Virtual Foundry Tour

Step 2: Making a Mold

The first mold, referred to as the "mother mold," is made directly from the original clay sculpture, using coats of liquid rubber or silicon backed with plaster or fiberglass. In this image, a mold technician is applying liquid latex rubber to a clay original. The waxed paper surfaces of the soft drink cups allow the mold to later be separated into two halves.