Casting Your Own Molds For Newbs

[BucketmouthAngler13]

First off, I want everyone to know that I myself am a newbie at this. I learned a few things the hard way so this post is about what to do and what NOT to do when you are casting (or pouring, same thing) your own plaster molds. I got my directions from the article on this subject on the BR homepage.

Secondly, this is a lot cheaper than you think it is!

I went to ACE Hardware and got 4lbs of plaster for $7. That's enough to make two small molds. (2 piece with 3 or 4 cavities) Doing this is easy, fun and cheap.

OK let's get started. First you are going to need a flexible container of some sort to hold your mold. I used the aluminum foil tray thinys that can be easily found. I found mine under some pots and pans in my pantry, but it was way too big. So I cut out some cardboard and made a divider. Next I coated the bottom and 3" of the sides with Vaseline. The Vaseline keeps the plaster from sticking to the container. (Pictured below)

Get whatever plastic you want to mold to make ready, and then start mixing the plaster. Here is what you will need:

My mold needed a good amount of plaster. You need enough to cover the bottom of the container with  3/4 to an inch of plaster. I mixed 4 cups of plaster with 2 cups of water in a metal bowl. (Around 2.5lbs) A 2/1 ratio works good for the plaster/water.

Mix the plaster really well. Mine fully set in 20 minutes but it only took a few minutes in till it was getting to hard to pour, so be swift. Once you have it well mixed pour it in your container. Tap the container a little to get an even top. (Do it on a flat surface) Then take your baits and press them half way into the still-liquid plaster. The cardboard divider made a perfect flat top for my mold so I put the front of my bait (a senko) right up to the cardboard. Take two Popsicle stick halves and stick them into the plaster. These act as guides for the two halves onces the mold is finnished. (Seen below)

Let the plaster harden for as long as it needs. (The box will say) Then remove the baits from the mold.

You need some sealer for cavities. Polyurethane works well. I used a little paint brush to apply it, which worked great. (Don't put on to much or it will take away detail from the baits)

Next you need to put a thin layer of Vaseline on. The thinner the better, but you need enough so when you pour the other half they won't stick. I used a bigger (but still small) paintbrush to do this, which also worked like a charm. Don't put Vaseline in the cavities. Take the baits and put a really thin amount of Vaseline on them with your hands. Now put the baits back into the mold. Also put a thin layer of Vaseline on the Popsicle sticks.

Now repeat the plaster mixing method. (Mix the same amount) Once you have mixed it, pour it onto of the other mold. (With the baits in place) The Popsicle sticks should stick out but the baits should be well covered. (Seen below)

Once that is dry you can remove the plaster from the container. I used a butter knife around the edges and it came out pretty easy. I then took a jack knife and worked it around between the two halves of the mold. (Be gentle so you don't damage it) After a little prying the two halves came apart really easy. And it looked great!!! I was shocked!

Here is what it should all look like:

I melted down some old worms and poured my first bait. It came out really well:

OK here is what I shouldn't have done:

1. I used wayyyy to much Vaseline. Only a little bit goes a long way.

2. I should have mixed the second batch of plaster better. A few clumps messed up two of the cavities.

3. Wash off anything with plaster on it when before it hardens. It will come of really easy before it dries, but after it is like cement.

4. Use a metal whisk when mixing. I used a spoon and it was pretty messy.

IT WAS SO EASY! It was my first cast and it came out pretty well. The next one I make should be even better. And at such a cheap price I will be making a lot more, believe me!

To all of those who where thinking about getting into hand pours well this is your chance. It was so easy! And even if you screw it up you can always make another one. GO DO IT!

Hope this is helpful!

Matt

Thanks to fisherguy12 for the pictures

[Zel]

Nice demonstration!  And pics are always worth a thousand words.  

If you have problems using Vaseline (to keep the molds from sticking Avid! You always have to keep the Avid factor in mind when using certain wording), I've found using Tincture of Green Soap works great when working with plaster.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I've always used pam spray. Works great, cheap and easy. The polyurethane I dont think will hold up very long. Your better off with epoxy.

great demo

[BucketmouthAngler13]

When the polly wears off I'll try that.

[Jimzee]

Very good demo.   Thanks!!

[carySE406]

Good stuff man, I've been experimenting with this as well and it really is easy to do.

[Triton_Mike]

Use several marbles in the corners of the mold instead of popsicle sticks.  

Mike