DIY: Rubber Molds for Stone

DIY: Rubber Molds for Stone

Making molds of stones for projects is a craft suitable for home projects. Several mold compounds of a latex origin are available online or at craft stores. "Imitation" stones can be cast from the mold and have a variety of decorative or practical applications in the garden and in the home.

Instructions

1. Wash the stone with soapy water, rinse and let dry.

2. Set the rock on waxed paper. Paint the latex mold compound over the rock. Follow mold compound instructions -- some mold material can be dried with a hairdryer to speed up this process.

3. Paint successive layers of mold compound over the last dried layers. Assure the previous layer is dried before adding the next. After several coats drape rag cloth or cheesecloth over the wet mold material for added strength. Add several more coats of mold latex over the cloth. Add 7 or more coats depending on the mold material. The mold should not be transparent, but of a sturdy-looking opacity.

4. Let the mold dry for at least 24 hours. Carefully peel the mold from the stone model. The mold is ready to use.