your project! 😊

[@onurakgul5083]

Thanks this video is very helpful for me

[@calebverdught]

I noticed on your website the PLAT 55 is no longer available. What would be the suitable replacement?

[@Harvz78]

I’m have been thinking of making a boot protective cover for the power tools battery pack for Ryobi made with silicone. I don’t know if it can be done.

[@salonisalonilodha9659]

Hello , I want to make concrete trinkets and candle holders , having a tough time choosing which casting should I choose, aqua cast or jesmonite or white cement and sand or white putty . I so close to quite the idea of making them , pls tell about them , which one to use for which purpose 😢😢😢😢

[@mlrable]

What about temperature range finished like pot

[@erinfmcomedy8484]

How can we achieve the super stretchy/gummy type of silicone? What’s that kind called?

[@OzkAltBldgCo-bv8tt]

My question is can you use a silicone mold to make silicone parts I'm interested in making a universal flashlight holder that will universally fit both a flashlight and a barrel? It would slide over both the barrel and the flashlight would also fit inside the other side. They may be shaped sort of "C" shaped or maybe not have a cut in the ring? I'm thinking that I could just use barrel-shaped pipes with like a welded Square bar tack to the side of it to make c-shaped molds.

[@justrude2u20]

Thank you for this info. any input as to which silicone would be ideal for casting a PU foam abject?

[@thaburninator0904]

If i wanted to make a platinum silicone mold of a clay master, what should I use to seal the clay? I am having trouble finding a reliable answer online.

[@truck6859]

What kind of silicone should I use, to make a small craft that's soft but durable like a groove ring or marriage ring?

[@thiccchungus5362]

Thanks! Greatly informed info

[@RHz11296]

😂😂😂😂 the meow is hilarious it made me even more comfortable to be honest I’m a single parent starting a business myself

[@kellyfischer6916]

Love the decision tree, but I'm wondering about making something food safe when my master is made of hardened clay? I'd go down the first portion of the tree, but it says nothing about food saftey, which is a consideration in the other half. Help??

[@autumnjeserich2689]

Thank you for helping. I repair automotive instrument clusters and I been wanting a cheap way to make clear needles since a lot of them nowadays use orange plastic instead of the paint like they used to. My concern is will the silicone goes down the tiny holes where the needle mounts to the cap.

[@LHB33]

Here's a question? What are they using for self healing shooting targets? Silicone rubber or urethane rubber?

[@SeanGreezy]

The decision tree has shown me a problem I will face in an upcoming project. My work requires a platinum cured silicone, but my desired process was 3d printing. How does one appropriately make a master if the intended product is the silicone mold? Thank you for all the help

[@user-pb4jg2dh4w]

Does these infos applied to the silicon tube , the one that you applied a force at the bottom to pour it

[@Demosophist]

Thinking about making my own dentures from a mold and wonder if a high strength FDA compliant silicone would be a decent option for flexible partials, as opposed to nylon?

[@skb4all]

Want to make a clear hose pipe elbow for high pressure water. Which grade could you please suggest? Thnx in advance.

[@jenniferangelo9505]

Your white dry boards make it little easier to understand. But I love watching n learning from your videos. Ty

[@CorvetteTrev]

What is the best thing to pour in a mold to make a tool handle, a nice one , for a $300 ratchet. I want a nice blue handle, I do have a plastic tube u can use for a mold, what I'm really wondering is what I can pour into the molds, more silicone? I see so much molds but very little on finished item, especially a tool handle. I would love to figure this out. Snap-On charges $55 for a screwdriver 🪛, you'd have to pull it apart and drill it out. I would really like to make my own! My own colors and I can cut vinyl letters etc. Any insight 🎉 Thank you in advance, Trevor.

[@exciton007]

Very good video! Where do you buy all these types of silicone?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

You can find them all In our Silicone section! www.alumilite.com/products/silicones/

[@Mini-vz7yk]

Wow that's some efficient work tree

[@trevorsanders161]

That link doesn’t work for some reason, I was hoping to save the chart to my phone

[@javierfito5077]

can you tint tin silicone with acrylic paint while mixing?

[@atomicredhead]

QUESTION: I'm trying to make a mold for taper candles. My silacone is a 20. And it's still hard to get the cast out if it. What would you suggest? I need it to stand vertical

[@zoompizza3506]

Hi have you got a link to wear I can get platinum 55 and how to colour it black pls ?

[@gustavomaciel787]

Good video. On a 2 pc mold for a swimbait mold. Will a Platt 40 work And do I have to vacuum to use, which I don't have

[@anaaaa1234]

Great video! Thank you so much, I learn a lot and now Im pretty sure what I need! 🙂 thanks,

[@rickyreed4275]

Will you be doing anymore videos with you hosting?

