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Rokkits will be a doddle KC
get that rokkit production line going lad!

I got mine in today, it's going to be a couple hours until I can see what's what though.

I've not used Instant Mold, but it certainly looks very different to both Polymorph and Friendly Plastic, which I have used both of. And, yes, Polymorph and FP are similar to each other, but I don't think they're absolutely the same -- Polymorph is stronger, IME.

Is instant mold good at getting all the details?

For anyone who hasn't done so yet, watch the demo video at the Instant Mold website, it answers a lot of questions.

@ augustus5: Like the avatar. Bollo would approve.

I haven't gotten 2-part molds to work yet but since this is the first time I've ever molded anything I'd chock it up to inexperience and poor technique for now.

I have had success press-molding my Crisis Suit weapon.





It requires some cleaning since it isn't a 2-part mold but it picks up the detail nicely and works perfectly for me since only one side of my weapons has detail to begin with (second side will be covered with stuff like drum magazines and carry handles so it needs to be flat). I'm going to try 2-part molding the custom head for my XV8s today and I'll be sure to report back how it goes.

I have to say, that actually looks a bit promising.

Again, there is a demo of two-part molding and lots of other good stuff on the video at the Instant Mold website. If you're interested in the product, it's worth 3 minutes to take a look at it.

BrassScorpion wrote:Again, there is a demo of two-part molding and lots of other good stuff on the video at the Instant Mold website. If you're interested in the product, it's worth 3 minutes to take a look at it.

Yeah I watched it...but I'm more interested in a Dakka user experience.

Still waiting on mine, but just had an interesting idea.

As color shapers are so pricey, I may try to use this material to make some sculpting tools (similar to color shapers) that won't stick to putty. The stuff seems pretty firm once cool/cold, so I have hopes for it..

As color shapers are so pricey...

I got my sets off of eBay. They weren't cheap, as you say, they are not ever cheap, but the price for a full set was at least reasonable. Instead of paying $7-$10 for one I got a set of five for between $20 and $25. I actually bought two sets, one small and one about two sizes up. They should last a long time as I don't do that much sculpting, so it seemed like a pretty good one-time purchase as they are most helpful at getting the final shape of a sculpt smooth without deforming it.

Color shapers are worth every single cent and more. Even if they were double the cost I would still recommend them, honestly indispensable tools when working at this scale IMO!

MajorTom11 wrote:Color shapers are worth every single cent and more. Even if they were double the cost I would still recommend them, honestly indispensable tools when working at this scale IMO!

Hrm, having never used them and only read about them, maybe I just havent been thoroughly impressed enough yet and should try them.

Here's an OTT question: when I look at them I sometimes see firmness descriptions (hard/soft)...which is better/more appropriate for GS work?

Hrm, having never used them and only read about them, maybe I just havent been thoroughly impressed enough yet and should try them.

Both of the professional hobbyists I used to sit with at our Bunker HQ when we had it used them on their sculpts. The first time I tried them I was amazed at the results. As someone else said, they are worth every penny as they are invaluable tools that will help greatly improve the quality of work.

Seriously, the demo video, which clearly has been shot without trickery, is quite impressive, which is one reason so many people are excited about the product. I'll look forward to seeing more people try it out here too.

Would get firm clay shapers for GS
There is also a tutorial on Dakka using a firm eraser as a cheap alternative.

If you intend to do a lot of sculpting the investment in clayshapers is very much a good idea as stated above.

What a bunch of doubting Thomases. Honestly what are you like?
It will work fine on a meltagun

I have all three, usually end up on firm or super-firm. But soft have their uses too... I usually use the round cup head, very rarely the other ones. If you could just buy a set with all 3 rounds, that would be a perfect place to start -

I obviously came across as a negative nancy here, which was not my intent

I'm just pragmatic.

Thanks Chibi, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your time and effort!

Also, back to the color shapers briefly, BEWARE EBAY. Lots of people sell color shapers that are not Sovereign brand color shapers, and I accidentally bought 2 of them, and let me tell you, they are not the same quality at all.

Just bite the bullet and head to blick to get them, again, cannot stress how useful and comfortable these things are to work with!

MajorTom11 wrote:Thanks Chibi, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your time and effort!

Also, back to the color shapers briefly, BEWARE EBAY. Lots of people sell color shapers that are not Sovereign brand color shapers, and I accidentally bought 2 of them, and let me tell you, they are not the same quality at all.

Just bite the bullet and head to blick to get them, again, cannot stress how useful and comfortable these things are to work with!

I did a Google on those...still really don't get the gist of it. Basically a soft paint brush like end for sculpting GS?

The Color Shaper tips are made of silicone. And you're unlikely to "get it" unless you've seen a good sculptor use one. I bought two sets after watching some pros use them. Talk about "right tool for the job".

I never saw anyone using them, but read they were good... honestly, there isn't much to get in terms of the immediate benefit - They are forgiving in that you would have great difficulty pushing a ton of GS in one stroke, they force you to gently do things and take your time, and they automatically smooth your work in way metal or would never would. Anyone who used a metal sculpting tool and accidentally scraped off 20 mins of hard work due to a shakey hand will immediately appreciate them lol! Just IMO and experience though...

That looks pretty amazing to me for the first day of using it! Sold!

ps just looked at the pics closer to actual size and they are not too shabby even if I say so myself

Have to agree about the clayshapers Major Tom
Have made my own tools from cocktail sticks
Used wooden clay tools
Metal wax sculpting tools
and none of them are close to the silicon shapers for finesse of touch.

The other tools have their uses but for the final finish the silicon ones are ace.
Also I find it easier to apply GS with them as it doesn't seem to stick to the silicon.
Always used to have a problem getting just enough moisture. Not enough and it sticks to your fingers/tools.
Too much and it won't stay put. The clayshapers seem to work just right for me.

Subscribed. This seems like it would be worth it for the basing opportunities alone.

I hope being cheap and ordering some Polymorph rather than importing this stuff pays off.

okay so it looks like its quite viable for 2 part however is insta mold the same or better than say polymorph or friendly plastic thats the kicker.

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:I probably had too much GS and rushed the cutting of the mould, and the GS was still a bit soft when I pulled the first half of the mould.

I had these problems with my earlier attempts too. I'm quickly discovering that to do an effective 2-part mold with this stuff its all about three things:

- Appropriate amount of Green Stuff
- A continuous and clean cut of the initial mold
- At least two guide rods, each in a corner opposite the other. I used bits from the GW finger drill

I just got some of the Oyamaru stuff Chibi mentioned. Its pretty awesome.

My current green and grey stuff is a bit too stale to work with press molding, so I've played around a bit using some Super Sculpey.

If you make the mold halfway decent you can get really good results

I have a fresh batch f Apoxie sculpt that should be in tomorrow, and it should be soft enough to work really well with this type of molding.

Holy crap! I NEED to find out if this stuff really works....

Wolfpack of One wrote:Holy crap! I NEED to find out if this stuff really works....

Yes- it really works.

Its like any other tool or technique, it has a learning curve and its not going to work for every situation. But its gonna be darn nifty to have.