Mold Making Challenge: Clear Casting a Pine Cone

Overview

How do you solve difficult mold making challenges? In this video, Milo demonstrates how to keep the end goal in mind--a translucent resin pine cone--every step of the way when planning out the mold.

The first challenge is sealing the model (an actual pinecone) and giving it a glossy finish which will look better when casting a transparent clear urethane resin.

Next, a silicone mold rubber that is both stretchy and durable enough needs to be selected for a piece with deep recesses and undercuts.

Lastly, a suitable clear casting resin is used to make the finished pieces, ideal for outdoor display or in a themed environment.

Materials Used in this Tutorial

  • Pinecone for model
  • Ecoflex™ 00-30 silicone
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • CA glue
  • Electric drill and drywall screw
  • Sonite Wax
  • Cardboard tube
  • XTC-3D epoxy
  • Aluminum foil
  • Ease Release 200
  • Sculptex clay
  • Melamine board
  • Mixing cups and sticks
  • Aluminum flashing
  • Duct tape
  • Scalpel or X-Acto blade
  • Crystal Clear urethane resin
  • So-Strong or UVO colorants