A Beginners Guide to IOD Moulds
A Beginners Guide to IOD Moulds
Thinking about trying Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) moulds but not sure where to start? Good news, you're in the right place!
IOD moulds are an easy and satisfying way to add beautiful, high-end detail to furniture and home décor. Whether you're upcycling furniture, revamping a vintage picture or mirror frame, or sprucing up a plain box, this beginner-friendly guide will show you exactly how to get started.
What Are IOD Moulds?
IOD moulds are high-quality silicone moulds featuring intricate designs – from florals and scrolls to architectural trims and decorative accents. You can fill them with air-dry clay or casting resin, then apply the shapes to furniture, wood, glass, or pretty much anything you want to decorate.
They’re food-safe, too - but we’ll stick to the crafty side of things for now!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you'll need for your first moulding project:
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🧡 Your choice of IOD mould
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🌿 IOD air-dry clay or casting resin
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🖌 Wood glue - we recommend WoodUglue
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🎨 Paint or wax for finishing
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📦 A surface to apply your moulds to
Step-by-Step: How to Use IOD Moulds with Clay
Step 1: Fill the mould
Take a piece of clay and press it firmly into the mould. Use a scraper to level the back so it’s flush with the mould edge.
Step 2: Pop it out
Gently bend the mould to release your design. Take your time – the clay is soft and flexible.
Step 3: Apply to your project
While the clay is still soft, glue it directly onto your surface using wood glue.
Step 4: Let it dry
Leave your piece to dry for 24 hours. Don’t worry if cracks appear – they add to the charm and can be filled if needed.
Step 5: Paint and finish
Once dry, paint your mould and finish with wax or glaze to highlight the detail. Metallic paints like Wise Owl’s Heavy Metals look stunning on raised mouldings!