The maintenance of silicone molds is often overlooked, and even with careful care, they will eventually wear out. However, proper upkeep can prolong their lifespan. Thus, we have provided several guidelines to assist with maintaining your silicone molds. We are confident that these guidelines will prove highly beneficial and helpful to you.
silicone mold maintenance
1. Regular Cleansing
Silicone molds do not have anti-static properties, which makes them prone to attracting dust and lint. Anything left on the surface of silicone molds will be permanently embedded in the next resin casting. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential.
To clean the molds, you can simply use dishwashing detergent or soap. Apply it to the entire inner surface of the mold and rinse it off with clean water. Afterward, allow it to air dry. Avoid using any abrasive chemicals for mold cleaning. The use of alcohol-infused wipes for wiping down molds is not recommended, as prolonged application of alcohol-based wipes can ultimately result in the dimming of the silicone mold's surface, thereby imparting a lackluster aspect to the resin cast products, inducing a matte finish.
During the cleansing process, avoid using cotton swabs or cotton balls to clean the silicone mold, as fibers may become embedded within the mold. Also, refrain from using abrasive materials like steel wool or toothbrushes, as they can potentially damage the silicone and cause permanent harm. Additionally, be cautious not to overstretch the mold while cleaning.
2. Apply Release Agent
Silicone molds inherently possess exceptional demolding characteristics, yielding highly favorable demolding outcomes during the initial usages. However, as the molds undergo successive casting cycles, wear and tear accumulate, progressively rendering the demolding process more challenging. Therefore, before using the mold, a thin layer of demolding agent can be sprayed on the mold surface to reduce mold wear.
Epoxy resin is a type of resin that tends to stick to silicone molds. Therefore, when demolding the resin, it tightly adheres to the mold and is difficult to separate, causing microscopic damage to the mold. With increased frequency of use, it can lead to the degradation of the silicone mold surface.
3. Avert Excessive Stretching
Silicone molds are prone to tearing along existing cracks, so it is important to avoid excessive stretching when demolding to prevent mold damage and reduce its lifespan. To ensure smooth extraction, it is advisable to gently bend the mold in a suitable manner when removing the finished product. Therefore, creating appropriate designs for silicone molds is crucial.
4. Timely Demolding
Polyurethane resin generates significant heat during its curing process, leading to the accumulation of thermal energy within the silicone mold. This essential aspect of the curing procedure inevitably results in detrimental consequences for the integrity of the mold. Therefore, it is imperative to promptly demold the solidified polyurethane resin.
5. Avoid Elevated Temperatures and Sunlight
Refrain from exposing the mold to direct sunlight, as sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that accelerate the aging and yellowing of the silicone mold. When the mold is not in use, store it in a shaded area, placing it inside a plastic bag and keeping it in a cool environment. For long-term storage, consider storing the master mold inside the silicone mold. This method helps prevent mold contraction, especially for intricate molds.
6. Separate Storage for Different Materials
It is recommended to store silicone molds of different material types separately to prevent any potential interactions between them.
By following these maintenance suggestions, you can extend the lifespan of silicone molds, ensuring that they remain in optimal condition and provide stable support for your mold casting projects. Whether you are using molds at home or in an industrial environment, proper maintenance is essential for their longevity and performance.
