Make your own molding putty for a fraction of the cost of the store-bought putty. Mix 100-percent clear silicone caulking with cornstarch, a little acrylic paint and baby oil to create flexible molds with incredible detail. You can use these molds with casting resin, paper mache, air-dry clay or resin clay to create an infinite number of duplicates of your favorite small objects. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear disposable gloves.
1⁄4 cup (59ml) 100% silicone caulk
1⁄2 cup (118ml) cornstarch
1⁄4 tsp. (1ml) acrylic paint
1⁄2 tsp. (2ml) baby oil
Measure out the silicone caulk onto a paper plate. Add cornstarch, paint and baby oil and mix together, kneading until the mixture is no longer sticky. Add additional cornstarch if it still sticks.
STEP ONE: Mix a batch of homemade putty following the recipe provided.
STEP TWO: Knead until the mixture is no longer sticky, adding more cornstarch as needed.
STEP THREE: Measure out enough homemade putty to fit a small object, press the object into the putty, and allow the putty to set up with the object embedded (about 15 minutes). Then remove the object and make a replica with the casting medium of your choice.
Out of molding putty and can’t get to the store to buy some or get what you need to make your own? Bring out your hot glue gun and small, slick objects made of metal, glass or ceramic. Put a glob of hot glue on a silicone or heavy plastic sheet and place your object facedown in it. When cool, pull the glue off the object. Start by loosening all the edges and don’t be afraid to give it a hard yank to release it. If you didn’t have enough glue, you might find a hole when you lift the object out; just lightly touch up the back of the mold with more hot glue.
Here are examples of found objects used to create molds using homemade molding putty. Objects used are a rhinestone starburst, brass metal charm of a dog and wooden brooch with an etched design. Since these objects do not have much depth (1" depth or less), they are perfect for creating small molds using molding putty. These pieces were cast with Amazing Casting Resin and painted, but you can use resin clay, paper mache, plaster, paperclay or ClayShay for casts as well. Use these pieces as embellishments in your collage and mixed-media creations or as jewelry components.