Silicone molds don't have an expiration date, but they should be considered consumables. With proper use, the mold retains its original properties even after repeated use.
So how can you keep the mold in good condition for as long as possible? Follow these steps:
Always ensure proper mixing of the resin
When pouring poorly mixed resin, residual hardener can deform the mold and the casting may stick to the mold. Therefore, it is important to mix the resin thoroughly!
Be cautious with heat
Handle the torch and hot air gun with extreme care. Don’t hold them in one spot for too long, as this could overheat the resin at one point and cause it to stick to the mold. When removing the casting, there may be no option but to tear or cut it from the mold, or try placing the product in the freezer and then carefully prying it out. However, the mold will be damaged by any of these methods.
Clean molds properly
Molds should not be washed, as water can leave marks and streaks, and the sponge used can cause minor scratches on the mold's surface. Additionally, if uncured resin comes into contact with water, it can lose its shine or boil and damage the mold. Therefore, we recommend removing dirt only with NanoTech cleaner or adhesive tape. Do not wipe the mold with alcohol, solvents, or other aggressive substances that can etch the surface of the mold.
Do not use sharp objects
Loss of gloss on the mold due to resin exposure is a natural wear and tear, but molds can also be worn out by mechanical impact. Therefore, be cautious when arranging decorations into the mold using tweezers, toothpicks, or other tools. We strongly advise against stretching or squeezing closed molds. If you stretch the silicone too much, it won’t tear but will show damage. Unfortunately, the mold will not return to its original state, and the deformation will also be visible in the resin casting.
Store molds properly
Do not store molds piled on top of each other. Prolonged contact can imprint parts of one mold onto the shiny surface of another, which is an irreversible process. Improper storage can also deform molds.
Ideally, store molds in dustproof boxes, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight!