MikeBrickman

Silicon rubber (RTV) molds are not impervious to the chemicals in casting resin. Eventually, the rubber mold will degrade, harden (lose it's flexibility) and some fine details may tear loose when removing resin parts. It could also alter the curing characteristics of the resin you're using. How many good castings you get will depend on which brands of RTV and casting resin you use. When I feel a mold is no longer giving me the crisp details I want, I cut the RTV into 1/8 inch cubes. Then I mix a small amount of new RTV to coat the master about 1/8 inch thick. When that cures, I mix another batch of RTV and dump in some of the cubes to form a slurry that fills the rest of the mold. RTV bonds to itself (which is why mold release agents are necessary), so I get a new mold surface backed up by the re-cycled RTV cubes. Haven't had any problems with this approach in years.

I'll have to take your word about it being rough, Gil, because it looks real good to me!

I have a large reference library, but it's not that well organized. I have no doubt that when I'm gone, my wife will burn it one book at a time to keep warm for several winters....

How many hours have you invested in it so far?

Great Job, Dick! Now if we can just convince somebody to release a GOOD 1/72 kit, I'll buy several.....

I'll agree with Gil on everything but would offer some caution on item #2. I've used pre-painted (like Eduard) etched brass, which CAN'T be heated without destroying the paint.