Follow these professional guidelines for baking silicone skull molds to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Material Selection
Use only food-grade platinum-cure silicone. Confirm its maximum baking temperature exceeds your intended use (typically 220°C/428°F minimum). Avoid tin-cure silicones.
Preparation
- Thoroughly clean and dry the mold before first use.
- Lightly coat cavities with a food-safe mold release agent compatible with silicone if casting sticky substances.
- Ensure batter, chocolate, resin, or clay fills cavities completely without overflow.
Baking Process
Temperature: Preheat oven accurately. Maintain temperature below the mold’s specified maximum, typically 175-200°C (350-400°F) for common applications.
Timing: Follow your recipe or casting material’s cure time precisely. Do not exceed recommended duration.
Placement: Place the mold on a stable, flat baking sheet in the center rack of the preheated oven. Avoid direct contact with oven elements.
Cooling & Demolding
- Allow the mold and contents to cool completely at room temperature on a level surface.
- Never flex hot silicone. Forceful removal damages mold details.
- Gently flex the cooled mold from the edges and bottom to release casting without distortion.
Post-Use Care
- Clean meticulously with mild dish soap and cool water.
- Dry completely before storage.
- Store flat or supported to prevent warping.
Critical Note: Extreme or prolonged heat exposure accelerates silicone degradation. Adhering strictly to manufacturer specifications is paramount.
