Putting polymer clay into silicone molds involves carefully pressing and working conditioned clay into the mold cavities to capture the desired shape and detail.
To effectively put polymer clay into silicone molds, you typically start with conditioned clay, take a small piece, and work it thoroughly into all the details of the mold cavity, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped.
Preparing Your Materials
Before you begin molding, ensure your polymer clay is well-conditioned. This makes it pliable and easier to press into the mold details. Your silicone mold should be clean and free of debris.
- Condition the Clay: Knead the polymer clay until it is soft and smooth.
- Clean the Mold: Use a soft brush or a piece of tape to remove any dust or clay residue from the mold cavities.
The Molding Process: Working the Clay
The key to getting a clean, detailed impression from a silicone mold is how you introduce and work the clay into the cavity.
- Start Small: Take a small piece of conditioned polymer clay. As seen with techniques like using Green Fimo, starting with a very small piece allows for better control.
- Work it In: Begin pressing the clay into the deepest parts and details of the mold cavity first. Use your finger or a tool.
- Massage or Sash the Clay: The reference mentions working a small piece of clay "back and forth" like "sashing it into" or "massaging it in". This technique involves pushing the clay against the mold surfaces, working it into all crevices and corners to ensure complete filling and prevent air bubbles. Continue adding small amounts of clay and working them into the mold using this massaging or sashing motion until the cavity is full.
- Fill Completely: Add enough clay to slightly overfill the cavity.
- Remove Excess: Use a straight edge like a craft knife or a blade held flat against the mold surface to carefully shave or cut away the excess clay, leaving the surface flush with the top of the mold.
Tips for Success
- Avoid Air Bubbles: The "sashing" or massaging technique using small amounts of clay is crucial for pushing out air and filling details properly.
- Ensure Detail Capture: Press firmly but evenly across the entire surface of the clay within the mold.
- Clean Excess: A clean cut when removing excess clay results in a crisp edge on your molded piece.
- Release: Most silicone molds are flexible enough that the cured clay piece can be gently bent out after baking. For uncured clay, careful flexing might be needed, or chilling the mold can sometimes help stiffen the clay for easier release before baking.
By using conditioned clay and carefully working it into the mold cavity, especially employing techniques like sashing or massaging small pieces into the details, you can achieve crisp, well-defined polymer clay pieces using silicone molds.
