Duration: 53s

In this lesson, John explains the components and function of casting. He demonstrates the “matrix mold” method, using a flexible silicone layer supported by a rigid plaster mother mold with registration keys to ensure accurate, repeatable reproduction of sculptures.

Duration: 1m 34s

In this lesson, John prepares his sculpture for mold-making by protecting the surface, removing complex protrusions for separate molds, and planning the parting line. These steps ensure the mold can be accurately reassembled while preserving all sculptural details.

Duration: 6m 37s

In this lesson, John explains the importance of undercuts and strategic parting line placement for successful mold-making. By positioning parting lines at curve apexes and in less visible areas, he shows how to ensure clean separation, protect the sculpture, and preserve the aesthetic quality of the final cast.

Duration: 9m 26s

In this lesson, John demonstrates a practical, cost-effective approach to mold-making using readily available materials like foam core board to reduce clay usage. This technique minimizes material waste while building dam structures, showing how thoughtful resource use can make professional sculpting and casting more accessible.

Duration: 5m 6s

In this lesson, John shows a quick, easy and cost-effective method for creating a cutting board for clay which is used in professional mold-making. By using readily available paint sticks as adjustable thickness guides, sculptors can ensure consistent clay application, which is critical for creating quality matrix molds.

Duration: 1m 56s

In this lesson, John demonstrates efficient clay preparation for water-based molding clay, covering material properties and proper storage to prevent drying. Using the cutting board from the previous lesson, he shows how to create consistent clay strips for building dividing walls and other structural elements.

Duration: 2m 31s

In this lesson, John's pays extra attention to any areas that may become undercut and removes them, while maintaining consistent wall thickness to ensure that the final two-part mold will separate cleanly without damaging the original sculpture. The clay wall and overlay system creates a blueprint for where the silicone and plaster jacket will be applied in subsequent steps.

Duration: 34m 45s

In this lesson, John explains how to create the registration keys, which will allow the silicon portion of the full matrix mold to be placed back in the same spot inside the rigid plaster jacket repeatedly. Proper execution guarantees consistent mold alignment and reliable casting results

Duration: 15m 54s

In this lesson, John covers essential preparatory steps, including key placement, sprue positioning, gap sealing, and applying a protective clear coat. These measures help prevent common issues, ensuring the mold-making process is smooth and successful.

Duration: 10m 3s

In this lesson, John demonstrates how to use burlap for reinforcing plaster molds. He emphasizes preparing a supply of pre-cut burlap in advance, ensuring a smooth workflow and uninterrupted application while working with wet plaster.

Duration: 2m 6s

In this lesson, John walks through his process for preparing plaster for application to the mold template, from bowl preparation to the critical "cracked mud" stage before mixing. Following these fundamentals will help create detailed, durable plaster molds through the two-coat application process.

Duration: 3m 25s

In this lesson, John begins to apply a detail and more wide sweeping coat to his mold template. The most critical aspect is maintaining proper timing between layers to ensure structural integrity of the mold. Beginners are strongly encouraged to practice with test batches before attempting to mold an actual sculpture piece.

Duration: 7m 46s

This lesson covers John's technique for creating reinforced plaster molds using burlap. The process requires working efficiently before the plaster sets, while carefully ensuring complete coverage without air pockets. For beginners, John recommends doing a dry run to become comfortable with the materials before attempting the actual molding process.

Duration: 8m 42s

In this lesson, John teaches some important mold-making techniques for achieving professional results in plaster work. Using a spatula and a rasper, he works the surface of the plaster into a much smoother finish. He pays careful attention to creating clean, straight clamping edges ensuring the mold halves will fit together properly for successful casting.

Duration: 2m 34s

In this lesson, John demonstrates careful handling and cleaning of the sculpture to protect the original model and preserve the clay layers that will define the silicone interior of the mold. Understanding the purpose of each layer is key to successfully completing the molding process.

Duration: 6m 34s

In this lesson, John works on the back side of the plaster jacket. While time-consuming and physically demanding, the final results are always worth the effort, as a well-made silicone mold opens up possibilities for casting in various materials. The key to success lies in following proper preparation steps, particularly the application of release agents to prevent components from sticking together.

Duration: 5m 19s

In this lesson, John demonstrates his plaster applying technique that balances speed with precision. While John prefers fast-setting plaster for efficiency, he encourages artists to use slower-setting alternatives to allow more working time and reduce the pressure of quick execution.

