Latex Molds

What it is, when it is appropriate to use, when it is inadvisable, how to use it.

"Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium. It is found in nature, but synthetic latexes can be made by polymerizing a monomer such as styrene that has been emulsified with surfactants." --wikipedia

"Bluetex is a new technology natural rubber mold making latex formulation. Bluetex is pale blue in color. It contains an internal mold release, which provides the ability to obtain multiple castings of concrete without requiring the application of mold release agents, and also provides improved abrasion resistance. Simply mist the Bluetex mold with water prior to pouring cement. Bluetex also offers improved aging of the latex mold, better resistance to sunlight, and with the elimination of mold release, some cost reduction.

"A high solids natural latex rubber, Bluetex is about 60% solids and as a result it will build and dry quickly so that multiple layers of material can be applied in one day. Generally a good mold will require 20-30 layers of latex (depending on the size of the piece being molded) to build up enough material to function well as a mold. Great for casting plaster, gypsum cements and portland cements. Not recommended for wax and plastic resins. A gallon of Bluetex will cover approximately twelve square feet at 1/8" thick."--Douglas and Sturgess

A helpful instructional video by TAP Plastics demonstrating how to make a basic latex mold:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5ozmmKQeIo Links to an external site.