Hi all,

I recently bought some second hand resin kits (1/76). One of the vehicles was missing its wheels so I thought about casting my own copies from wheels that came with the other models.
I normally use diy silicone 'gunned' onto the master, leave 24 hours, remove and then use it as the mould. I tried this with the resin wheels but found that the silicone was sticking to the original and wouldn't come free. I used talc as a barrier - it didn't work.
What can you guys recommend from normal domestic products that I could use as a release agent that wouldn't damage the original resin wheels but would allow the silicone to be removed undamaged. I would thn clean up the originals and use them for their own models. I have used the silicone technique before with success,
TIA
george

dissolved in a bit of white spirit (mineral turps). Paint it on and wait till the spirit evaporates, leaving the vaseline behind.

Chris

Hi Chris,

thanks for the info. Last night I read an article suggesting the use of cooking oil. Impetuous as ever, have used extra virgin olive oil (hope wifey doesn't find out) and applied the silicone. Shall remove silicone mould tomorrow. See how it goes and then will try vaseline if necessary,
regards

George

.... try painting primer on the surface of your mold (sprayed on and allowed dry completely) before pouring your resin.
Most primers will stick well to the resin and very poorly to the silicon and so acts as a mold release. It also has the great advantage of not having to be scrubbed in soap and water after the part's been removed, though a quick wash in mild detergent never hurts.
I've used this technique on several projects where I had to cast very small item and it's worked well.


Mark