Plating for patterns in spin cast rubber

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi, I have to supply some masters for a pewter worker to make
natural rubber moulds for them to be spin cast in pewter.

I prefer to cast them in silver myself, this however reacts with the
black rubber pin casters use when they make their mould.

What are my options for plating them to produce a surface that will
not stick? Do I have to use gold, or are there cheaper options?

regards
Tim Blades.

2 
What are my options for plating them to produce a surface that
will not stick? Do I have to use gold, or are there cheaper
options?

redskyplating.com will do barrel plating, cheapest way to plate. I
have not used them, but I know someone who does. Check this site:
mobiusproductsandservices.com to see two-tone copper plated sterling
mobius pendants and earrings… I made the double mobius models and
molds for them.

Richard Hart

3

Contenti sells a coating product for spin casters to use when
molding. It is a blue solution painted on (or dipped) that keeps the
rubber from sticking and helps keep tarnish on the silver down. Not
in my shop right now, or I’d look the item up for you.

Paul Reilly

4

Tim,

You can plate with any non copper based alloy, many use nickle. All
you need is a decent flash, so even if you use gold, you’re not
really putting that much on.

You can also use layout fluid like Dykem, available at any machine
tool supply place. It leaves a slightly thicker coating so it can
fill in very fine, high detail pieces a little, but it’s easier and
faster for the right items.

By using silicone molds you can bypass the issue entirely, they cost
a little more in materials, but will produce good castings faster.

Harry
www.harryhamilldesigns.com

5

Hi All,

thanks for the replies, I am in the UK so I have to use somebody
local. My customer uses his own mould maker, so I have to produce a
pattern that will work for him.

I use only silicone moulds now but a lot of the trade still use
natural rubber to keep their costs down. The trade proper (not
outsiders like me!) is going through a hard time at the moment and
as far as I can see cutting each others throats on price.

I will go for nickel plate, I can get that done nearby

Tim Blades.