molds for leaves-call me frustrated!!

21 years ago

OK,I don't wish to stir things up(yeah,sure...!)but I don't get POP.For small leaves like I need,with sharp points,I got MUCH better results using a cement mix(tried 1:1 and 1:3,no real difference in detail),carefully spread onto them.Again,this works well with smaller leaves.My DW and I will put these pieces on a thin pancake of clay,press down lightly,and trim off the excess clay,then go to town on the silicone molds.Much easier for me,anyway.I found the POP too soft and way too fragile...unless my POP has gone the way of some of my bags of cement,getting some moisture in.I DID sift the POP into the water and it poured OK,set up nice and quick.But,man,just not for me and my smaller leaves(under 12 inches).Maybe I'm gettin' old and cantankerous,but my way -better for me!

Cheers from this here old fart!

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Comments (10)

bigfunparties
21 years ago
Hi Rick,
I need your help (please) I live in Vancouver and would like to know where to buy fly ash and silica fume, tufaenough said that you might be able to help me?
Thanks, AL
rickharmer
Original Author
21 years ago
AL-Go to Target Products,in Burnaby.The location is East of the Brentwood Mall a few Km.Or,try Universal near the Brentwood Mall,or Pacific West On Boundary,in,you guessed it ,Burnaby.I'm not sure about fly ash,Target may have it.
Cheers from here
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tufaenough
21 years ago
Hi Al
Try phoning LaFarge cement in Richmond.
They supply fly ash to the bulk plants.
buckyforce
21 years ago
Hey Rick,

I agree with you regarding the POP. I don't get it either. I find it an unneeded step, but since others have success with it I think it is great for them. I prefer to cast a fresh leaf with a portland/sand mix, apply 2-3 coats of paste wax to the cast once it cures and it is perfect (pinholes filled, edges filed, etc.) then use Nofu's silicone system to make the mold. This forum is wonderful and you should use what works for you and share it with the rest of us. I have some tips on using the Nofu system if you are interested. Happy to share! Happy Molding.

A
tufaenough
21 years ago
I don't do leaves but cryogenic perlite and Portlands is working well for me. It makes waterproof castings that are much lighter and much stronger than POP.
They even float!
Cryogenic Perlite is cool stuff.
mudwitch
21 years ago
Buckyforce: I struggle with POP.. I would like to have tips on the Nofu silicone system, if you don't mind. I understand preparing the leaf..
amzroch
21 years ago
I'm with you!! I just wasted a gunnera leaf trying to make a pop mother mold. Those leaves are hard to come by, if only I could turn ack the clock.

Could you explain what you do with the clay?
Thanks
rickharmer
Original Author
21 years ago
For nobu's steps for moldmaking,check the bumped up thread.It'll be a few down from this one.It's great reading,easy to follow.I've used it already for a small mold(I've got urethane for some larger,tabletop sized pieces.Harder material when set).I'm pleased to see that others are equally frustrated with POP.Pleased in that I'm not the only one!I tip my hat to those who use it for molds(I believe that L&L does,saw it on one of their slides at a show they gave).I still have a bag (mostly)of it;given the number of critters around here(chased a bear away before lunch)perhaps I'll do molds of their tracks!
Cheers from here
buckyforce
21 years ago
All of you that are frustrated with POP, don't discard your dry materials just yet. POP is great for mothermolds! I'm working on a pictorial tutorial both for Nofu's system and 2 part mother-molds. Hopefully this weekend I can finally finish it and post it.

A
amzroch
21 years ago
Thanks, Buckyforce. I'll hold on to my supplies.