HDPE Hold Down Block Kit For Silicone Molds

We all know that the easiest way to keep wood from floating up in a wood and resin pour is to clamp it or weight it down. Unfortunately if the resin portion of your project spills onto the wood and meets your clamp or weight, you end up bonding it to your project! HDPE blocks are a perfect "in between solution", place them on your wood and then apply weight on top of them (or clamp down to them). They are super easy to remove from set resin and normally pop right off. For a larger amount of resin around the block, use a hammer or mallet to knock it off and detach from the resin.

Our kit includes 5 pieces of HDPE. We create these kits out of scrap HDPE from our projects here in the shop or up-cycled material. Some of it is brand new (virgin) plastic, some of it is recycled from cut up projects. We include one longer sized piece of HDPE (under 15" long) and then four random sized smaller blocks, typically between 3x3" and 5x5". Most of the blocks are 3/4" thick as that is the primary material type we use, however there may also be 1/2" thick material in the mix. It all depends on what we have on hand when we create a bunch of these packs.

Note: No weights, or mold is included with this pack, it is strictly the HDPE blocks.

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.
• Mold Instructions & Care - Click Here