Proximo
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Registered: 12-2004
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Using Silicone - Advice
I doubt that anyone have used this since its from Sweden but here is the name of it.
Silastic 3481, 21-22 Shore.
Curing agent 81.
I have tryed this new silicone out on a Batarang casting ive made before.
The silicone is really thick, I mixed a batch as described on the package and added the Curing agent #81, It had the same thickness after it was added.
I then let it sit for about 2 minutes and it expands.
I then pour this over the casting i wanna mold, Its still really thick and i have to start on the sides to avoid air bubbles from the top.
My question is for those who have used alot of diffrent silicones, is all very thick when its just the base mix, and same thickness after curing agent added?
I read on the package that diffrent curing agents can be used to make the silicone softer after curing.
But all these kind of silicones has the same thickness? When i pour it from the container it pours really slow, and slimy...
Curing time is about 24-48 hours and even up to a week depending on the room temp.
So i will see how it works in a day or two...
But to short up the question for those who dont understand my crappy english:sbob
Are most of these 2 part silicones thick and slimey?
I have another silicone wich isnt as expensive as this one, and it can be melted and poured several times over and over again, its like milk when it have melted.
Thx for any answer/tips in advance.
Last edited by Deadly Lemur, 3/24/2006, 3:06 pm
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12/14/2005, 10:59 am
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DAVIDYR1
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Registered: 02-2004
Location: UD Replicas
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Re: Anyone used this Molding silicone before?
Some silicones are thick and pasty in their un catalized state.
Usually when you add the catalyst, and they're mixed together they get to more of a fluid state. Silicones arn't necessarily meant to be like water. In the case of silicone that is poured over top of a sculpture, the silicone is supposed to settle around and into all the details, regardless of how pasty it is. Gravity should do the work and force all the air up top.
I will add that I dont know of the silicone you mentioned. Never heard of it.
What you should always do though is mix BOTH parts of your silicone well before you add the 2 components together. Some of the silicones I use are real pasty when I open the containers. Parts of the material can and will settle on the bottom of your container so it is very important to mix your material BEFORE you add the catalyst. Mixing the silicone part first should start to make it more fluid, and restore any parts that have laid on the bottom of the container.
Even if it's still more of a creamy state, it should settle onto your molded item capturing every detail. A trick to getting all the air out of a pour mold is once you've mixed up your silicone, pour a small amount onto your item. Use either your finger or a brush (if you can) to smear it completely into the entire surface of your item, then proceed with pouring the rest of your silicone on top of it. If your silicone is a Platinum silicone DONT USE LATEX GLOVES because platinum is extremely sensitive to latex and it will inhibit the cure.
It is also possible that with the now cold temperatures that it's gone bad during shipping either to you or simply to your retailer. That might explain the thickness of the material, I really cant say for sure.
Tell us more about the mold once you've demolded it and hopefully all will be good at that point.
David
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12/14/2005, 11:25 am
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Proximo
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Re: Anyone used this Molding silicone before?
Thanks for all the info David,
I had two containers, one whit the silicone and the other whit the curing liquid.
I mixed each part carefully before i mixed em both together.
So it shouldnt be any problem, I made it exactly as you said to I made a thin layer first to make sure all the detail get catched, then pour more over that after a few minutes when im sure the bubbles are out.
I cant wait to see how it turns out and make a few test casts in plaster before wasting Resin.
Yeah its really cold and as you said that might be the problem, but it was still very thick and cream like after it was mixed.. i guess its diffrent from other silicones.
Ive never ordered any Silicone or resin from outside sweden, since the company i order have everything, i think they import some stuff but most of the supplys are made here.
When i asked them how many resin pulls can be made in these molds, they said around 1000 pulls, it depends on how much details its in the castings, if its more details the mold might die a little faster since they resin burns the silicone while curing.
Anyway i'll let you know, thx :wink
Last edited by Proximo, 12/14/2005, 11:38 am
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12/14/2005, 11:33 am
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