Making Custom Silicone Mats | I Like To Make Stuff
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
With all of the model making and electronics tinkering I've been doing lately, I wanted a custom silicone mat that could hold specific items. Silicone mats are super durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean. Have a task you do repeatedly? Let me show you how to easily make a custom silicone mat!
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he beauty in creating your own silicone work mat instead of buying one, is that you get to design to your specific needs. Working with small items can be disorganized and troublesome if the pieces are not stored well and your tool easily retrievable. The silicone mat is awesome because it can help organize your work space while being heat resistant, tear proof, and easy to clean. Tasks like model making or electronics work can be more organized and efficient if the work surface was made to accommodate the hobby. In my case, I plan on using this mat for both of those tasks.
I decided to arrange the mat with shallow pockets surrounding a central work space. Because we'll be pouring the silicone into a mold, so all of our design elements have to be arranged in reverse to the mat will come out correctly. The pockets will be made from positive blocks and any lettering or text will be engraved in reverse. I used some scrap 1/4" MDF to act as the mold forms for the pockets. Adding some chamfers to the bottoms edges of the block will accomplish two things. It will act as a draft, allowing the silicone to release easier and it will keep the mat's pockets from having sharp corners that are hard to clean.
I wanted the open work area to have a slight texture and a cool and useful element. Using my Glowforge laser cutter, I added a simple square grid pattern and a reference ruler to the bottom. One of the larger pockets would also look cool with a design, so I scored a cool circuit pattern onto the mold block. To add some grooves to the area meant to store brushes, I cut some shallow lines into more mold blocks. Now that I had the mat's essential elements designed and created, it was time to make a mold box.
The mold needs to be a shallow box that contains all of our blocking elements, sealed to prevent leakage. I arranged the pocket blocks around the central work panel with the laser etching. Making sure to space these elements 1/4" apart, I glued them all to the bottom of the mold and sealed around their edges. At this point, I had to examine the mold closely for any defects, rough areas, or debris. Silicone will pick up the texture of your mold remarkably well, so you have to make sure every element is sanded smooth and sealed with varnish. Once I was happy with the mold and assured that everything was sealed from seepage, I added some Mold Release spray to help the mold, well...release from the silicone.
Silicone is an awesome substance. Nothing sticks to it but more silicone, it resists high temperatures, it's rubbery and durable, and you can easily clean it. This makes is a perfect candidate for a model making surface covered with glue and paint. There are many types of silicone to chose from. I, personally, like to use Smooth-On products because they are consistently good (if purchased from them or an authorized reseller) and their website has a lot of information to help you chose correctly. But, to be honest, it takes some hands-on trial and error to ensure you get the right end result.
Case in point, I began this project using the Ecoflex 00-30 silicone from Smooth-On. While this 2-part product has a decent working time, allowing me to off-gas the mixture in a vacuum chamber, the end product was right. It was far too stretchy for this application even though it mixed and poured beautifully. In the past I've used Moldstar 20t form Smooth-On for silicone molds, so I decided to try it on the mats. The working time for this mixture isn't long enough to off-gas in the vacuum chamber so I had to mix it, tint it orange, and pour it in the mold. The Moldstar 20t hardened pretty quickly and I removed the mat from the mold with ease. It looked Amazing!
You can use these techniques to make a custom silicone mat tailored to any task.
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Making Custom Silicone Mats | I Like To Make Stuff
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Пікірлер: 759
Tip for mixing silicone, add the tint to one of the parts before mixing together, then you can tell if the 2 parts are mixed thoroughly when there are no more swirls.
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Great piece of advice, thanks!
@ZanarCrestrider
3 жыл бұрын
Added bonus: no time limit when mixing that part in too so you can take your time and get the color mixed into the first part really well.
@shawonr3325
3 жыл бұрын
But if you are adding the tint afterwards anyway won't you still be able to tell? I'd assume if the tint is mixed fully, that means the 2 parts before it are now mixed up too?
@damienhendry1716
3 жыл бұрын
this is fine with most things, just be careful with some platinum cure silicones that hate getting mixed off ratio (even a little).
