dry new molds in sun for first use

[Stephen 531]

I have normally been able to just let newly poured molds sit around for a week or two before using so this has not been an issue but I have a few new ones from yesterday that I am anxious to use. I did read several comments and in one from 7 years ago someone said it was fine to just put them out in the sum, standing on end so they don't warp. I only saw one person say that. Is that an OK way to do it. Today is supposed to get into low 90's but 70% humidity. Tomorrow is mid 90's clear sky with low humidity.

Appreciate input. 

 

[Hulk 769]

Not finding any info regarding pottery plaster warping. We put our bats and slabs outside to dry after removing from molds, rounding corners and scraping the tops - more for air movement than sun, although surely the radiant energy helps - on cardboard, as the plaster is delicate whilst still damp, flipping over periodically.

https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/1550-drying-plaster-molds/

Moving air - as you no doubt see with your clay - makes all the difference, where the leeward side will dry slower, so rotate!

Detailed article: http://www.ceramicsmadeeasy.com/cme-articles/about-ceramic-molds/storage-and-care-of-ceramic-molds/127/index.html

Edited March 24, 2020 by Hulk
oh, detailed article!!

[Stephen 531]

so you think in direct sunlight or just back patio with air flow is good? Do have fans but they are an hour away in storage :-)

On the warping, not sure which post but the one that mentioned drying in sunlight put on narrow edge to avoid warping in parens,

[neilestrick 4,589]

Moving air and low humidity are probably more important than the temp, so if it's breezy out that will definitely speed things up.

[liambesaw 2,751]

Hate soggy molds, I put mine in front of a buddy heater when it's cold and rainy to help dry it out between casts

[Brandon Franks 74]

8 hours ago, Stephen said:

I have normally been able to just let newly poured molds sit around for a week or two before using so this has not been an issue but I have a few new ones from yesterday that I am anxious to use. I did read several comments and in one from 7 years ago someone said it was fine to just put them out in the sum, standing on end so they don't warp. I only saw one person say that. Is that an OK way to do it. Today is supposed to get into low 90's but 70% humidity. Tomorrow is mid 90's clear sky with low humidity.

Appreciate input. 

 

I put my bats in my kiln up to 220^f

[Mark C. 4,860]

If these are slip cast two three or 4 piece molds leasve the bands on them as soon as they are hard enough to bnd and dry with air on them -You want the mating surfaces to fit tight together as they dry to mate well

If they are press molds who cares and put them into sun-same with throwing bats.

You have not said what kind of molds you are making-need a bit motre info fo a better answer

[Stephen 531]

12 hours ago, Mark C. said:

You have not said what kind of molds you are making-need a bit more info fo a better answer

Thanks Mark, they are press molds for tiles. They need to all stay the same size. I have ditched air release molds so need a lot more press molds so I can still make large batches. Just adding as I go.  

[Mark C. 4,860]

I do not think press molds matter how they are dried-if you want them flat keep them on a flat surface while drying the 1st 48 hours.

Edited March 26, 2020 by Mark C.