DIY Silicone mat

[Gelert]

Just had a thought - I'm going to be needing silicone mats for various projects over the coming weeks/months.
Now, my main line is making resin castings. For this I make my own silicone moulds. So basically I have some silicone. Not difficult to pour some into a shallow baking tray to make my own mats.
Any problems with that or should I really just go buy matting from a supplier?

[letsgo]

Quite a few use this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/X-Large-Silic ... 460170f855

For the price its brilliant and can be cut to size for different items .

[Gelert]

That's quite reasonable, but from my mouldmaking I know that food safe silicone is a lot more expensive than regular silicone rubber. It seems to be nothing special then. I might just use my own silicone and save a tenner... unless anyone knows why I shouldn't :biggrin:

[Justin]

Certainly worth a go I would say! You'd probably sell a few on here once you've tried and tested it. I'm about to buy some 3mm sheet as I currently use 2 x 1.5mm inserts for processing smaller items in my mug press....so I'll watch this space

[Gelert]

I use silicone to make moulds for pewter too. It has a melting point of 230C and the silicone handles that easily though does obviously become very very hot.
Justin, a kilo of RTV silicone costs £17.50 - you could make an awful lot of matting from that using just a shallow baking tray, for example, as a mould. Mix it with 5% catalyst, pour, allow to cure for 12 hours.

There seems to be a heat proof silicone available (though never seen or used it) so that might be a safer bet. I guess that's what used in the press.

[smitch6]

the presses get pretty hot
most stuff we do is around 180-190c although i suppose it can go alot higher up to 250c never seen how hot mine goes

[Gelert]

I've ordered a wallet blank from BMS. Will make my own silicone pad for it and have a go (when my printer and press arrive). If it works I'll certainly be able to offer mats, sheets and even custom mug profiles to you lot for at least 30% cheaper than any of the suppliers I've seen.

[pisquee]

you may have a nice little business there - you could set up a little ebay shop

[Gelert]

you may have a nice little business there - you could set up a little ebay shop

If my silicone matches up, I'll definitely do that. Think I'll contact the makers first for a data sheet to see what temps it can handle.
Though to be honest, it would be a real nightmare to produce lovely thin sheets as the house is ancient with the wonkiest floors imaginable. That's me busy with folded bits of paper and spirit level for a few weeks at least:)

[Justin]

I'm about to buy some 3mm sheet, any chance you might be able to sort some of this or too soon?