If your child likes to make molded items such as soap and chocolate, try this activity at home for creating custom molds for custom shapes of these items.
This project uses two-part, food-grade silicone rubber, which is suitable for making baking molds, ice trays, and molds used for chocolate, butter, and other food items. Two-part silicone rubber is a product that comes in two parts that, when mixed, turn or "cure" into rubber. When cured, the rubber is extremely flexible, strong, and tear resistant.
Watch this video from the MAKESHOP Show, then scroll down for instructions on how to create these molds at home with your kid makers.
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Materials
• 2-part food-safe silicone rubber (we used Equinox 35 from Smooth-On . Smooth-Sil® 945 is a similar brand)
• The mold form – something from which to create a mold
Tools
• Non-latex rubber gloves (vinyl or nitrile)
• Popsicle sticks to spread the silicone rubber
Directions
Step 1: Choose and test your mold form
To test if your item will make a good mold, take a big ball of Play-Doh and smash it down onto the object. Good mold forms will create a distinct impression in the Play-Doh.
Step 2: Measure the rubber
• Put on your gloves
• Using popsicle sticks to scoop and smooth out the two rubber parts, measure out equal parts into two non-food containers. You can use small paper cups, measuring spoons, or even a Ping Pong ball cut in half.
Step 3: Mix the rubber
To make the rubber, you have to quickly smoosh the two parts together until it is thoroughly mixed. (Note: Silicone rubber mixes are expensive, so you can also practice this step using Play-Doh. See if you can mix two colors of Play-Doh together until their colors are thoroughly blended in one minute.)
Follow the instructions on your mix – most require that the rubber be mixed in about one minute.
Step 4: Let the rubber cure
Following the instructions on the product box, let the newly-mixed rubber rest for the time indicated.
Step 5: Make your mold
Now, press the mixed silicon rubber onto your item to mold and when done, let it set. Follow the instructions on how long to wait.
Step 6: Demold the item
When the silicon rubber has set, peel it away from the item and see how your mold came out.
The mold can now be used to make gelatin soap, chocolates, ice, candles, and more.