Making these solid 12x6x1.5" HDPE blocks available has been on our todo list for the better part of 2 years! This simple piece of resin resistant plastic allows you to "convert" your 24x12x1.5" Crafted Elements Silicone Mold into an 18x12x1.5".
The HDPE block acts as a solid filler that sits within the mold. Place your wood and resin in the balance of the mold, then demold as usual. The HDPE block can be knocked off your cured resin with little effort, then used again for the next pour.
You can also use this block as a middle spacer to create two smaller boards. For example, place this block in the middle of the 24x12x1.5" mold, and you'll have two 12x9x1.5" voids that you can fill to make two small serving boards at once.
This simple little block has the magic ability to turn one mold into two popular sizes. Pretty cool right?
Crafted Elements Silicone Molds
The last mold you will ever need. Created just for makers, resin artists and wood workers, these time saving flexible yet durable silicone molds significantly cut down on the setup and demolding time usually involved with other molds. Silicone molds are superior to wood and tuck tape, and HDPE molds because:
They can be used with epoxy resin, resin and wood, concrete, Jesmonite, plaster and more.
They never need assembled, or disassembled. Saving huge amounts of time.
The strength and flexibility of the molds allows you to insert and remove pieces of wood easily.
The corners and edges never need sealed.
When using wood, the wood stays in place, tight in the mold if you cut it 1/16" larger than the width of the mold. Alternatively use our HDPE block kit in conjunction with hand weights or clamps to keep your wood from up in your resin. The HDPE blocks dont stick to set resin and are easily and cleanly removed.
The mold is heat resistant to ~450F. Avoid direct contact with the flame of a torch. Briskly wave your torch or use a heat gun to pop bubbles.
The molds are reusable. However silicone molds do have a finite lifespan when used with epoxy resin, but getting 20-30+ castings out of the mold can be expected when they are properly cared for and a non-silicone based mold release spray is used.
Like HDPE, epoxy resin does not stick to silicone. However, the heat generated by the exothermic reaction and the chemicals in epoxy resin are very harsh to all silicone molds. Additionally, if part of your epoxy has not fully set due to improper mixing, the epoxy can become bonded to the mold. Both of these factors can lead to mold tear out when removing your piece from the mold, leading to pits and tears on the surface of the mold. This is why we a non-silicone based mold release spray is required before each pour. To help prevent tear out and to increase the life of your mold. We use the 'MG Chemicals 8329 Non-Silicone Epoxy Mold Release', 'Mann Ease Release 200' or 'Mann Ease Release 300'. Cooking spray, vaseline, silicone based sprays or sprays designed for urethane or polyester products should NEVER be used. Using a proper, non-silicone based mold release can mean the difference between getting only a couple of uses from your mold to 20, 30 or more.