[@s44577]

Informative AND entertaining! Two thumbs up. Meow.

[@becomingpeculiar2815]

I am wanting to make a mold of a concrete fence block, which would you recommend and in what volume, the brick is like 7x5x7

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We have a volume calculator you can use to figure out how much silicone you'll need for a project! You can find it here: www.alumilite.com/volume-calculator/

[@Level_Up_Nation]

I just did my first ever mold making this week....and...its addictive. lol I first used a blue type Silicon that was a firm one and bought some more of the same type that came in clear and it was soft and easy to pop out parts. The Blue Silicon I used at first works great for keeping the mold shape but had to cut the plug out vs the clear type they sent me in the next order where I could just pop the plug out without cutting. SO this information should help out, Silicon is not cheap. (I used Parafin Wax for my plug) Edit oooo I now understand what happened @6 min my first order was LET'S RESIN Silicone Mold Making Kit 30A,160oz/10Lbs Durable Mold Making Silicone Rubber,Fast Curing Platinum Silicone 30A hardness my reorder was LET'S RESIN Silicone Mold Making Kit 31.04oz/1.94lbs - Translucent Silicone Rubber

[@Diggers_daughter]

I really enjoy your tutorials

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

This is awesome to hear! Thanks so much for watching!

[@springtolifenutrition6322]

Can one make a food safe mold out of a polymer clay (cured) sculpture? According to your decision tree it looks like no? Great video and thanks!

[@atomicredhead]

Can I use a lucite candle for a cast in silacone? Inwant to make a mold of a lucite candle

[@mingiasi]

what if i have opposite situation? like door trim piece i want to make out of silicone?

[@Monsieur.Nobody.]

Heya g'day from Australia. Do you reckon any of these would work to cast a shoe last for shoe making? If not, what would you recommend?

[@MoesKeckeEcke]

Is it possible to make a mold from a silicone part and then use silicone in silicone mould? I do have a 3d seal, little zigzag bellow made from silicone which i want to recreate in shore 70A..

[@cachejewels8532]

Question: Can you make a silicone mold starting with something made out of plaster of paris? Can you make a mold from something painted with acrylic paint? If not, could you use anything to seal them and then make molds?

[@TheMusicaEclectica]

Very helpful video indeed. To date, I have only purchased molds and since sellers don't seem to provide info on the flexibility of their molds I've gotten a wide array of molds that range anywhere from solid to floppy. Now I can make some of my own molds and feel confident that I know what I'm doing. :)

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're glad to hear that! If you want more insight into the mold making process we just released two free mold-making courses on our website under Alumilite Academy!!

[@jerrelbaker5334]

You have me wondering will your amazing mold work for soft plastic baits? Can it handle heat and use soft plastic as modle?

[@GrandadsWorkshop5252]

Hi very helpful chart but I’m still not confident about the choices I should make. I’m after casting a 1/6 scale motocross tyre ie lots of nobbly bits from a hard plastic model so I’m leaning towards the high strength 3 for the mold and for the tyre itself A20 silicone rubber. Does that sound close ? Thanks in advance.

[@Mauricemrrovero]

Hi can I pour tin/pewter on plat 10? I'm planning to cast action figures. Thank you.

[@patrickkavanagh7371]

I have a polurethane rubber emblem and want to make a mold of it will silicone rubber mold be okay, will that work or would it stick permanantly?

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Please check your decision tree PDF. When I downloaded it, it looked like black and white squares, no discernable flowchart at all.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thank you for the heads up!

[@thedjkay]

Can I pour platinum silicone in a tin silicone mold? or will they stick together?

[@dianeibsen5994]

Hi. I've been wanting to cover my mason jar(s) so they don't crack/break when I travel and work with them.. putting them in my backpack. I am wondering what kind of silicone sleeve or jacket you would recommend for this? I could make it myself, or just purchase them from a reputable reputable company that you may know of. I would like it to be fairly easy to take on and off, to clean. but also thick enough that if it was to fall on the ground it wouldn't break the glass. Also, what silicone sealer you'd recommend to keep water from leaking out of the Mason jar lid. Thank you so much for your help! Diane

[@arronthomas68]

Im a noob with this stuff. Do the different shore values bond together? Can I do part of it at shore 40 (A40) and the other part as shore 60 (A60) and have them bond together? My mold will be all one shore number, but the product I want to make will be made out of silicone (for prototype purposes / before we involve the rubber sections). Thanks in advance and ignore the haters, cats are aweome. Meow!!!

[@Momalaka318]

I have a dumb question but I only have a platinum silicone and 3d resin printed masters. I need to get something molded and I dont have the time to wait to order and wait on the shipping. So can I seal my master with clear fingernail polish to protect the silicone from the uv resin?