Mix-a-Mold Instructions

Mix-a-Mold Instructions

1. Select your project. Mix-a-Mold is perfect for duplicating:

• A fine cameo, a setting in a ring or pendant which can be cast, finished, mounted and given as a gift
• Antique doll heads, miniatures, antique jewelry which can be cast from the mold then finished
• Candle holders
• Any suitable object to create a pair of bookends
• Figurines or statues
• Plaques, sconces or other wall decorations which can be cast and finished for gifts, church bazaars or club projects
• Hand prints or foot prints of children which can be cast and finished with AMACO Rub ‘n Buff or Brush ‘n Leaf; Gold Leaf or Silver Leaf
• Your own sculptures made with Marblex Self-Hardening Clay, Casting Compound or Claycrete

2. Select the mold container according to the size of the object you wish to duplicate.

• The mold container may be a pan, dish, pail, box or cup, depending on the size of the object. The secret to conserving Mix-a-Mold is to find or create a mold container which fits around your object with approximately 2” on all sides. This will give the strength needed for the cast.
• For a small narrow object, a paper cup may be perfect. For a larger flat cast, a shallow cake pan may be just right.
• For odd sized pieces, gift boxes or cardboard containers could be used by lining the boxes with foil. You could even place a divider in a box to create the correct size or to create compartments for multiple molds, then line the box or compartments with wax paper or foil.
• For two-part molds, select or create two like containers, giving approximately 2” clearance in the bottom and along the sides of each container. The placement of the object in a two-part mold is discussed in the helpful hints.

3. Determine the mixing formula according to Mix No. 1, Mix No. 2, or Mix No. 3.

If you make a note of the amount of overflow water collected, you will then know the amount of Casting Compound mix you’ll need when you later cast in the mold.

5. You now have selected the object to be duplicated (make sure that it is dry, and sealed) and the mold container in which the mold will be made. You have determined the mix formula best for your project and now know how much Mix-a-Mold you will need for the mold. With your first use of Mix-a-Mold, you should use either Mix No. 2 or Mix No. 3 which will give you more working time before the formulation sets. The setting time on Mix No. 1 is as fast as two minutes. With experience, you will establish a preference for the mix best suited for your project and your dexterity.

Place dry powder in a suitable mixing container, then carefully without producing too much dust, add cold water and stir slowly. When powder is mixed in, stir vigorously to mix and eliminate lumps. To accomplish this vigorous mixing, you may use a slotted spoon, paddle, egg beater, or even a small electric mixer. An electric mixer is extremely effective. In using the electric mixer, start at low speed, mix for a few seconds, then increase the speed slightly for another few seconds until smooth. The mixing time should not exceed 30 seconds with Mix No. 1, or 1 minute with Mix No. 2 or No. 3.

6. Pour the mix into your container. Tap or bounce the container lightly to release any air bubbles. If there are then considerable bubbles on the surface, push them over to the side of the mold where they will not interfere with your molding process. If you have used Mix No. 1, you should immediately position the sealed object into the mix and hold its position until the mix has set. Mixes No. 2 and No. 3 take longer to set, so you may wish to wait a short time to allow the mix to thicken slightly before placing the object into the mix. Care must be taken not to wait too long. When the mix becomes rather firm or if your finger leaves no imprint, the mix has set. It is now ready to use.