As many of our customers are using our molds in production settings we wanted to give a more in-depth dive at caring for you molds to get the longest life possible. Please understand that silicone molds will wear over time and should be considered a consumable item. The life of your mold is very dependent on variables outside of our control. This includes the mix used, how it is cleaned, curing times and frequency. We do have a few suggestions to help you from best practices to incorporate into your process to get the longest life from your mold.  

General Mold Care

• Always clean your mold after each use using warm soapy water, then wipe dry. This helps remove residual chemicals from casting materials from the surface of the silicone.
• Store molds on a flat surface at room temperature in a dry environment. Do not stack, crowd, or compress molds during storage. There should be open space around each mold. Storing molds in bins or boxes is not recommended.
• Sharp edges, including fingernails, can slice or tear silicone. If you have long nails, we recommend wearing thick gloves while de-molding.
• When de-molding, gently work the mold away from the casting. While silicone is flexible, excessive stretching can lead to tearing over time.
• Plastic casting frames should not be exposed to direct sunlight or temperatures above 100°F. High heat can warp or damage the mold support frame. Hand wash only. Frames are not dishwasher safe.
• Do not leave molds flipped inside out for any period of time, including during drying or storage. Molds should be flipped back inward immediately after de-molding.
• If using adhesives, sealers, or similar products, ensure there is no cross-contamination with your molds. Residue transfer from these materials can interact with the silicone and may contribute to premature wear or degradation.

Material-Specific Notes

Concrete

Concrete is abrasive. No matter what silicone mold you use, concrete will age your mold quicker than other casting materials. The aging most commonly shows up as shrinking in silicone. Concretes with an accelerator, for quicker curing times, are even more abrasive. There are a few things you can do if using concrete to help slow the aging(shrinking) of your mold.

1. Always cure for the shortest possible time. This is especially true with leaving concrete to cure overnight if it isn't needed. 
2. Use a mold release spray, this will help create a layer between the mix and the silicone. 

Gypsum

A gypsum mix is going to be far less abrasive than concrete on silicone. If you are wanting to get the longest life from your mold, look for gypsum based mixes. 

Examples include:

• Hydroplaster
• Jesmonite
• Aqua-Resin
• Matrix Dryve

Pigments/Additives

It is possible for certain pigments or additives to build up on the mold surface over time. This residue can interfere with the curing process and, in some cases, trigger abnormal chemical reactions during casting. The result may appear as irregular spots or uneven curing on the finished piece.

To prevent this, it is recommended to do a thorough wipe-down with IPA (isopropyl alcohol) to remove any residue.

Resin

If using resin, please ensure the resin is specifically designed for use with silicone molds. You will want to look for casting resins, as some resin formulations can be highly abrasive and may cause premature tearing or damage to the mold over time. Any wear resulting from the use of these harsher products is considered normal wear and tear.

• A mold release spray is a must to protect the surface of you mold when casting.