Moldmaking Molds and First Project Advice

You were a lurker. You're out in the wild, now!
You've asked some questions, so be prepared for all sorts of answers. :p

I have absolutely no idea what the mold compound is, from your description, so I cannot help you very well, here. It sounds like you need to seal your sculpt before molding it? :confused: It sounds like a Latex mold material? :confused: Latex mold material will dry out and shrink. Which material are you planning to cast in the mold? If you are planning on casting resin, then try a silicone rubber molding compound. Smooth-On 305 has been recommended for beginners?

Ask for recommendations about silicone rubber molding kits. The kits have everything you need, and don't cost an arm and a leg.

I guess it depends on what size doll you are planning on making? I've seen those plastic shoe boxes selling in Art Supply stores around here for less than $1.00. They can be stored under your bed (unless you sleep on a mattress on the floor?). A cutting board can be used as a table, perched on your lap. Or, use your desk, or a kitchen table. Some newspaper is good for containing the mess. Tools can be stored in one of the plastic shoe boxes. Store La Doll, etc, in zip-lock baggies. Your studio doesn't have to be fancy! Never let the lack of a proper studio stop you from making Art! I started out with the kind of studio I've described, many years ago. You can do it! :XD

 

yes, silicone for molds every time, minimal shrinkage, easy to mix and set up (if a little sticky and messy)

Put a bit of tissue or cotton wool soaked in water and wrung out in the bag if you are using paper or stone clays of any kind, it helps keep them moist.

Maybe a plastic dust sheet in your work area, it can be folded and put away with all the bits in one place.

If you don't have a table to use, then a lap tray or piece of mdf will be useful.

a plastic cup with water in for smoothing out clay and some carving/dentist/wax tools for working detail

hand cream, seriously with paperclay you'll need it after all that moisture

 

I live in a small apartment also, and work in my kitchen. I use Premiere or Apoxie, so I don't need any casting equipment. I keep the materials and tools in plastic boxes in the closet when I'm not working on them. When I have a project going, it takes over the entire kitchen, so I have to eat elsewhere!

 

As previously stated, make sure you seal any air dry clay like La Doll before you make molds. You can use gesso ( I recommend the spray version over the paint on so you don't have to sand away brush strokes) and/or primer. Krylon is a good brand for both.

The easiest silicone I've used for molds is Smooth-On's Oomoo. I would recommend Oomoo for beginners. (Smooth Cast 305 is a white resin that a lot of people use on the site when they first start) You can get Oomoo off the smooth-on website or their retail store ( Reynold Sam) or possibly from some other vendor like Dick Blick Art.

Hope that helps and good luck with your project :] Also, I work on two tv tray stands, as I live in a small apartment as well. :]