Ref: S3D38374
Before the invention of silicon rubber in the 19th century, artists and founders relied upon materials such as plaster, wood, stone and even gelatine to create copies of sculptures and other three-dimensional forms. The invention of silicon rubber revolutionised the casting process, making it possible to produce highly accurate copies using this durable, detailed tool.
During this course, you will learn the processes involved in making a silicon rubber mould with rigid jacket. This will include establishing parting lines, registration, dealing with undercuts and other technical considerations. While this is an introductory course, some hand skills and attention to detail is helpful.
Your tutor will aim to answer all your questions about types of moulds, methods, material considerations, types of rubber, shore hardness, release agents and curing times. The course will also cover how to use your mould to create wax copies of your original piece, the best ways to prolong the life of your mould and how to store it so it can be used for years to come.
Due to the time constraints of the course, please contact the tutor by emailing [email protected] to discuss your ideas for your piece ahead of time.
Overview:
Evening welcome Introduction to rubber mould making, including brief history, process overview, health and safety and housekeeping. Please bring your piece or object for discussion.
Day 1
Morning Establishing parting lines and discussion about mould design, undercuts, surface texture and technical considerations. Layer first section of rubber.
Afternoon
Finish layering rubber and establish keys, wax working demo whilst curing. Produce first rigid jacket.
Aim
All pieces shall have their first section of rubber applied and jacketed.
Day 2
orning Prepare and clean mould ready for second rubber section. Layer first coat of rubber.
Afternoon
Finish layering rubber and establish keys. Produce second rigid jacket. Aim: All pieces shall be jacketed ready for divesting the following day.
Day 3
Morning Open moulds, clean and prepare for use. Wax working demonstration Pour waxes
Afternoon
Open moulds and trim and prepare waxes
By the end of the course, you will have completed a rubber mother mould with rigid jacket to a professional standard and learnt to use the mould to produce a wax copy of your piece.
This workshop feeds into the Sculpture skills: wax working for metal casting workshop.
On this course the tutor will supply all the materials, including silicon rubber, wax and Jesmonite.
Stout boots and clothes you do not mind getting dirty. A pair of overalls or apron is also advised if not.
Due to the time constraints of the course, students should contact the tutor by emailing [email protected] to discuss their ideas for their piece ahead of time.
Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials are available to buy.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Stephen Coles studied at Carmarthen School of the Arts, before completing a master’s degree in sculpture at Alfred University, New York. After teaching there, he returned to the UK to begin his own foundry practice. In addition to teaching at institutions throughout the UK and Europe, Stephen works with artists, museums and conservationists creating bespoke works in metal.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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