Silicone Pigments Guide

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

Silicone pigments are highly concentrated liquid colours used when intrinsically colouring silicone. They are not in themselves 'paints' as they are not mixed with any binder - just pure pigments suspended in a silicone fluid to allow you to easily add what you need from the container.


2. User Information 

Colouring silicone, whether to make colour coded moulds or to make a prosthetic appliance or a prop match a performers skin tone, is a common practice in makeup effects workshops. Silicone pigments offer great value for money as they are highly concentrated, and a little goes a long way, such as these silicone pigment packs containing multiple colours.

As they are designed to be used with silicone, they do not interfere with the silicone setting as other paints or colours may. At Mouldlife we have a fantastic range of pigments and paints for adding into your silicone and polyurethane systems.

Mixing different colours can create limitless variations and shades, and most effects artists will stock up on the primary colours (red, blue and yellow) as well as white and a range of flesh tones if making appliances which need to match the skin tone of a specific performer. 

Adding just a little creates lighter amounts of colouring, allowing more translucency if using transparent silicones such as Platsil Gel 25 or Transil 7315.

When making skin tones, it is advisable to start with tiny amounts of pigment first and see how it looks when mixed in. Gradually add more as needed, and consider adding flocking as an additional means of tweaking the colour gradually. Adding more pigment will make translucent silicones opaque, so if translucency is desired, take care to not add too much.  

** TIP **
A container may not able to dispense the tiny amounts required for gradual colour changes, so use a small tool or stirring stick to add smaller amounts.

Silicones are tolerant of the addition of pigments but it is advisable to add only as much as you need to avoid waste. Usually, as the pigments are so concentrated, 0.5% of the total silicone mixture weight is needed.

Because pigments are so strong, take care to keep containers clean, and wipe away mess carefully to avoid pigment spreading on contact. Wear gloves when handling, and keep Wet Wipes and paper towel on standby when using silicone pigments. 


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. Maintain clean containers to stop pigment from spreading and contamination. Use gloves when handling.


5. DISCLAIMER 

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