A key step when using polymer clay in silicone molds involves carefully trimming excess clay after pressing it into the mold cavity.
Working with silicone molds is a fantastic way to create intricate shapes and repetitive elements for your polymer clay projects. While the entire process includes preparing your clay, pressing it firmly into the mold to capture details, and carefully releasing the cured piece, managing excess clay is a necessary part of achieving a clean, defined result.
Trimming Excess Clay from Molds
After you have pressed the polymer clay into your silicone mold, you will often find surplus clay overlapping the edges of the mold. Removing this cleanly is crucial for achieving the desired shape and detail from the mold.
According to the provided reference, a specific method for this involves using a tissue blade:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Tool
You will need a sharp tissue blade to effectively trim the clay. - Step 2: Position the Blade
Carefully slide the tissue blade right underneath the overlapping clay, positioning it close to the mold edge. - Step 3: Peel Away the Clay
With the blade in place, gently peel the excess clay away from the mold surface and your molded piece. - Step 4: Refine as Needed
If you don't manage to remove all the excess clay in one go, that's okay. You can turn the mold and repeat the process with the tissue blade until all the overlapping clay is peeled away.
This careful trimming ensures that your molded piece has clean edges and fully reflects the design of the silicone mold without extra bulk around the perimeter.
