How to Use IOD Moulds: Air-Dry Clay vs. Resin (Easy Mould Tips)

If you’ve seen the incredible detail in Iron Orchid Designs Moulds and wondered how to use them — this is your quick guide. IOD Moulds can transform furniture, décor, baked goods, jewelry, and more. They’re food-safe, but don’t use the same set for food and crafts.

These moulds are flexible, super detailed, and endlessly reusable. The secret is picking the right medium for your project — here’s how.

Working With Different Mediums

You can use air-dry clay, casting resin, hot glue, fondant, even chocolate. Each behaves differently, so let’s focus on the two most popular.

Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay (IOD Paper Clay) is soft and pliable. It shrinks a bit as it dries — totally normal — and that gives a beautifully aged look.

Tips:

Press firmly into the mould and level the back.
Apply pieces while still moist so they conform to your surface.
Use a strong craft glue (e.g., Titebond (Affiliate link)).
Working vertical? Use low-tack tape to keep castings from sliding while they set.

Shop Iron Orchid Designs Air Dry Clay

Casting Resins

Want a crisp, uniform finish with no shrinkage or cracking? Use a pourable resin. Choose slow-set or fast-set based on project needs.

Tips:

Demould at the recommended time; trim flash while slightly green.
To curve a piece, remove before it fully hardens and shape gently.
Resin castings are great for detail painting, gilding, and durable surfaces.

Using a Release

Most of the time you don’t need a release — the moulds flex and pop your piece right out. If clay or fondant sticks, dust the mould lightly with cornstarch (affiliate link) and try again.

More Mould Help

Want an idea of the mould's measurements? Read: How Big Are IOD Moulds?
Prefer to watch? Watch the IOD Moulds Playlist on YouTube

A Quick Note

When you use our Amazon affiliate links, your price doesn’t change — we just earn a tiny thank-you from Amazon. If about 10,000 of you click, I’ll be able to buy Red a new pair of sneakers.