How To Make a 2‑Part Mold of an Architectural Bracket

The painted wooden bracket (model) is placed on a flat level surface. The model is measured; dimensions are approximately 72'' x 30'' x 4'' (182cm x 76cm x 10cm). To make the 2-part mold, the model will be divided into two halves horizontally and a parting line will then be constructed.

Craft paper is placed under the model and will be used to create a template for the parting line. The pattern is transferred onto the craft paper (template) with a pencil and scissors are used to cut out the template.

The pattern is then transferred onto a piece of wood with a pencil. A jigsaw is used to cut the wood, which will be used to establish the parting line. The wood parting line is elevated and secured in the correct position.

Non-sulfur based clay is used to fill any voids between the parting line and the model, and the clay is smoothed out.

The original template is used to create a new template for the mold box side walls. The line is offset 2'' (5 cm) to provide enough space around the model to allow for suitable rubber mold wall thickness. Scissors are used to cut out the template.

A jigsaw is used to cut the wood. Additional wood is then cut to build mold box side wall. Mold box side walls are then placed onto the wood parting line and secured. the space between mold box side walls and model allows for suitable mold wall thickness.

A mold box lid is constructed to contain the silicone rubber. The lid is reinforced with wood to provide additional support. Channels are routered into the mold box lid to function as a registration key for the rubber mold. Vent holes are drilled to allow air to escape as the mold box is filled. Additional wood is cut and attached to complete the mold box.

Mold Max™ XLS II is a silicone rubber that has a very low long-term shrinkage. Mold Max™XLS II has a mix ratio:100A:10B by weight. Using a gram scale, Mold Max™ XLS II Part B Being Measured. Mix Mold Max™ XLS II for at least 3 minutes Mold Max™ XLS II has a pot life of 40 minutes. After mixing, the rubber is vacuum degassed.

Mold Max™ is poured over the model until rubber is level.

Mold box lid is placed over the silicone and secured with screws. Additional silicone is poured in the top of the mold box to fill the open void. Non-sulferoil based clay is used to plug pre-drilled vent holes. Additional wood is used to cap the mold box.

Mold Box Cap is Secured with Screws. Let Mold Max™ XLS II cure for 24 hours at room temprature (73°F/23°C).

Mold box is turned over and the parting line wood and clay are removed from the model. Model in cured silicone ruber is thouroughly cleaned. Wood is cut to form mold box side walls and then secured with screws, additional wood is cut and attached on the sides to complete the mold box assembly. Ease Release™ 200 is sprayed to the cured silicone surface and then brushed into the detail. This prevents Adhesion between pours of rubber.

Mold Max™ XLS II measured 100A :10B by weight, after the material is dispensed it is then mixed and for at least 3 minutes and vacuum degassed. The rubber is poured over the model and the second-half mold box lid is placed over the rubber and secured with screws. Additional silicone rubber is then poured in the top of the mold box to fill the open void. Non-sulfur oil based clay is then used to plug pre-drilled vent holes. Additional wood is used to cap the mold box and Mold Max™ XLS II is set to cure for 24 hours at room temprature(73°F/23°C).

Screws are removed and the mold box is disassembled and the first half of the mold is removed. The mold box is then turned over and the second half of the mold box is removed. The final result of Mold Max™ XLS II captured excellent detail, now the mold is ready for casting.

Wood legs are attached to the plywood lid to keep the mold assembly oriented vertically during casting.

duoMaterix™ NEO is dispensed 2 Parts A; 1 Part B by volume, Ure-Fil™ 9 is dispensed and mixed thoroughly with a drill mixer into the duoMatrix™ NEO for thickening the mixture for easy brush on application. duoMaterix™ NEO is poured into the mold. Material is then spread onto the mold surface using a clean, disposable paint brushed duoMaterix™ NEO is applied to a thickness of 3/16" (4.7 mm). Material is then applied to the second half of the mold and both halves are allowed to cure for 90 minutes at room temperature (73°F/ 23°C).

After both halves are cured they are then joined and secured. Additional duoMatrix™ NEO is measured, mixed and poured along the seam to help join the two halves of the casting.

Foam-iT!™ 10 SLOW is dispensed 1A:1B by volume and mixed thoroughly with a drill and turbine Mixer attachment. The material is poured into the cavity and allowed to expand. Multiple small batches of foam are added to fill the cavity as need. A board pre-drilled with vent holes is placed over the mold box opening and secured to create back pressure. The material in the assembly is allowed to cure for 2 hours at room temperature (73°F/ 23°C).

Mold Box is disassembled and rubber is slowly pulled away from casting. Casting is an exact lightweight reproduction of the original bracket. Mold Max™ XLS II is ready to be cast again and again.

The Mold Max™ XLS II silicone rubber pulls away effortlessly and captures perfect detail. The casting comprised of duoMatrix™ NEO and Foam-iT!™ 10 SLOW is structurally lightweight but ultra strong and dimensionally stable. Before the brackets may be installed, excess Foam-iT! 10 SLOW is trimmed off with a grinder to level the surface that will press against the porch ceiling. Trimming the excess expanded foam will help prevent and gaps in between the bracket and the ceiling the bracket is then ready for installation.

The Bracket is held in place using a brace and attached to the ceiling using anchoring screws. Multiple brackets are all cast from a single mold and installing the cast brackets only takes a few minutes. The house now displays an architectural charm that is unique to New Orleans.