NebraskaBoy Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Looking to make a pop mold with some small details in it. I tried before and it either becomes too thick to capture the details or so thin that they break instantly. Has anyone tried adding anything to the plaster to make it harden more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin24018 Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 sounds like you need to make a bigger base? Think of a brick and the mold is in the middle.....after you have the mold people often coat it with decopodge or a diluted white glue and water mixture to seal it, probably adds some strength too. There is a similar stuff to plaster I have seen, don't remember the name the the can is red and on the front is a cartoon looking guy flexing his muscles. One of the benefits of p.o.p. is the low price, if you get into the other/similar things you can use your cost will go up a lot imo. search plaster of paris on amazon and you will find many similar products, then compare prices etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trout Tramp Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 You could try using casting powder instead of plaster of Paris as its made specifically for the job and holds details better Cheers Trout tramp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 The other is DWP (Durhams Water Putty)... I use it, never used POP so can't compare the 2... But also got some RTV rubber and its incredible (so is the price)!!... Down to the FINEST detail! Even the grit from 320 sand paper I used on the master shows up on my baits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 POP will pick up details of most baits just fine. The user ends up being the key to getting the satisfactory results. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saltwater Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 If you don't want to use the best method for inexpensive, long lasting mold making which is Fiberglass then use Durham's Water Putty but with-out the water. Use catalyzed polyester resin (fiberglass resin) in place of water. Make sure that you have waxed the plug/master that you are making the mold of. Use a good quality mold release wax like Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Maximum Mold Release Wax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinkerblue Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 First I would practice practice practice making molds out of plaster of Paris (pop) for the price it's cheap before buying & making Molds out of RTV cause it is expensive. & You can always change the design of your plaster of Paris hard (soft plastic mold) once it's totally dry. If your not satisfied with the shape or design. You can always carve, into it or sand or make another one. With RTV your molds will come out alot better but you don't have that option( like Pop) with RTV u cant alter the finished design once it done it's done.Start off making small baits till you perfect your technique then when your ready move onto RTV. You can make some good baits with pop so take your time & don't be in a hurry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silo1688 Posted August 4, 2014 Report Share Posted August 4, 2014 I use Duram's Water Putty (DWP) for most molds. Found at Home Depot (in the painting section) it's very easy, moderately strong, however by itself does not give a very shiny finish. To combat that I take water and elmers wood glue in a 60:40 ratio mix it up and fill up the cavities, wait ~30-45 sec then pour it out. I do this one more additional time. Let dry x 24 after each coat. This will give it the moderately shiny finish. or.... I have also used E-tex or Amazing Clear Cast (both found a Hobby Lobby) 2 part epoxy to make molds (both top pour and 3D). This will give it the very shiny finish that you get with aluminum mold for a fraction of the cost. Remember to use the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon. I have read this is not good for high production as the epox will distort over time. I am a weekend enthusiast and pour only for myself and some friends. So far it I have some epoxy molds that have lasted over 5 years that I use regularly. This it what I do... get a piece of Plexiglas ~12x12 glue your master to the Plexiglas. I use that blue superglue and just a small dot every inch or so will hold the plastic down. Make your mold box. For my mold boxes I use an old Tupperware container and cut the bottom off. squeeze a continuous bead of cheap caulking on the bottom and then place it over the plastic masters. Let harden x 24hours Gently rub Vaseline on inside of the box, plastics and the Plexiglas where the E-tex or ACC. These epoxies will stick to plastic, so make sure you are very thorough with this step. Make sure you are on a level surface. Mix the 2 part epoxy and slowly pour into the mold box. Let harden x 48 hours. Using the a metal spatula loosen the bottom of the mold and slightly pop it off the bottom. Rub off the remaining caulking and take out the plastic masters. Now you are ready for the top pour. I hope this helps. --George. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWiese Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Hey Guys I've just started to make my own POP molds and needs some advice, what is the best way to seal the molds? I've tried Appliance Epoxy Paint, Heat resistant paint, tile sealer with no luck, I've heard that one should use acrylic floor wax but unfortunately it's not obtainable in South Africa, is there anyone that can help me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 (edited) Brush on a few coats of Elmer's wood glue mixed 50/50 with water... It won't dry sitting in the cup, so don't worry about remixing between coats Edited September 8, 2014 by JRammit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinkerblue Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 (edited) I think you should first test different products that you can get on a piece of plaster of paris. Try products used for sealing and that are strong & can withstand 350 degree heat .I Use 2 part clear epoxy resin the kind that you mix together. You can get it on ebay. Edited September 8, 2014 by Dinkerblue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Hey Guys I've just started to make my own POP molds and needs some advice, what is the best way to seal the molds? I've tried Appliance Epoxy Paint, Heat resistant paint, tile sealer with no luck, I've heard that one should use acrylic floor wax but unfortunately it's not obtainable in South Africa, is there anyone that can help me? I mix up some D2T really well, add enough denatured alcohol to make a 1/1 mix, and brush it on. After it gets hard, I add a second coat, and it's done. Because it's been thinned it soaks into the POP if it's dry, but it takes a little longer to harden. I actually recoat after two hours, and then let the mold sit overnight. It's ready to pour the next day, and it holds details. Just be sure to spray it with PAM before you pour your plastics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texacan84 Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 I know this is going to sound weird. I also use plaster of Paris molds., used about everything that I could think of. After the molds are dry I use a clear nail polish hardener in the cavities. I coat it about 4-5 times, it soaks fast and dries fast. Only have had to touch it up once in 2 years. My lures come out shiney and very easy. The polish I use is called, Hard As Nails. Hope it helps and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stretcher66 Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 mix plaster of paris 75% and portland cement 25% and you will have a extremely durable mold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWiese Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Thanks Guys I really appreciated your replies. I just made my first chartreuse and black Stretch 40 and they look awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lonestarbaitcompany Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Nebraska, You can make excellent Molds with POP, I have made injection POP crawfish molds with remarkable details. Check out youtube channel Lakehousechronicle or go to Lonestarbaitco.com both places will get you to many videos on making the molds your wanting. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
