Using a printed master for a silicone mold isn’t overkill at all. I’ve done it for small runs, especially when I needed a smoother finish or wanted to try out resin or even concrete.
Couldn’t agree more—sometimes that extra step with the silicone mold is what takes a project from “meh” to something you’d actually want on display. I’ve tried skipping it before and always ended up regretting the rough finish. It’s a bit more hassle, but if you care about the final look, it’s worth it. And yeah, PETG is nice, but unless you’re making something that needs to survive a drop from the second floor, PLA usually does the trick for prototypes.
sometimes that extra step with the silicone mold is what takes a project from “meh” to something you’d actually want on display.
Totally get this. I’ve done both casting and injection molding for home decor pieces, and honestly, the difference in finish is night and day. With casting, especially using a well-made silicone mold, you can get those crisp details and a surface that actually looks high-end—like something you’d see in a boutique, not just a DIY project.
I will say, though, if you’re after absolute consistency and you’re doing more than a handful of pieces, injection molding starts to make sense. It’s just... the setup is a pain unless you have access to the right equipment. For most custom or luxury stuff, casting gives you way more flexibility with materials too. I’ve even cast concrete handles for cabinets—couldn’t have done that with injection molding.
And yeah, PETG is strong, but for anything that’s just going to sit on a shelf or hang on a wall? PLA is fine. I’ve never had one of my prototypes break unless I really tried.
With casting, especially using a well-made silicone mold, you can get those crisp details and a surface that actually looks high-end—like something you’d see in a boutique, not just a DIY project.
Totally agree—there’s just something about pulling a piece out of a silicone mold and seeing all those little details pop. I once made some faux-stone coasters for my living room, and friends legit thought I bought them at a fancy shop. It’s wild what a little extra effort can do, even on a tight budget.
Casting Vs Injection Molding—Which Method Works Better?
Yeah, I get the appeal of casting with silicone molds. The finish can be super impressive, especially for decorative stuff where you want that boutique look. I’ve tried both methods for some home decor projects, and honestly, casting wins in terms of surface detail and that sort of “artisan” vibe. But I do think it’s a bit hyped up sometimes—if you’re doing a bunch of pieces or need something really precise (like for hardware or anything that gets handled a lot), injection molding’s just more reliable. Less chance of bubbles or weird inconsistencies.
That said, casting is way more forgiving if you’re experimenting or don’t want to invest in expensive equipment. I once tried making drawer pulls with both methods, and the cast ones looked fancier, but the injected ones actually held up better over time. Guess it depends on whether you want style or staying power...
Casting Vs Injection Molding—Which Method Works Better?
I once tried making drawer pulls with both methods, and the cast ones looked fancier, but the injected ones actually held up better over time.
That’s pretty much been my experience too. I remember getting super ambitious with some custom resin cabinet knobs for a powder room reno—used a silicone mold and went all out with gold flakes and pigment swirls. They looked gorgeous, almost like little pieces of art. But after about a year, a couple started chipping at the edges from daily use. The ones I did later with injection molding (borrowed a friend’s setup) weren’t quite as “wow” to look at, but they’re still solid.
If anyone’s leaning toward casting for home upgrades, here’s what worked for me:
1. Test your mold with a plain batch first to check for bubbles or weird spots.
2. Give yourself extra time for curing—rushing it always led to tiny flaws.
3. For anything that’ll get touched a lot (drawer pulls, handles), maybe reinforce with a metal core or just go injection molded.
Honestly, sometimes I think the “artisan” look is worth the trade-off... but only if it’s not something you’re grabbing every day.
