Polytek® Silicone Rubber, Polyurethane Rubber,
Latex Rubber, and Alginate

Many of the mold making systems produced by Polytek have crossover potential, meaning they are not limited to the described possible uses listed on this page. We are only providing the following list as food for thought. If you need assistance choosing the right mold material for your application please give us a call at 800.628.7296.

Silicone and Polyurethane mold rubbers can be used to make candle molds, soap molds, cold cast bronze sculptures, concrete and plaster casts, wax casting for foundry and jewelry lost wax process, casting polyurethane, epoxy and other resins.

Silicones are especially good for their self-releasing characteristics. Which means that casting resins will not stick to the rubber after it is cured. Also, for many applications silicone will out live polyurethane mold materials. Silicones are preferred by rapid prototypers for their ease of use and predictable accuracy. Hobbyists also enjoy silicones because many silicones have shorter curing times.

Polyurethane rubber molds are great for concrete molds and stamps, plaster casting or other applications that involve high abrasive materials. Polyurethane molds are often used for architectural restoration, taxidermy, and artists in a wide range of applications where making repeated copies is important.

Latex rubber is popular with artists doing statuary pieces in either plaster or concrete. Latex is a tough natural rubber that can produce high surface detail.

Alginate mold material is usually a one time use product. It is safe for skin contact with most subjects. Plaster or other gypsum casting media are generally used with alginate mold compounds.