How To Use a Glue Shim on a Challenging Model

In this tutorial the original model stands approximately 12'' (30 cm) tall and is made of unglazed ceramic. The two openings, or ''pass-through's'' on this piece create a mold making challenge.If these pass-through's are not addressed, the mold making rubber will encapsulate the piece and lock it within a solid block of rubber. Creating a glue shim eliminates the need to hand cut the silicone in these spots - a process that can be difficult and imprecise.

Prior to creating the glue shims, the piece should be sealed. Smooth-On's Super Seal® is perfect for sealing the unglazed ceramic original. Super Seal® is a very low viscosity sealer that can be brushed onto the original without distorting the details of the piece. A minimum of two coats of Super Seal® is recommended to ensure thorough coverage.