@BIGWIGGLE223
3 жыл бұрын
@@shawonr3325 the whole point of mixing it in with say Part A alone is so you are in no hurry to mix all 3 at the same time. By turning Part A into the dye/Part A it also helps you get the mixes right. I know most resins (I know this is silicone and I'm unsure if im wrong or right here) don't include the dye as part of your mix ratio so you have to do it this way just for easy math. Silicone is very different, so I'd imagine that the dye part might actually be a silicone itself that a dye carrier so it'll all mix together and actually become silicone.
Fiberglass mesh will keep it from stretching, and a magnet box for screws would be a great. Awesome project!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Cool idea!
@856Dropout
3 жыл бұрын
I Like To Make Stuff I was thinking more along the lines of canvas
@ambsquared
3 жыл бұрын
I think fiberglass maybe the mesh material in a silpat baking mat. You could also use window screen as the mesh.
@chrisburchfield8158
3 жыл бұрын
Also I think a small lip below the ruler to help keep small parts from falling off the mat would be cool addition
@peircedan
3 жыл бұрын
I wonder if on could just use cheesecloth for that purpose? I recall using cheesecloth to reinforce latex molds.
Mold release AND level 🤯🙌😁👏
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Haha. Some people have already commented on your mold release issues. Forgetfulness is the curse of the eager mind.
@ThatBassistKendall
3 жыл бұрын
Who would blaspheme in such a way as to make preparations!?!?
@swoyambhattarai1011
3 жыл бұрын
I mean it is for noobz
@frankiemillcarek6976
3 жыл бұрын
How did I not expect this comment?
@hazonku
3 жыл бұрын
One day you guys will remember.
Try starting by adding white until mostly opaque then adding red and yellow until you get the orange you want. That always worked well for me when color-matching paint, and might lessen the translucent raw salmon appearance.
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
That's an excellent point, thanks!
Love to see the projects where you show yourself trying again until you feel totally satisfied with the outcome! Such a rewarding feeling. Looks like you’re having a bunch of fun with these projects.
That blue one is SWEET.
@andrew_hall
3 жыл бұрын
I get it, by the way I'm a huge fan of your channel
@captainrex5606
3 жыл бұрын
Hi
Before I watched this video I thought “that’s cool but I probably couldn’t/wouldn’t do that.” After I thought “ok... I can totally do that.” Thanks for the motivation!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
And that's why we're here.
@imaginative-monkey
3 жыл бұрын
After watching the video and reading your comment, still I'm pretty sure I cannot do that! :P
@TheReformationWoodshop
3 жыл бұрын
maroonedsia BELIEVE!
@fr3shSwag
3 жыл бұрын
@@imaginative-monkey not w/that attitude
@Mr.Leeroy
3 жыл бұрын
you can totally buy laser cutter to make this.
Supreme coolness. Infinite possibilities with this technique and material. If your CNC bed was bigger, you could have etched the entire mold from a single piece of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF. Doing it that way, you could have beveled the outside edges, too. Maybe you could make smaller mats that interlock, like kitchen drawer organizers. The molds for each individual piece would fit on the the CNC bed, but the assembled mats would be customizeable for each user, and you could mix and match colors, too. Locking the mat pieces together could be done the same way as those interlocking foam floor squares they have at Harbor Freight. Or maybe you could mold some voids into the bottom of each component's edge and use separate key pieces. Or even mold them with Lego-like voids all through the bottoms and then create a base like a big Lego plate. Lots of possibilities.
Great work Bob! The mats turned out so fantastic! =D
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bill!
Yellow is usually the weakest color in terms of pigment density. So if you do a strong yellow base and a little tiny bit of red you should be able to get a good orange! The mats looks great!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips!
I'm converting a van for full-time living. The desk is a custom job with a laptop-like popup monitor and I figure I'll cover it with something like this - thanks for the demo!
Hey pro tip: when mixing your silicone, you something like a metal dowl rod or something cylindrical to stir it up. It causes you to have a lot less bubbles. Good to know when using quick curing silicones and resins
@Dev-lc4cd
2 жыл бұрын
Hey, pro tip: Mix your silicone with a magnetic stirrer to guarantee quick, thorough, bubble free mixing. In your face!! Oh snap!! I bet you're totally regretting now having made your comment, a year ago.
That's awesome. Makes it easy to customize your work spaces. I feel like a clock restorer would love one of these for organization of parts and the non-damaging surface.
