Bill Johnston

New to this board and lure making in general. I have been playing around with silicon molds for the past couple of days and this is what I've found. First off, the Walmart where I live does not carry Mainstay Silicon but another brand called ColorPlace. I have been using the white version as recommended by Husky. As for it's ability to cast an object, this stuff is really amazing. It accepts and releases plastic very well and the quality of the mold is very high. One limitation I have encountered is the amount of bubbles or air pockets you experience. Another thing I have noticed is that the amount of water you add will impact the texture, smell and volume of silicone in your end product. For example, the first mold I cast was, like I said, my first mold. I was very excited and couldn't wait to see the finished product. I layed out som silicon, added water( no specific amount) and started turning with a puddy knife. As soon as the water contacts the silicon, you will get a white vinegar smell. Less than a minute into stirring, you will notice the silicon getting fluffy and tighter. At that point I place it in my coffin, pushed in a lure and let it set. With the exception of air bubbles, the finished product was perfect. I have cast four dozen very acceptable baits. However, if you add more water as the silicon begins to get fluffy and set, it will keep it in a pliable state for a little while longer. When it begins to harden again, just add more water and it will stay pliable. Two things I noticed after doing this three times is thatn the smell of vinegar is lessened and the silicon seems to shrink. The amount of silicon I had at the end of this experiment was considerably less than when I started. Also, it's texture seemed to change in that it had become more supple, like silly puddy and it does not cure as quickly.