IOD Moulds can be used with many different mediums. We
will cover the two most common here. Every medium has its own characteristics,
challenges, and virtues.
Air dry clay, or paper clay: IOD
paper clay is an air dry medium, and one of our favorites. Like most paper pulp
based air dry clays, some shrinking, warping, and cracking is inherent. We like
these qualities for a distressed, authentically vintage look. Our favorite way
to apply moulded pieces is to remove them from the mould while still moist, and
adhere to the surface with the appropriate glue so it conforms well. For
vertical surfaces, use a piece of low tack tape to hold it in place so it
doesn’t slide.
Casting resins: There are some
great pourable resins available. These have completely different qualities than
the paper clay. There is no shrinking or warping, and the castings are more
consistent. Depending on the project, these qualities can be helpful. If you
need to conform them to a curved surface, this can be done if removed from the
mould before it’s completely hardened.
On releases: We find that most
of the time a release is not necessary and the casting will come out without
the use of a release, however, if you are having trouble with the material
sticking (more common with clays than resins), a light dusting of simple
cornstarch or arrowroot is a great choice.
