American Art Clay Company - Amaco Mix-A-Mold Mixing Tips

Mix-A-Mold Mixing Tips
from Michelle Zimmerman, Clay Sculptor & Craft Designer

AMACO offers 3 formulations in Mix-a-Mold Instructions (contained in the box) for 3 different strengths of durability. Each has its' own use, but formulation #2 is my favorite because it is for perishable, single use molds. ALL formulations are valuable, and I'll tell you why!

Mix #1 (One part Water/One Part Mix-a-Mold)
The first formulation is tougher than the rest and shrinks less. It's the one you want to use if you want your mold to have little shrinkage, make lots of replicas with, and have a mold ready to use within 5 minutes.

Mix #2 (Two parts Water/One Part Mix-a-Mold)
The second one will be the favorite for common use. It's great for reducing the original piece because it shrinks a bit more than mix #1. It can withstand several replicas. There's plenty of time to mix it, and get the item placed just right before it begins setting. This is also the mix I use for making 2 part molds as it gives me enough time to place the markers as well as the item to be molded. It's hard to find 2 part molds that don't stick to each other, and that is the beauty of this product. Once it's set, it doesn't stick to itself and makes 2 part molding a piece of cake.

Mix #3 (Three Parts Water/One Part Mix-a-Mold)
This is an awesome mix for one-of-a-kind reproductions or things with super heavy undercuts. It gives plenty of time to slosh the original around to get all the areas covered. I personally use this one for shrinking a piece. It saves me a lot of time when I want an exact duplicate, just smaller. It's what I would use when I'm not worried about destroying the mold while I remove the cast piece.

Michelle Zimmerman, marketing director and designer at Http Design in California, has over 30 years experience in the craft field. Her articles and designs appear in publications around the world and several of her clay sculptures are held in private collections. She has taught classes, won several awards, and is a three-time finalist in AMACO's Bottle of Hope Designer Challenges. You can view her work at www.http-design.com.