Man, it's projects like this that get me coming back for more, I've watched probably every project video you've done, but this might be my favorite. It's simple, easy to follow, and the end results are awesome!
all of your builds are totally AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful video! Using the laser cutter for the ruler lines was clever!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Lasers are so precise and perfect for the job.
I had to watch it twice. Kept getting distracted by how awesome your shop is.
Super cool project Bob and ILTMS team! Well done.
*Taking notes and modifying for ttRPG player mats with built-in dice trays and rolling surfaces....
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
That'd be cool. You could add in scenery and storage compartments
@ZanarCrestrider
3 жыл бұрын
I was thinking this same thing. I already made a dice tower, I could use the mat to give the dice a soft place to land instead of clacking across the table or tray.
@PickledShark
3 жыл бұрын
🤯
@NightMind0
3 жыл бұрын
@@ZanarCrestrider I actually prefer felt on a hard surface for a little rattle
@christosvolikakis1523
Ай бұрын
Before making it, you should make a dexterity roll…
The first one would be great for beading and jewelry makers!
Thanks Bob and team!! I have been part of this channel for some years now and it never gets old. I love the depth of content and how you never know what to expect next. Great job and keeping it awesome guys I really look forward to the videos in the future!!! Until next time!!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
This might be one of my favorite projects. So practical, so well done, personalization options. Definitely going to make several of these. Love it Bob, thanks!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
Man, never stop doing the outtakes. No one else has em. I love your vids, but look forward to the screwups for a good laugh. Keep on keepin on
I made one similar a year ago and used their PoYo putty tinted black, and only filled the ruled areas. I then used a putty knife to clean it off the flat faces, so only the ruled lines would have any putty in them. After it cured, I ran a razor scraper over it to make sure that the flat areas were completely clear of the silicone and just the ruled areas had any silicone in them. Then I used Mold Max 20, tinted light blue, and poured that first over everything so that the deep areas were filled and I had about 1/16" thick over the faces of the pockets. I let that cure, and then I added some thin neodymium magnets over top of a few of the pocket areas, and poured the last layer (about 1/8" thick) over everything. And since silicones stick to silicones, when I demolded it, I was extremely happy with it. I had crisp black lines bonded to the light blue background with a few pockets that could hold on to small screws or anything else that would stick to magnets. Unfortunately I didn't have the luxury of having access to a laser to cut my grid like you did, but I used a straight edge and a one of the big x-acto hobby knife handles with a V groove blade to make mine, and they ended up pretty even. Keep it up, I enjoy seeing what you are going to do next.
Great project Bob. Inspired me to try and make one for myself. Thank you.
2.99M subs!!! Omg amazing to see the ILTMS channel come this far! Still making amazing stuff too! :) thanks for the many years and videos Sir Bob!
Super cool project Bob. I had never even considered making my own mats! Thank you for this, so many possibilities!!
Brilliant job!!! one of the coolest projects I've seen on youtube. WoW!!
Thanks for giving me a project for the end of the summer
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
One of my favorite projects so far!
Beautiful design and Function!! 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡 🧡
The result is super cool !!
Bloopers!! Keep those in always! What a fun end to a great video. Thanks!
This is such a simple, smart, and above all, excellent idea!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
I love the idea of pouring materials into a mold of something. It’s great to have something that you can truly put your name on and say it’s yours, through and through. You ended up with just what you wanted, AND it is something to be proud of! Big A+ for using the vacuum chamber. I would have never thought to use it before you poured it. It occurs to me that a vacuum chamber is maybe an item that could be seriously be designed as a DIY project, as I have some valves and actuators that are going to find their way to GoodWill unless I can find some use for them. So many items to salvage, so many things I need to build, and in so little time!! Thanks for sharing about this and great work!!
Love the video, great explanation!
Greetings from Poland! As usual, great job! I've been watching your channel since 2014, and it is lovely to see you progress from a small workshop in Savannah to a full-time woodworking shop in Atlanta! You've been an inspiration during my early teenagehood, encouraging me to take on more serious projects! Carry on!
Thanks Bob, I’d been looking to buy one of these as I’m into RC cars, and they are super handy. I need to try this one myself
The simple project ideas always fly over my thoughts. I would have never thought to make my own mat. I may not make this same mat, but know how to do it, especially customizable, is pretty cool! Thanks!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
We are here to show people what is possible and inspire them to take the idea and make it their own.
