Tips for using Iron Orchid Design Moulds
The air dry clay will ‘shrink’ slightly as it dries, gaps and cracking may appear between moulds once it dries, this is part of the charm.
Air dry clay can be glued when still wet - this makes it ideal for curved or shaped projects.
A light dusting of cornflour or arrowroot powder, helps with the release of the clay
Do not overfill the moulds, use a scrapper to level off the moulds - Watch this video
Alternative mediums can be used, such as hot glue guns (the fat glue sticks), casting resin and plaster of paris, really any medium that sets.
Casting Resin will give you finer details, however dries firm and not ideal for curved surfaces, but great for perfect firm castings
Gibb Plaster of Paris is another cost effective medium, however it is messier and perhaps more time consuming.
Use most glues, Tacky glue dries quickly and is recommended. PVA works well, allows you time to place mould in position, but not ideal for curved pieces as it slides while drying.
Use any paint product on the above mediums
CASTING RESIN
CASTING RESIN INVOLVES MIXING 2 LIQUIDS TOGETHER TO FORM A CLEAR GEL THAT THEN DRIES WHITE AND HARD. GREAT FOR CAPTURING ALL THE DETAIL AND RETAINS PERFECT SHAPE
AIR DRY CLAY
EASIEST AND MOST VERSATILE OF PRODUCTS TO USE IN MOULDS. SOFT PUTTY LIKE TEXTURE, CAN BE GLUED WHEN WET, IDEAL FOR CURVED SURFACES. CRACKS WILL APPEAR AS CLAY SHRINKS AND DRIES
SHOP AIR DRY CLAYPLASTER OF PARIS
GIBB PLASTER OF PARIS AVAILABLE FROM BUNNINGS IS A COST EFFECTIVE OPTION. GREAT DETAIL CAN BE ACHIEVED, CAN TAKE AWHILE TO MASTER THE RIGHT CONSISTENCY. USE A STRONGER GLUE THAN A CRAFT PVA GLUE. RECOMMEND A CONTACT ADHESIVE OR LIQUID NAILS