Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

I have just recently gotten into experimenting with polymer clays. I remember hearing or reading somewhere, before I got into clay, that there is a two-part mold-making material that is intended for clay use. I'd like to make some of my own molds. What are my options that will complement the nature and characteristics of the clay?

PoYo® Putty 40 is a two-part mold-making silicone putty that can be mixed and applied directly to almost anything and captures the finest detail. Use the mold over and over with jewelry resin, metal clay and polymer clay.

To use:

• Mix 20 parts of Jar A (2-lb or 0.91kg jar) with 1 part of Jar B (0.13-lb or 60g jar) by folding Jar A putty around Jar B putty. Use vinyl gloves only; exposure to latex will inhibit cure time.
• Knead aggressively until a uniform light-pink color is achieved, eliminating all color streaks. Step-by-step instructions included in package.
• PoYo Putty 40 will only harden once it is mixed with its curing agent (Jar B). Cure time is approximately 30 minutes.
• Store and use putty at room temperature (73 degrees Fahrenheit / 23 degrees Celsius).

The resulting silicone rubber can also be used as a repair material. It will stick to itself and to other silicone rubbers (such as some Oh! Ring™ components or silicone molds).

For more heat-resistant molds, use Alumilite molding putty. Alumilite molds can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148 degrees Celsius).

Both molding compounds are manufactured in the USA.

.

- Elaine