Tips for making great molds
By Chuck Hunner
Developments in CAD/CAM technology for the jewelry industry over the past two decades have led to a slew of new model and mold materials hitting the market. All require specific temperatures and procedures to achieve the best possible results, but some basic mold-making practices hold true regardless of what materials you are using. The following is a sampling of tips for making great molds:
Start clean. Always wash your hands before you make a mold to avoid introducing grit, buffing compound, or oils to the mold. Cutting through grit and dust dulls the blade, while dirt and oil can roughen the smooth surface inside the mold. Oils and dust can also prevent the mold from curing properly.