How do I make a mold from a plastic container?

So I have a cat-shaped plastic container that I'd love to use as a baking mold.

I know I can't put plastic in the oven so i'm asking if there's an easy way to take that container, shape something else to it and make a mold from it?

Best Answer

There are kits available for making your own custom molds from food-grade silicone. The finished molds can be used for various cooking purposes including candy making and baking.

The laboratory I work for has used products made by The Smooth-On Company for many years and they are of high quality:

http://www.smooth-on.com/Food-Safe-Material/c1387/index.html

Because you're starting out with a with a non-silicone mold, you would use it first to cast some other material such as plaster of paris. Then, use the silicone kit to make your actual baking mold from that.

This video shows a quick overview of the process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HyVCVfZ_g8

It's not exactly a trivial undertaking, especially for making a mold big enough to bake a cake. With so many varieties of pre-made silicone bakeware on the market, it may or may not be worth the trouble. (unless the cat is truly Adorable!)

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Can you make a mold out of plastic?

Molding plastic is a fun, inexpensive way to create unique pieces or replicas of your favorite items. You may purchase a mold or create your own custom molds out of reusable molding materials, silicone, and or plaster.

How do you make homemade plastic molds?

A typical plastic will have resin, a catalyst and a coloring agent. To mold clear plastic, use a clear coloring agent. Depending on the plastic, you will have to use different proportions of the different chemicals. Mix it thoroughly in a paper cup with a stir stick, since residue from the plastic could ruin a bowl.

How do you make a mold out of clear plastic?

When you're making custom molds, a simple box is the most effective way to contain the silicone. The box can be made from objects around the house, like a milk carton or a plastic container, or you can build one out of plexiglass, cardboard or foam core.

Beginners' Guide to Melting HDPE - How to Make a Recycled Plastic Pen

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