Platsil Gel 00 & 10 Guide

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1. What This Product Is Commonly Used For

2. User Information
3. Further Help
4. Health & Safety
5. DISCLAIMER

1. What This Product Is Commonly Used For

The material is a flexible rubber and is most often used to make soft, skin-like items such as prosthetic appliances, masks as well as flexible moulds. Why is there more than one kind? Well, when a new material comes out, demands are made of it and differences and improvements come with newer versions. Over time, the range available will increase to reflect that.

Looking for the products? See below:

Platsil Gel 00

Platsil Gel 10

2. User Information

Platsil Gel silicones are platinum-based silicone in a range of softness which will cure (set) at room temperature when correctly measured and mixed. There are additives you can add to change the colour (pigments and flocking), increase softness, hardness as well as speed up or slow down setting time.

The numbers (00 & 10) simply refer to the softness of the material once cured, using the 'Shore A scale' of softness measurement. The lower the number, the softer the material.

BONUS TIP: This material will set quicker when the ambient temperature is warmer and is slower when cool. It is advisable to make a small test mix to ensure you have enough time to mix and use the material for the job you require.

Platsil Gel silicones are supplied in two parts, marked Part A and Part B. To work correctly, the materials need to be measured out by weight in equal amounts.

Be aware that platinum silicones are sensitive materials and need to be weighed and mixed properly. The mixture can be affected by latex, so ensure you work using nitrile or vinyl gloves and avoid any contact with latex on the moulds.

**There are some things you will need to work effectively when using this material:

Accurate digital scales (which can measure in single gram increments) are most commonly used to weigh materials. Check the maximum weight limit of the scales too. Most will simply cut out at three or five kilograms. Most scales will have a 'Tare' function which will allow you to 'zero' the scales while there is something on them. This is useful as you will see.

Clean mixing containers. For larger amounts, wide containers such as paint kettles are great.

Mixing utensils such as tongue depressors or spatulas.

Disposable gloves such as Nitrile or Vinyl. Opt for a size which is a little tight when worn, as loose gloves can fall off when using materials which stick to the gloves.

If Making A Mould

Platsil Gel silicones can use used to make quick, simple moulds by flooding as a simple block, or brushed on in several layers, allowing each to set before applying the next.

To mix the material to make a mould, first determine how much you will need in total. This is an important step to avoid wasting material. Once the amount has been decided on, remember that the silicone is a combination of two parts...Part A and Part B. So, if you determined that you needed a total of 100 grams to make the mould, then you will need 50g of Part A and 50g of Part B!
Ensure scales are on and place your clean mixing container on them. The weight of the container will show, so press 'Tare' to zero the scales.
Ensure you are wearing gloves before you open the containers and handle the material.
Carefully weigh out Part A into your clean mixing container to the required amount, taking care to replace the lid once done.
Zero the scales once again using the 'Tare' function. Then measure out the same amount of Part B into the same mixing container. Replace the lid on Part B.
If you wish to add any pigment to the mixture, add now.
Thoroughly mix the components for at least 30 seconds, paying particular attention to the corners and the bottom of your container. Scrape the sides with your mixing utensil and ensure it is thoroughly mixed.
Once A and B have been mixed, the clock is ticking so use the material as soon as possible. If you wish to de-gas with a vacuum chamber, please note that this will eat into your working time so ensure you have everything ready and a degasser capable of swiftly achieving the pressure required.
Pour or brush on your silicone, paying attention to the material as it thickens and begins to cure. Once it has started to noticeably thicken and set, it is advised you stop touching it until it has fully cured. Touching the setting material as it becomes sticky may damage the mould.

If Making An Appliance Using Deadener

The addition of Deadener ('Smiths Deadener' and the newer 'Deadener LV') increases the softness of Platsil Gel silicones. The 'LV' stands for 'lower viscosity' which means it is runnier and formulated as a more potent softener than the Smiths Deadener.

Both act as a softener to Platsil Gel silicones, but you typically only need about half the amount of Deadener LV as you would Smiths Deadener to achieve the same softness.

Deadener amounts are usually calculated as a percentage of the total of Parts A and B. On average if using Smiths Deadener, approx 150% - 200% may be required. If using Deadener LV, then roughly 70% - 100% will achieve the same amount of softness.

The actual softness your silicone needs to be made into varies depending on the requirements. Usually, appliances are made to match the softness of the wearer's skin.

So, for example, if your mixture had 20g of Part A and 20g of Part B, the total silicone mixture is 40g.

To 'deaden' or soften it to 100%, you need to add 40g of deadener to the 40g of silicone - the deadener, in this case, is 100% the weight of the silicone.

If it were required to be 80% deadened, then you would need to add 32g of deadener to the 40g of silicone as 32 is 80% of 40.

If it was required to be deadened even softer, say 150%, then 60g of deadener would be added to the 40g of silicone.

When mixing accurate flesh tones, it is a good idea to pigment your separate components ahead of time, and then combine them only when ready to mix.

Measure out Part A and Part B in equal amounts as before, then add your desired quantity of deadener. Mix thoroughly as above before using in your moulds.

3. Further Help

For more information contact MOULDLIFE /PS by email at info@mouldlife.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1638 750 679.

4. Health & Safety

When using any products, materials or equipment, you should familiarise yourself with them and take appropriate health and safety measures to protect yourself and others around you from harm. Obtain and consult the relevant MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from your supplier.

5. DISCLAIMER:

The information presented is supplied in good faith and considered accurate. However, no warranty is expressed or implied.