Pros and Cons of HDPE Molds
What we Discuss:
- Why forms save you Time + Money
- Key Facts on forms
- How to Build your own form
- One piece vs No Seal
- Silicone Forms
- The best Cost Effective Option on the market
- What tools and Accessories you will need with your form
Different kinds of forms on the market:
- One Piece White Molds
- No Seal Forms
- Silicone Molds
- Cost Effective Black Molds
- DIY Homemade Forms
Why forms will save you Time + Money
On the market there has yet to be a 'perfect form' that will suit 100% of your needs.
Each design has it's Pro's + Con's and it's a matter of choosing one that will best suit your needs based of the tools you own. This being said, there is no question that purchasing a form will save you time and money vs building your own form before each project you make!
Key Facts
There are so many different resins on the market. You may be tempted to get a cheaper brand however, this could cost you in the end. Using less reputable brands increase your chance of having your project stick to the inside of your form (Even with the use of Mold Release). We recommend Super Clear or Ecopoxy brands as well, using a mold release inside your form before each project to ensure no issues.
Building your own form
Pro's:
- Custom build to your project size with no waste around the edges
Con's:
- Has a limited lifetime for multi use as the Tuck Tape wears out over time
- Spend a lot of time assembling the form
- Risk of Resin leaking from the seems if not properly sealed with silicone
To watch a full tutorial on how to make your own form Click Here
One Piece vs. No Seal
One Piece Molds:
Pro's:
- Malleable to get your piece out easily
- Can be used multiple times
- Comes with hold down bars so your wood won't float when pouring resin
- Customers have reported an average of 30+ uses out of one form
Con's:
- Larger forms may not sit perfectly flat on there own.
Solution: Use larger clamps to bring the form flat by clamping them to your work surface
Both of these forms have angled edges which will cause waste. Read more about tips and tricks on these forms HERE
Use this Mold Release on both of these forms to prolong the life span of them.
Silicone Forms
Silicone forms area a great option for DIY Resin projects. There are lots of different kinds on the market, so make sure you get one that has thick walls which will guarantee multi-use out of one mold. When the silicone has thin walls, you will run the risk of the material breaking down when taking your project out of the form.
We highly recommend not to use any Mold Release on these forms
Customers have reported 5+ uses out of these forms.
You can purchase this style of form Here
Cost Effective Black molds
These thin walled one piece forms are perfect for different table tops, serving boards and art projects. Because of the thinner material used they will be malleable and it is good practice to have some clamps on hand to make sure the form sits flat on your work table.
Customers have reported 20+ uses out of these forms
You can purchase this style of form Here
What Tools and Accessories do I need with my form?
Weather you are making your mold from scratch or purchasing one online, you want to think ahead to properly prepare for your project. These Clamping blocks and dividers are of great use for making a larger form custom fit to a smaller project.
Having additional Clamps to make your form flat is also useful to keep close.
