Advice on how to do silicone layers
- magentaleo
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Advice on how to do silicone layers
I'm experimenting with building doll parts and am looking for advice on how to create layer of skin using different types of silicone.
Currently, I'm focusing on building a torso (just as an experiment for now). My aim is to use a layer of ecoflex about 2mm to 4mm in thickness for the outer layer of skin, then a layer of more durable silicone underneath, then finally fill up the remainder of the inside with foam.
I have a mold in two parts for the torso.
My main question is this - what is the best way to create these outer layers? If I just apply the ecoflex silicone with a brush to the inside of the mold, it runs and just ends up in a pool at the bottom. Some of it sticks to the mold in the correct place, but it's a very thin later. To get the 2mm-4mm thickness I'm after, it would take many, many coats. I know there are thickeners you can buy which allow you you paint the ecoflex on vertically surfaces, but they also reduce the softness.
Some users on this forum seem to have done projects with similar layers of silicone, so I'm hoping someone here can give me some advice.
Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
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Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
I'm no expert with silicone but I think with only a few mm skin thickness, being a little less soft and more durable might be a good thing.
Here's a video from Smooth-On showing how to make suture training pads. They use a less soft skin (0030) with the super soft gel fat layer underneath.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6HdZpXdEiM
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- magentaleo
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Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
It seems I have 2 reasonable options to try.
1 - a rotational mold seems like a good idea, and I do have the skills to set it up. The full rotational rig seems like a lot of effort, so before I consider it, I think I'll try what I believe is called a slush mold. All I have to do is move it around occasionally, and then a lot when the silicone starts to set. I've tried it with a small mount on the inside of a disposable cup and it worked well.
2 - Having a more durable coat might be a good idea too. Maybe do some thin layers of regular soft ecoflex on the outside so that the skin feels right, then a more durable coat underneath.
Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
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Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
- Siliconeman
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Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
Personally I would use more fast curing silicone to brush the layers. You can either buy fast cure silicone as is or buy separate chemical catalyst to speed up the process.
- Average Joe
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Re: Advice on how to do silicone layers
And this applies mostly to platinum, tin cure doesn't stick so well.