How do I decide which method (pour-on vs brush-on) is best for my project?

When to Make a Pour-On Mold

A "pourable" mold rubber is mixed and poured over your original model.

Consider this method if your model is:

• Flat, two-dimensional (one-piece block mold, two-piece block mold)
• Small, three dimensional (one-piece block cut mold)

Advantages/Disadvantages – Pourable molds are easier to make vs. brush-on molds, requiring less labor. They also take less time to make, meaning you will have a mold you can use same day or early next day; however, you use more material to make a mold so your material cost is higher.

One option for easy to use pourable mold rubbers is our Mold Star® Series, which are easy to use, low viscosity platinum silicones with a convenient mix ratio of 1 part A to 1 part B by volume.

When to Make a Brush-On Mold

A "brush-on" mold rubber is mixed and brushed onto your original model in layers. After all layers cure (usually overnight), a rigid support shell (also known as a "mother mold") is applied the next day.

Consider this method if your model is:

• Either two dimensional or three dimensional
• Small or large
• Affixed to a vertical surface (like the side of a building) or on a horizontal surface (like a ceiling)

Advantages/Disadvantages – Less material overall is used to make a brush-on mold so your material cost is less. However, brush-on molds take more time and effort to make (much more labor vs. a pourable mold). Making a brush-on mold is also more challenging and therefore requires a lot more pre-planning.

A simple to use brushable mold rubber is our Rebound™ Series, followed by a Plasti-Paste® II for a rigid support shell/mother mold.