How to Make a Clay Resin Mold

Prepare a model of the object. One way to do this is to carve the object from a bar of soap. Another method is to use an existing object as a model. If your model is made from a porous material, paint or coat the object with sealant to keep it from sticking to the mold.

Create a mold frame. This is a box that will contain the mold material and keep it focused around the object. Wood lathe, Legos or even a plastic sandwich tub can be used as the mold frame.

Coat the inside of the mold form with petroleum jelly or spray it with cooking oil. This will keep the clay from sticking to the mold. Coat the model with this substance, as well. Mix clay and water together to the consistency of thick gravy. Pour the clay mixture into the mold. Place the model and a cone-shaped piece that touches the edge of the model and the edge of the mold on top of the clay layer, and pour more clay around it, covering half the model. Let the mold dry.

Lift the model out to make sure it will separate from the mold, and replace it. Treat the top of the model and the exposed surface of the mold with petroleum jelly or spray cooking oil. Pour the clay and water mixture over the mold and model to create the other half of the mold. Let the mold dry.

Open the mold and remove the model and the funnel. Use a small file to remove any burrs or protuberances that mar the shape of the mold. Let the mold cure for a day or two to make sure all of the moisture is out of it. To use the mold, place the two halves together and secure it with rubber bands. Pour the resin into the mold through the hole created by the funnel-shaped object.