First time making keycap - question about creating mold

[Epic]

Hey folks,

I am working on making my very first keycap - I am able to create my first sculpture following Booper and Zorb's guide (http://imgur.com/wLzKShH - I am an engineer by trade so sculpting and molding clay was very difficult for me. Any advice on improving my skill is much appreciated).

I am now looking into making my first mold but am confused about the process. In both of their tutorial, in the second part of the mold making process (creating the bottom keycap mold), they both attach sticks to the corner of the keycap.

1. Is this simply to pour the resin in later? If so, once the resin has hardened, do they just scrape off the excess?

2. I plan on using OOMOO 30 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BNF3TK) and EasyCast Clear Resin(https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Technology-32-Ounce-Casting-Craft/dp/B0018N7M9U). Are these sufficient in terms of having enough time to work out bubbles? Are there better alternatives on Amazon?

3. What is mold release use for? I've seen them reference it and it appears that it's primarily used to ensure that the two-piece molds don't stick together. Should I coat the inside of my mold with this when I create my cast so that it doesn't stick to the mold?

I am completely new to this so any help would be appreciated. 

[Reigning Hell]

Yes, the sticks are sprues to allow the resin to flow in once the 2-part mold is sealed - it also allows air bubbles to flow out. You cut off the sprues and sand finely.

Those two should make you good to go to start.

Just started doing my own yesterday! I actually just made my two-art mold yesterday and woke up early today to put the resin into it, so now I wait. If you want, I can make another post here with all of my steps for you with photos 

[Epic]

Cool, thanks for the clarification. I am creating the molds today so I'll let you know how they turn out.

[hossfly]

If you're making silicon molds then you don't necessarily need mold release. There aren't many materials that stick to silicon. Mold release will help aid in removing the cast part, but if the shape is simple then mold release is not necessary. Release will give the part a glossier look. No release will give the part a matte finish. If creating a two part mold and you want to pour silicon onto silicon then definitely use some type of mold release. I would recommend Polytek Pol-ease 2500.

[Epic]

If creating a two part mold and you want to pour silicon onto silicon then definitely use some type of mold release.

I've been using vaseline (petroleum jelly) when I pour silicon onto silicon and it's been working well. The only issue I have is that the jelly is greasy and tough to clean after the mold has cured.

[Moistgun]

Hey folks,

I am working on making my very first keycap - I am able to create my first sculpture following Booper and Zorb's guide (http://imgur.com/wLzKShH - I am an engineer by trade so sculpting and molding clay was very difficult for me. Any advice on improving my skill is much appreciated).

I am now looking into making my first mold but am confused about the process. In both of their tutorial, in the second part of the mold making process (creating the bottom keycap mold), they both attach sticks to the corner of the keycap.

1. Is this simply to pour the resin in later? If so, once the resin has hardened, do they just scrape off the excess?

2. I plan on using OOMOO 30 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BNF3TK) and EasyCast Clear Resin(https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Technology-32-Ounce-Casting-Craft/dp/B0018N7M9U). Are these sufficient in terms of having enough time to work out bubbles? Are there better alternatives on Amazon?

3. What is mold release use for? I've seen them reference it and it appears that it's primarily used to ensure that the two-piece molds don't stick together. Should I coat the inside of my mold with this when I create my cast so that it doesn't stick to the mold?

I am completely new to this so any help would be appreciated. 

1)  it allows you to pour resin in, and it allows excess air to escape. They break off, but I prefer to clip them off with flush cutters.

2) there are a ton of options out there. I like oomoo 30 and smooth on, but others with more experience prefer other things. alumilite is popular.

3) mold release is to keep 2 part molds from curing together when making the second half. no need to apply it to your resin cast.