Duration: 8m 17s

In this lesson, John illustrates his method for determining silicone requirements when casting molds. By using the removed clay as a volume indicator, he shows how artists can accurately calculate their silicone needs without guesswork or waste. This technique is particularly valuable for managing expensive materials and ensuring successful mold production.

Duration: 5m 29s

In this lesson, John drills strategic pilot holes in the mold jacket to prevent air pockets and ensure complete silicone coverage. By targeting concave areas and deep points, these holes provide escape routes for trapped air and visual cues for proper silicone flow, helping achieve high-quality, defect-free molds.

Duration: 3m 52s

This lesson emphasizes the precision required in mold-making preparation, particularly when establishing the parting line with clay. John creates a clean, flush edge between the sculpture and clay barrier to produce a quality mold without defects. Proper registration and moisture management of the clay are critical steps that directly impact the success of the final silicone mold and subsequent castings.

Duration: 6m 53s

This lesson looks at some of the final preparatory steps in the mold-making process, as John finishes preparing to apply silicon to his plaster jacket. His methodical approach, from applying release agents to creating airtight seals with plaster bandages, and repeated emphasis on final inspection, results in a high-quality silicone mold that accurately captures all details of the original sculpture.

Duration: 8m 32s

In this lesson, John quickly runs through some of the essential purchasing and preparation information for anyone just starting out with silicon mold making. The presenter's specific product recommendation and clear mixing instructions offer a straightforward starting point for creating flexible molds.

Duration: 1m 5s

In this lesson, John shows how to use a triple beam balance scale, in order to accurately measure silicone and catalyst for the mold-making ahead. By understanding how to read the three weight bars and add supplementary weights when needed, users can precisely measure batches of any size and maintain the critical 10% catalyst ratio necessary for proper silicone curing.

Duration: 2m 48s

In this lesson, John showcases his process for mixing and pouring silicon into the plaster mold jacket. The key to success lies in methodically monitoring the silicone flow, sealing potential leak points, properly preparing surfaces between pours, and greasing the edge of the finished silicone surfaces to prevent the second halve from bonding with the first. This systematic approach ensures a high-quality, reusable mold suitable for casting multiple reproductions.

Duration: 16m 19s

In this lesson, John demonstrates opening the completed silicone mold, and discusses how careful mixing techniques can eliminate the need for expensive vacuum de-gassing. The demolding process yields a detailed, flexible mold ready for casting, even for artists working without specialized equipment.

Duration: 5m 4s

In this lesson, John demonstrates how proper trimming, thorough cleaning, and applying Vaseline as a release agent simplify mold reassembly and prevent distortion. Careful alignment of registration keys ensures minimal visible seam lines, producing higher-quality cast reproductions.

Duration: 5m 43s

In this lesson, John works on constructing block molds for his character's horns. This technique offers a simpler alternative to matrix molds, trading increased silicone usage for easier demolding and the ability to handle undercuts without complex parting lines. The flexible nature of thick silicone allows the mold to bend away from the cast, making it ideal for complex shapes.

Duration: 13m 12s

This lesson shows how successful casting requires attention to strategic planning (hole placement), careful mold securing, and most importantly, a methodical pouring and tilting process to eliminate air pockets that would otherwise result in defective castings.

Duration: 2m 27s

In this lesson, John brushes in the first layer manually before completing the pour, ensuring professional results without air bubbles or lost details. The technique of embedding mounting hardware directly during casting also demonstrates thoughtful planning that saves time and preserves the integrity of the final presentational piece.

Duration: 3m 12s

In this lesson, John provides practical instruction on the demolding phase of casting work, emphasizing that understanding mold geometry helps predict how pieces will separate. The demonstration shows that with proper technique and patience, even complex sculptural forms with details like horns can be successfully cast and removed from flexible molds.

Duration: 1m 22s

In this lesson, John showcases a professional technique for permanently mounting horns onto a sculptured head display. Using the plugs on the horns (a bi-product of their casting) he can mark out spots on the head piece to create corresponding sockets. The use of registration marks and gap-filling adhesive ensures precise alignment and a strong bond that will withstand handling while maintaining the integrity of the display piece.

Duration: 2m 41s

In this final lesson, John demonstrates cleaning and repairing the final cast, addressing seams, voids, and surface imperfections. He shows how careful finishing elevates casting quality, while encouraging artists to enjoy the process and recognize that mastering these skills allows them to reproduce and sell their sculptural work.

Duration: 5m 40s