Are there cheaper alternatives to Smooth On products? - RPF

Hey all, so a while back I posted progress on making a 3d model of the shock baton from ghost in the shell, however I did get a little stuck on it, and I also realized that for what I want to do, it would be a lot of work to clean up the print lines, and it also would probably feel quite different in the hand.

I figure making a silicone mold and casting it in 61d (a fairly close match, I got some samples and a durometer) would provide much better results, however I just got a quote in for various amounts of mold star and smooth cast, and holy hell, I didn't realize it was so expensive.

I have to probably rig up a rough mold to see how much I need, and I am in Canada which doesn't help, but for the 16lb kit of mold star it;s $260, and for smooth cast, it's $170. Add in sample kids for dying the resin and the silicone and this would end up costing pretty much as much as I paid for the prop itself.

Now, sure maybe I could cast several of them and sell them to offset the cost a bit, but based on how little interest there was in the post I made before, and the fact that it's not really a super iconic thing from the movie (I just couldn't afford anything really recognizable, and I was going to kick myself if I didn't get at least something), I doubt there'd be much interest in that.

So yeah, I'm wondering if there are other brands out there, or if smooth on is the most well known because other brands just aren't as good? Not sure about the availability of other brands of stuff up here, but if I got some names of them I could at least start looking into it. I'm lucky enough to have a Smooth On physical location in my back yard. They've always done right by me. They took back a couple of gallons on resin (combo pack) and replaced it with new resin at no cost! Yeah, they may not be the cheapest, but it's worth it, to me, to spend the extra money with them. Hell, I once took in a jacked up silicone mold and they remade me a great mold at no cost to me! Their service to the end buyer keeps me coming back. Sure, there may be cheaper options, but the money I saved because of their superior customer service saved me money and heartburn in the end.

I am not an authorized spokesman for Smooth On.

Hey all, so a while back I posted progress on making a 3d model of the shock baton from ghost in the shell, however I did get a little stuck on it, and I also realized that for what I want to do, it would be a lot of work to clean up the print lines, and it also would probably feel quite different in the hand.

I figure making a silicone mold and casting it in 61d (a fairly close match, I got some samples and a durometer) would provide much better results, however I just got a quote in for various amounts of mold star and smooth cast, and holy hell, I didn't realize it was so expensive.

I have to probably rig up a rough mold to see how much I need, and I am in Canada which doesn't help, but for the 16lb kit of mold star it;s $260, and for smooth cast, it's $170. Add in sample kids for dying the resin and the silicone and this would end up costing pretty much as much as I paid for the prop itself.

Now, sure maybe I could cast several of them and sell them to offset the cost a bit, but based on how little interest there was in the post I made before, and the fact that it's not really a super iconic thing from the movie (I just couldn't afford anything really recognizable, and I was going to kick myself if I didn't get at least something), I doubt there'd be much interest in that.

So yeah, I'm wondering if there are other brands out there, or if smooth on is the most well known because other brands just aren't as good? Not sure about the availability of other brands of stuff up here, but if I got some names of them I could at least start looking into it.

Sounds crazy but all I use is Plasticine to smooth out the grooves from the print then I paint; once there are a few layers of paint the mold release is added and I add the rubber.
To apply the paint just use a sponge and to apply the mold release I just use a spray bottle.

Return this item for free

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

Shbury Product Page

Additional resources:
Streamlining Sputtering Targets Delivery: Your Essential Guide
Sputtering Targets: Key Applications and User Insights
Best manufacturer of sputtering targets for large-scale production
Unlocking Performance: How Hard Disk Sputtering Targets Solve Your Storage Struggles
Mastering Edco Magna Trap Bits: Tips for Best Performance
How to Choose Pipe Fitting Application Scenarios?
6 Things You Should Know About Metal Stamping

If you want to learn more, please visit our website silicone casting service.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of stamping sheet metal. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Learn more about free returns.