HoboShoes Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 Hi, I'm new to ceramics (painting bisque pieces with stain mostly). I'd like to start pouring and firing my own pieces but had a question about caring for ceramic molds. I found a used mold I'd like to buy for slip casting, but it looks like there might be a fungus growing in it (part of the mold is discolored, black). The seller says that the mold hasn't been poured in a long time, so it's unclear whether the discoloration/fungus would transfer to the green ware when poured. Before I throw away good money on a possibly bad mold, I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to clean or remove the discoloration/fungus without damaging the mold? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 Hello I'm a newbie myself but just had the same situation. I had some black marks from a stamp I used on porcelain. Most of the stamp was covered. Was told not to worry and sure enough, after firing it was back to pristine white. So im guessing it would have to be some super-fungus to survive. Paper clay often comes with mold growing on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 I get mold on some plaster forms when they sit for s while. I have used diluted bleach with water on the mold where its black. It cleans it well. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted July 19, 2016 Report Share Posted July 19, 2016 Mould is not a problem, if you clean it off, make sure to let it dry (air/breeze not heat) before using it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiselleNo5 Posted July 19, 2016 Report Share Posted July 19, 2016 I would be more concerned about breathing the mold spores, than having the mold affect your pottery. Just give it a good cleaning for YOUR health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoboShoes Posted July 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2016 Thanks for the replies. I'm glad to hear that it can probably be cleaned without damaging the mold. I'll be sure to take proper precautions when I clean it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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