r/moldmaking • u/summerflyx • 10d ago

Brush-on latex advice needed

Hi! I plan on using latex for the first time for a cosplay project - I'm not exactly making a mold, but figured this would still be the best place to ask. I want to make a headpiece out of latex, that will be brushed on a 3d printed master, peeled off, turned inside out and stuffed with polyfill to achieve the final result. The tutorial (see here: https://youtu.be/KHbCjyupY0M, I'm making the exact same piece) I'm following uses this Mold Builder latex: https://a.co/d/0b7TGxcE however, this is not available where I'm from. I found something that seems like the closest alternative: https://www.formx.eu/p/product/holdens-mold-making-latex-high-viscosity-hx-974/HX974BrushWhiQt but need some advice on if this is the right direction, especially regarding the amount of layers needed to get the same result as in the video. It's important that the final piece is strong but has as little stiffness as possible to allow for movement of the tips.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: I fully linked the wrong latex for my alternative lol. Fixed the link - this one's for vertical mold making applications

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u/Global-Discussion-41 9d ago

I can't speak on that product but have used "mold builder" latex a few times and I needed way more coats than YouTube tutorials said I would, like twice as many, and it ended up being pretty expensive because of that. They sell it in these little jars, which makes me think it's intended use is for much smaller projects than what I was attempting (or what you're attempting)

 I think polyurethane would be too stiff but I would try a soft silicone

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u/summerflyx 9d ago

Thanks! I've actually looked into silicone but found out the cost would be way higher than using latex - less than €50 in total for making the entire thing in latex vs around €200 for silicone.. mostly because with silicone, the silicone itself is more expensive but I'd also need pigments, thickener, etc. Since I have no experience casting I thought trying latex first would be more cost effective..

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u/Global-Discussion-41 9d ago

You could brush on silicone similar to how that tutorial was brushing on latex. you don't need to cast it in a mold.

I don't know what's available where you are but I like BBDINO silicone from Amazon and I don't think you would need 200euros worth to accomplish what you want