@mikecurtin9831
3 жыл бұрын
I'm thinking I could also use this to cast grips for knobs, etc. I'm seeing lots of possibilities here.
I’m totally doing something like this. I have tons of cast acrylic so this would be very doable. That ruler app is a great resource. Also, the guys did an awesome job on the production. 👍🏼
Great video. I’m going to have to try this one. Appreciate the idea. Thanks
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Please do!
what the......that's extraordinarily satisfying...!
This is awesome!!! I’ll definitely be trying this in the future 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Super cool Bob, I really like all the custom slots you put into it. You got me thinking on on how I can utilize this in my work space instead of just buying a long flat one.
This is awesome!!! I have been needing to order a silicone mat for so long, but I've never been fully impressed by the few options available. I do like the ones that have lids that are attached to the mat. May make it a little more complicated, but I'm sure there's a simple solution to make this work. Oh man the options could be endless given that you can make it yourself!!! Yes!!! Thank you for sharing this video!!!
U look happy today glad to see u smile 😃
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Aww, thanks.
Thanks man! Awesome idea! Never thought I could make my own silicone mat!
Very nice. Thank you for showing the process.
This is so cool! Nice work bob and team! I will definitely have to try this.
Great idea!!
Awesome. Great color to have a contrast for parts. Great for hobby building. Great video.
I like that firmer one. Great job!
Wow this is amazing!!!
Well done! I am a woodworker, and a model builder, and I could absolutely use,one of these mats.
Totally awesome!
You could lay some window screen material in the top of the mold to reduce the stretch even more. Would make the whole mat a little more durable, too.
Those turned out great and the bloopers are just awesome 👍👍
Really cool Bob! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
Super cool Mat!!👍👍
Great job & that R2 kit took me right back.....
Cool! Never would have thought of a project like this.
What a neat idea! Thanks for sharing this.
Awesome work!
Thats sweet! Little coaster sized Silicone mat molds are awesome to have on hand for extra silicone after a pour. I was totally expecting a card to pop up to call out for the R2D2 build videos when you had the model out!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Cool idea. Oh, if only the real R2 went together as quickly as this model.
Awesome! I need to try it out!
Nice custom is the way to go if you can do it. Great stuff
Love that idea.
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you like it!
Very cool! When I first saw this I want sure if it was something I'd be interested in, but then when I heard Bob talk about it on the making it podcast it made me want to see it! Thanks for sharing
Nice! Cool idea
Silicone is a ton of fun to work with, especially with 3d printed masters!
This was a coolt concept!
Cool got to try this this would be perfect for my workbench
Nice work!
This are awesome, I want one. Amazing job!
Man. This is amazing.
What a cool project!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
This is absolutely brilliant!!! Thank you!!!
Awesome tutorial!
love your works sir
Anthony IS awesome. Thank you for that shout out! Oh wait that wasn't for me
Really enjoy your projects and videos. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I am usually interested in about how much a project costs, and always like it when someone mentions that at the end. Thanks again for sharing your creativity.
Wow i got totally bamboozled by the blue mat in the intro thought that was the final one. Great video as always ILTMS team
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
This is so cool!!!!
That would be awesome for building RC cars.... now I want to make one.... awesome project and thank you for sharing
Dude.. That's awesome... You have me wanting to build one....
3 Million Let’s go
Thanks! That was very interesting. I love my silicone baking mats.
Great idea!
I can't believe I'm just now finding this channel. Really dig what you're doing. Makes me want to jump in and do some stuff.
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!! Glad to have you around 👍🏼
Thank you so much for sharing!
Great choice of music!
Awesome project! Thanks for the video!
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
I thought that was a great video, and great responses from the community here, all kinds of ingenious tips.
I didn't realize when I watched this video the first time, that I listen to the making it podcast episode you were talking about this mat and it clicked. Great video.
Great videos as always
@Iliketomakestuff
3 жыл бұрын
I appreciate that
Another great video 👍🏼. I’ve learned a lot from watching. Thanks again
I'm so glad that I'm one of the first 3 million subscribers Congratulations in advance for 3 million subscribes iltms gang
These are so cool. Might be a good product to add to the store...
This is a very nice video, Thank you for posting this !
This is awesome, you should totally make/sell some of these!