How to Make a Silicone Mold for Paper Mache [For Etsy Sellers and Plays]

Costume designers and Etsy sellers - Do you may need multiple copies of your paper mache sculptures and masks? It's easy to make silicone molds for paper mache with Rebound 25.

In the video above I go through everything you need to do: getting your clay model ready for the mold, brushing on the silicone, and then creating your first copy with paper strips and Titebond II wood glue.

I have some screen shots on my website if you prefer to read the instructions for making the silicone molds instead of watching the video. You can find that post here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/how-to-make-a-silicone-mold-for-paper-mache

I made this video especially for folks who need to make a lot of paper mache copies of a clay model, and they want to use products that are especially made for creating silicone molds.

There are videos online that show how to make cheaper molds using silicone caulking, but I've tried all those recipes and none of them come close to the quality you can get with the Rebound 25.

I buy the product in the larger size because I create clay models for all of the patterns I make for the masks and wall sculptures behind me in the video. The silicone will last for a very long time if you keep the lids on tight.

But if you only need one mold, they sell the product in smaller quantities, too. It isn't cheap, but I never use anything else for my molds.

BTW, if you're looking for Lion King mask patterns, or just want to check out the critters behind me in the video, go to https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Items you might need to order:

Rebound 25 https://amzn.to/3cRBUmz
(For larger amounts, go to the  Smooth-On website) https://www.smooth-on.com/products/rebound-25/
Titebound II: https://amzn.to/3eVAGtb
Thi-Vex thickener: https://amzn.to/314xxyQ
Plaster cloth: https://amzn.to/310FSDP
Sculpting tools for smoothing the clay: https://amzn.to/3r5Nhw4

Items available locally or online:

Spray finish - any brand will work: https://amzn.to/3r7VU9w
Nitril gloves (buy a size that fits well): https://amzn.to/3cVYD0Z
Paint sticks (You'll need two stir sticks for every layer of Rebound 25): https://amzn.to/38ZGLRy
Chip brush: https://amzn.to/3vMMEeq
Popsicle sticks: https://amzn.to/3tE6aIj
Medicine cups (your local pharmacy has them)
Clear drink cups (find them in your local grocery store)

Helpful videos:

Create one mask without a mold: https://youtu.be/BBqBnrtAwUQ
Three-part video series for making just one four-legged animal sculpture: https://youtu.be/4AmYS6RYT4c
Air dry clay recipe (test it - I don't know if it will work in a large silicone mold): https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/new-air-dry-clay-recipe
"Instant Paper Mache" recipe - too heavy for masks, but great for wall sculptures: https://youtu.be/qUGlLvTnSIM
How to apply paper strips to get them smooth: https://youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow
How to make a stronger mother mold instead of using plaster cloth: https://youtu.be/VzPp3ecPumk

Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click on them, thanks for your support! :)

If you make paper mache copies using Rebound 25, I'd love to see how they come out. Be sure to visit the Daily Sculptors page on my site and show them off. https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/daily-sculptors-group-page

Have fun!