Maintaining silicone rubber moulds means cleaning them after every use, storing them dust-free and flat, and using a release agent with porous models. Good maintenance considerably extends the lifespan of a mould and keeps the details sharp. Below you can read step by step how to go about it.
Maintaining silicone rubber moulds pays off because a well-cared-for mould can last dozens to hundreds of times. Dirt, dust and cured resin residues affect the surface and reduce the detail reproduction in subsequent castings. A mould made of high-quality silicone rubber is an investment, and with a bit of routine maintenance you get many more uses out of it.
Cleaning and storing silicone moulds is the core of good maintenance. The biggest gain lies in cleaning immediately after casting and in the right way of storing.
A silicone mould is best cleaned immediately after casting, while no residues have dried in yet. Remove loose residues carefully by hand and clean the mould with mild cleaning agents; avoid aggressive solvents that can affect the rubber. Then let the mould dry completely before you store it, so that no moisture stays behind in the details. Also take a look at the range of silicone moulds if you are ready for a new one.
Silicone moulds you store dust-free and flat, because silicone attracts dust and lint that ends up in the next casting. Lay the mould on a flat surface or fill it up, so that thin walls do not deform or stretch during storage. Store the moulds out of direct sunlight and at a stable temperature, so that the material retains its properties.
Release agent and limiting wear are part of the maintenance of every mould you use more often. With the right approach you prevent cracks and stretching and keep the mould usable for longer.
A release agent you use mainly with porous models and with resins that can adhere to silicone. A thin layer of release agent makes demoulding easier and protects the surface of the mould against adhesion. That extends the lifespan and keeps the details sharp for longer, especially with fine work that you repeat often.
You prevent cracks and stretching by not forcing the mould during demoulding. Stretch a low shore mould calmly and evenly instead of pulling on one point. If you use the mould for heavy or large castings, a firmer variant such as silicone casting rubber shore 40 is more wear-resistant. If a mould suddenly feels too hard or too soft, you can read in too hard or too soft cured rubber what is going on.
Would you like advice on the maintenance of a specific mould or on the right release agent? Feel free to contact our specialists, and we will be happy to think along with you.
How often you can reuse a silicone mould depends on the shore, the casting materials and the maintenance. A well-cared-for mould often lasts dozens to hundreds of castings. Clean the mould after every use, store it dust-free and flat and use a release agent with porous models, and you will get the most uses out of it.
A silicone mould is best cleaned with mild cleaning agents and lukewarm water, immediately after casting. Remove loose residues carefully by hand and avoid aggressive solvents, because they can affect the rubber or make it swell. Then let the mould dry completely before you store it, so that no moisture stays behind in the details.
Silicone moulds you store dust-free, flat and out of direct sunlight. Silicone attracts dust and lint, so store the moulds away in a closed container or bag. Lay thin or flexible moulds on a flat surface or fill them up, so that the walls do not deform. A stable temperature helps the material retain its properties.
Not always, but with porous models and with resins that adhere to silicone, a release agent prevents damage to the mould. A thin layer makes demoulding easier and extends the lifespan. On smooth, non-porous casting materials silicone often releases well on its own and a release agent is less necessary, although with fine detail work it never hurts.
If a silicone mould becomes tacky, the rubber is often not fully cured or there has been cure inhibition. A slightly sticky surface you can sometimes remedy by letting the mould cure further in a warm, clean place. If it keeps sticking, the mould is usually no longer reliable and you are better off casting a new one with the right mixing ratio.
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