Mould Making

Mould making for slip casting, Process of making a porcelain head for jewellery processes. A wax head is used here as the master model. Finding the best position for marking undercuts in the mould the master model is stuck to the base board. The undercuts are filled with clay, and a channel for the pouring is made. The walls of the mould are made from an off cut of lino. Taped and sealed at the base with clay to prevent plaster leaking. The plaster is then poured into the form. Pouring in excess of an inch above the highest point of the wax model.

The plaster is let dry for 45 mins and the walls and excess clay removed leaving the channel and the wax head in place. The base mould is cleaned and coated with a soap liquid to prevent the next pour from sticking to the base mould. The lino is repositioned, taped and sealed at the base again with clay. The top mould is then poured also leaving an inch between the highest part of the head and the final stop of the plaster poured.

Again, leaving the pod to set for 45 mins. Then deconstruct the mould. Clean off any clay and rough edges on the outside of the mould. Leave the mould to dry out in a warm press. When dry the mould can be used for slip casting. Sample photos are given.