Explaining Flexible Versus Bendable Mouldings.
PLEASE NOTE – I am currently testing a replacement product to manufatcture these since the product I used to use has now been discontinued. Flexible porducts are therefore currently not available.
At Chic Mouldings, I offer many of the designs in a “soft” flexible material. I decided to create a blog to help you decide which material is best for your project and budget. Hopefully all your questions will be answered here, but if not, drop me a line.
For instructions on what glue to use and how to use your flexible mouldings, please go to the instructions page.
What is the difference between a “hard” regular resin moulding and a “soft” flexible moulding?
A “hard” moulding can become flexible with heat, but it will then harden up again once it cools down.
A flexible moulding looks the same as a hard moulding, and it does not have a “jelly” like surface, so feels the same as a hard moulding once applied onto a firm surface, but will bend without heat. You an of course use heat on flexible mouldings to get even more flex, but in most cases that will not be necessary to get a great flex, right out of the pack.
Please view this video which demonstrates the flexibility of the flexible “soft” mouldings.
Why would I use a flexible moulding instead of a regular resin moulding?
If you do not have a handy power outlet for a heat gun or hairdryer, but need to bend your moulding, flexible is the better option.
If you are using a moulding on a flexible surface such as fabric when making costumes or accessories, ,or rubber or foam for example when constructing stunt props and costume props.
If you do not want to be touching a hot moulding – if you are not careful they can burn you! A flexible moulding does not need to be heated, so no risk of ouches.
Do they cost the same?
Flexible mouldings are a little dearer due to a more expensive raw material and a slightly more involved production process.
Is the level of detail the same?
Absolutely! The flexible mouldings are a slightly darker off white, but other than that, the level of detail is exactly the same. In fact, i use the same moulds to cast each type!
Remember that all Chic Mouldings are hand made. Although great care is taken to produce the perfect casting every time, the nature of the casting process can result in occasional tiny imperfections in the casting. These are usually undetectable once the moulding is properly painted.
If perfection is your aim, a little filler can fix any imperfections quickly and easily.
For flexible mouldings, it’s recommended to fill imperfections AFTER the moulding is attached to a hard surface. For flexible surfaces such as cloth) use a flexible filler before or after adhering to your project.
Are they as easy to use as heat-bendable mouldings?
This depends on your project. They are not difficult to use, but you may need to take extra steps to get a perfect finish. If they are going onto a hard surface, you use them in the same way as you do heat-bendable mouldings (but without the “watch-out-for-burnt-hands” part).
For flexible surfaces, if you are using contact adhesive, it’s ideal to make a mask to protect your surface around where the moulding will sit. You can just use masking film or tape.
- If you don’t have masking film, you can just join a few pieces of masking tape together, overlapping them to create a larger piece.
- Sit the moulding on top of your masking film (constructed piece of masking tape).
- Draw around the moulding
- Cut away the tape inside your drawn line. This helps to keep glue where you want it – under where the moulding will go.
- Stick your mask to your project.
- Glue or paint to your heart’s content!
Pro tip – to seal the edge of your masking tape to prevent paint or glue bleeding underneath, simply paint the edge of the tape with the same base colour of your project or a clear-coat. This will seal the edge and produce cleaner lines.
You can see a few example of how I have used mouldings on curved surfaces on my pinterest page.
And that’s it! Flexible versus bendable mouldings explanation done! If you have any more questions about flexible versus bendable mouldings, try the Instructions page or just drop me a line. I’m always happy to help.
