Have you ever pulled a casting out of your mould and thought, “Well… that’s not what I pictured”? We’ve all been there. And truthfully, those little imperfections are part of what makes handmade so beautiful. But sometimes, you want your castings to look crisp, clean, and more intentional…and that’s exactly what today’s post is all about.

We’re responding to our most-requested tips that make the biggest difference when working with IOD Moulds and Air Dry Clay. And remember, you’re never crafting alone. The Creative Tribe is full of generous hearts who share encouragement, inspiration, and the honest lessons learned from projects that didn’t go quite as planned.

So pull up a chair, and delve into the five IOD Mould tips every maker should keep in their back pocket. Before you get started, be sure to grab your favorite IOD Moulds from a stockist near you. ❤️

Tip #1: Avoid Air Dry Clay Bubbles in Moulds

There are so many lovely ways to use your IOD Moulds. You can use them with IOD Air Dry Clay, resin, polymer clay, and even in your baking (just be sure to keep a dedicated mould for kitchen use). 😉 

Today, we’re focusing on Air Dry Clay. When working with IOD Air Dry Clay, start with more clay than you think you’ll need, then use the micro rim to remove the excess. Take a moment to really press the clay down into every detail of the mould. A firm, even press helps remove air bubbles and gives you a crisp, clean casting. 

This is especially important with our larger, deeper moulds like Leonidas, Persephone, or Saint Nick, where you’re using a bit more clay to fill the mould.

Tip #2: De-Mould Damp Castings for Curved Surfaces

IOD Air Dry Clay is one of our favorite mediums to work with. Like most paper–pulp clays, it naturally shrinks, warps, and may form small cracks as it dries. We actually love those little quirks. They give your pieces an authentically vintage sophisticated look we love.

Our favorite way to apply castings is to pop them out of the mould while they’re still moist and adhere them to our project with a suitable layer of Titebond Quick & Thick glue. The casting’s damp nature helps it settle and conform beautifully to the surface. This is especially helpful when applying castings to a curved surface.

Tip #3: Prepping Moulds with Cornstarch for an Easy Release

Before you begin, give your moulds a light dusting of cornstarch. It’s not required, but it does make releasing your castings much easier, and the easier the release, the less it distorts those intricate details. Think of it as a little helping hand to keep everything looking its very best.

Tip #4: How To Use the IOD Micro Rim 

After dusting with cornstarch, flip the mould over and give it a few light taps to knock out any excess. Too much cornstarch can keep your medium from settling into the fine details and may leave your casting looking a bit chalky.

While working with IOD Air Dry Clay, use the micro rim on your mould to achieve a flat back on your casting. The micro rim gives you the flattest surface possible, so your piece has plenty of contact when it’s time to glue it down. We love adhering castings while they’re still soft and a bit damp, because they hug the surface beautifully.

You can glue them on after they’ve dried, too, just be sure they dry on the surface you plan to place them on, so they keep the right shape and settle in naturally.

Tip #5: How To Repair Cracks in Castings

If you return to your project after it’s dried and notice a few little cracks in the clay, don’t worry, that’s completely normal with air-dry mediums. Just take a tiny bit of damp clay and gently work it into the crack until it’s filled. We usually use a fingertip for this, but a small silicone craft tool is wonderful for easing clay into those finer details. 

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!