05-20-2010, 11:17 PM
B-man...the short answer to your question is.... yes, you can cure a mold under pressure and yes, you will get a decent mold...as a matter of fact, the mold will actually have better strength properties due to the simple fact that the molicules of silicone are packed a bit tighter together. ( higher density = higher strength )
However... ( doesn't it suck that there's always a "however" to these things ? ) if you do pressure your molds...your masters had better be very solid items....ANY air spaces that have the tinyest openings will be completly filled in the process. ANY porosity of the master will cause the silicone to lock in to the master ( ask me how I know
Also, if the silicone is not FULLY CURED, you will have a real fun time watching the air bubbles expand inside your newly poured mold.
( again, ask me how I know )
So, to sum it all up...yes, it's possible....but it's a much more certain outcome to vacume de-gas a mold.
However... ( doesn't it suck that there's always a "however" to these things ? ) if you do pressure your molds...your masters had better be very solid items....ANY air spaces that have the tinyest openings will be completly filled in the process. ANY porosity of the master will cause the silicone to lock in to the master ( ask me how I know
Also, if the silicone is not FULLY CURED, you will have a real fun time watching the air bubbles expand inside your newly poured mold.
( again, ask me how I know
)So, to sum it all up...yes, it's possible....but it's a much more certain outcome to vacume de-gas a mold.