No one wants to put in hours of work only to have it ultimately go to waste. Whether you're molding for precision parts, artwork, or life casting, having the right material to work with is crucial. Silicone is arguably the best mold-making material in the world, since it's superb at capturing details and has multiple curing options. Silicone can be food safe and safe on skin, as well as being excellent for higher temperature applications. But with so many options to choose from, how do you select the right silicone for casting your masterpiece? Keep reading to learn more.

Selecting Silicone

A tin cure silicone, also known as a condensation cure silicone, is as close to a foolproof solution as you'll ever find. It's mixed at a standard ration of 10:1 by weight, and it cures well against most mold-making materials. It works well with plastics, natural or man-made stones, and wood or clay. During the curing process, it cures via moisture from the air. While curing, it releases alcohol or ethanol as a byproduct in the same amount. This shrinkage is usually in the range of 0.3-0.4%, which should be more than permissible for most projects. Tin cure silicone is versatile, and due to its high tear strength, it's excellent for sculptors and tool making, and captures fine details with exceptional accuracy. Many people appreciate it simply because it's so easy to use.

Platinum cure silicone, sometimes called addition cure silicone, has a chemically reactive curing process, which leaves behind no byproduct. For extremely demanding works, where shrinkage is a serious concern, it provides minimal shrinkage. The shrinkage is usually less than 0.1%, so it's ideal for incredibly sensitive projects and materials. The mix ratio is typically either 10:1 or 1:1 by weight. Platinum cure silicone should ideally be cured with heat. Temperatures above 70°F will drastically reduce the time required to cure. For parts that need to snap together and require a very precise and snug fit, platinum cure silicone is an excellent choice. It shows fine details and has a hard-to-beat accuracy, which makes it wonderful for delicate and demanding work. Determining the best silicone rubber casting kit that will be best for your job will depend on a number of factors, but it should be relatively easy to find one that's perfect for your needs.