Ref: SLW33616
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
Morning
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.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
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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