by Silva Payne

Created on: September 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 28, 2010

There are many uses for a liquid latex mold when it comes to craft projects. Making latex molds allows you to reproduce several items that are identical, from an original master. The process of making liquid latex molds can be messy, but following a simple step by step guide will help you get the best results from your mold making.

The first stage is to make or find the original item that you wish to reproduce. It could be a model or a piece of plaster coving for example, a carving or a piece of jewellery. Whatever you are going to reproduce, the item needs to be clean and free from dust or flaky material.

You will also need a flat piece of board (sections of laminated kitchen worktop are ideal for this), some thin strips of laminated wood or plastic for the sides of the mold (called "shutters"), some sealant, some modeling clay, some Plaster of Paris and the latex. Cut a piece of base board large enough to sit the item in the centre with at least a 4 inch (10cm) space all the way around it.

Using modeling clay, secure the bottom or flattest side of the item to the board; the detailed part of the item should be facing upwards to be covered by the latex. Next, take the thin strips of wood or plastic and cut 4 lengths to form a square box around the item. These should be higher than the top of the item itself by at least an inch (2.5cm). Secure these in place with modeling clay around the outside of the strips, and then use the sealant to secure the inner joins where the strips meet each other at the corners and where they sit on the base board.

You will need to leave the shuttering to dry completely (overnight is best). The next stage depends on how large the item is that you wish to reproduce. For a larger item with limited fine detailing, you can pour the liquid latex into the frame containing your item, making sure that your shuttered frame is on a level surface. Ensure that the liquid latex completely covers the item to a depth of at least 1 inch (2.5cm).

Once the latex is in the frame and covering the item, gently tap on the sides of the shutters for a few moments to help any air bubbles rise to the top of the liquid latex. This creates a solid mold which is good for less intricate pieces and does not require a plaster holding section.

Alternatively you can use a soft brush and paint the latex onto the item.  This is a better approach for smaller items or those with delicate carved details. You will need to build up several thin coats of latex, applying each one on top of the previous one while it is still tacky and not quite set. Once the latex is at your required thickness, approximately 1/4 inch (1cm) maximum for particularly intricate items, you must leave it to dry out completely. For this type of mold, you will need to make a plaster holding section.

To do this, mix up a batch of Plaster of Paris and pour over the entire latex mold inside the shutter frame, covering the mold by at least an inch (2.5cm). Allow to dry out completely (at least overnight), before removing the shutters and breaking the plaster and the latex mold away from the item on the base board. This gives you a solid plaster cradle with a flat base to hold your latex mold while it is in use.

To make several reproductions at once, follow the steps above and then make your master reproductions in Plaster of Paris from your first latex mold. Set these reproductions on a larger base board with shuttering all the way around and continue as before. Keep in mind that latex is not hard wearing and will begin to deteriorate from its first use, making a multiple mold is a good idea if you are thinking of making several of the same item as gifts or to sell.

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