How to replicate these handles? A mold?

Question

I just picked up these antique cabinet pulls off Etsy and LOVE them. However, there are only 4. Do any of you out there who make molds have suggestions for this fearful mold beginner? Type of material to use for durability? Type of mold material? There's so much out there I'm overwhelmed with where to start. Thanks!

Cynthia - Clockworkinteriors · Answer

Have you checked out the following websites? They may have your exact hardware: 
www.hoah.biz (House of Antique Hardware) or www.dlawlesshardware.com. Good luck!

Mimi · Answer

Great score...
There are quite a few easy to use modeling clays on the market. 
 I use a food grade silicone for cake accents. 
 Hit your hobby and home improvement stores and read the labels (don't forget the brochures! ;-) 
 Then either look online or go back and pick up one or two that interest you and fit your needs. 
 I am stumped as to what material to use for the handles. 
 Cabinet pulls are subject to a lot of wear and tear. 
 Have you thought to take your question to a cabinet maker? 
 Ya nevah know...he/she may be the better value (none of this stuff is cheap ya know). 
 Good luck and let us know what you end up doing as I have a similar project in the near future.

Christine · Answer

Reading and reading, yes. Cabinet maker, no. Don't know any and just got the handles, so haven't gotten that far. There are many that interest me, but for durability I was looking for experience. I will post results! :)

I'm familiar with those hardware sites, but these seem to be unique. Thank you, though.

Valerie · Answer

Here is a link to a brilliant Hometalk post: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft-room/craft-room-furniture/missing-hardware-here-s-one-way-to-fix-that-697124

Christine · Answer

Nice. Thanks, Valerie!

Donna · Answer

Years ago I restored a '72 Ford and the GT was missing on the one side. My son took the GT that was left on the other side to his shop class and the boys made a copy of it. I copied the paint and it lasted until we sold it years later. No one ever knew.

Christine · Answer

Donna, great, but what did he use? That's got to be durable, given the weather exposure it would theoretically have. Being classic, probably not a lot, but enough to where it'd need to be sturdy!

Julies1949 · Answer

I would start by trying to find more. Place one of the handles on a plain white background like a piece of paper. Take a picture of it. Save it to your computer. Then ue Google Reverse Image Search to see if you can find it for sale online.

Christine · Answer

Really? Gosh. I never thought of that. (rolling eyes). Oh, come ahhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Ok. Let's add to the list:
Emailing it to every antique and vintage hardware seller on etsy I could locate
Every vintage hardware seller and auction house just plain online I could locate 
Every DIYer on Gardenweb (now Houzz) I know, 
Every DIY magazine cabinetry editor, 
Every vintage magazine (Victoriana, This Old House, etc.) editor
Every relative I have (waste of time, but...)
Putting it in the 'Wants' area on eBay and iOffer
eMailing sellers I've dealt with on eBay who handle vintage or antique items
Every reuse center in my area (Who all know me by name)
Every antique dealer who shows an interest in hardware I could locate.
I'm still working on Bloggers I've followed.

Yes, days have been spent trying to locate more. I'm even asking for something of a similar feel, because I don't really care about matchy-matchy. 
As my mom said, 'The only things that should match in your home are your socks. And maybe your china, but that's not imperative.'

I've been online since the pay-by-the-byte days in the 80s. I ain't no amateur sleuth. 
But perhaps that rudimentary idea might help those who are just beginning to understand the resources online. Because it is a very good place to start. 
And where I started.

Txvoodoo · Answer

This place will duplicate hardware: http://castmetalparts.com/Antique_Drawer_Pulls.html

DORLIS · Answer

if they doi not get too heavy a use, make fromn sculpey or other poly clay

Lindcurt · Answer

Many years ago (30?) I had some dresser hardware replicated at a metal casting shop. It cost $9 for both pieces. At the time I thought it was expensive but it was cheaper than replacing all eight pieces. They cast them in brass and it's difficult to tell which parts are new..

Ella · Answer

Maybe you could make a mold by melting a block of parifin wax in a foil loaf tin (just melt 
 Do Not Boil) on Low heat then cool, when it is firm but not hard press your handle in it to make the shape, remove handle and let wax harden. Make some pollamer clay ( the kind with the white glue in it) use the clay in the mold remove and let harden (this may take a few days) then paint the color you want metalic or whatever. If you need holes for screws make them before the clay hardens. Hope this works if you try it, it will be very inexpensive. Good Luck

Mary Ker · Answer

You can also cast in resin.  Molding materials are easy to use...usually two parts like an epoxy that you knead together then press onto your piece, and when it cures, you pour the resin in.  Can be a little tricky to make sure there are no bubbles, but since these pieces look basically flat, you can have an open mould, which is relatively simple to make and use.  Good luck, and show us what you end up with!

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