( SIDE NOTE ).....MOST IF NOT ALL CHEMICALS & MATERIALS HAVE WHAT WE CALL A .."SHELF LIFE" DONT BUY IN BULK AMOUNTS IF YOU DONT PLAN ON USING THEM SOON & IN QUANTITY. THEY WILL CURE, SITTING FOR WEEKS & MONTHS, IN ITS OWN CONTAINER OR BECOME WHAT WE CHEMISTS SAY.....INACTIVE STATE. AFTER SO LONG, THE POLYMERS & SUCH BREAK DOWN & WILL NOT MIX OR CURE. ...WAISTED $$$
Sincerely, Mannequin Man.
( Lab Test 1 ) Yield at 5Gal. sample / "Wet & Squishy" Formula. other ratios will be graduated in lesser values to enhance usability for smaller projects. / sequence ( A ). this yield will be added step by step. ........( Ok ) ...to Formulate our 1st 'test' sample / test batch of the 'Wet & Squishy" formulation, let's start off with a simple mixing of a few elements that can be purchased at Wal-Mart or other retailers. ( Note-the forgoing chemical calculations are posted to start off with, just to get you the feel of how this works). after a few 'fails' you will be off & running, then I will move you on to Larger & different batches.
( materials & Chemicals needed ) (Batch 1 ) 'Wet & Squishy" Tincure Silicone Formula.
product- 1 -10oz. tube general use CLEAR tincure Silicone ( cost $3.50 US) ... product - 1-10oz. tube of Alex Plus all purpose acrylic latex caulk plus silicone. ( cost $2.00 US) / 1- 1Gal. jug of oderless Mineral Spirits (cost $11.00 US) product - 1 -16oz. bottle mineral oil ( baby oil ) ( or if you wish uncented mineral oil ) (cost $1.80) product - 1Gal. distilled water (cost $1.00 US) product - 1 1oz. tube ( water based makeup ) ( optional ).
( Tools & supplies needed ) / variable speed mixer or drill with mixing attachment. / 3-5Gal. mixing bowl or open container - chinese wok type ). ( 5Gal pail not suggested )/ small plastic cup. / mixing ladel or spatula / (optional)- 10qt. stainless steel pot or equivalent vacuum chamber container to withstand 3CFM vacuum pressure. with matching lid for a good seal. / (optional)- 3CFM Vacuum pump attached to vacuum chamber. ( Vacuum process is strictly used in degassing silicone & other materials to remove air for a smooth, air bubble free casting. / an open air, climate controlled, work area/shop that is equipped with a working exhaust system to evacuate fumes, smells while your samples cure. / 2-5Gal. pails, buckets for cleaning of tools & such with minerals spirits, brushes. / running water- wash-shop basin, lab sink, etc. ( I use a solution of mineral oil, dish soap & vinegar to wash up with ). ( use a little bleach as well for stubborn chemicals such as Urethanes, etc. ) ( Safety Glasses & Latex or disposable gloves ) ( brushes ) optional/ mixing cups- 1/4, 1/2, etc./ 1 metal caulking gun. / paper towels.
*( VERY, VERY IMPORTANT NOTE ) ( Ok, before we begin the "Wet & Squishy" formula, keep in mind that Water & Silicone do not mix. if this is not followed correctly, you'll end up with something that looks like what the dog puked up & waisted money. so, just follow along & dont get discouraged.......ok, here we go...
STEP 1. using your 3-5Gal Wok style mixing bowl, pour in 4 1/4 or 1 cups water into bowl. ( warm water will speed curing time ) (ratios are something ya might write down, because these can change through-out formulations. ) with added water, using your caulking gun with a full 10oz. tube of clear general purpose silicone, squirt in all the silicone into the bowl with the water. ( this will come to around 13-15 squirts/ plunges with the caulking gun ) ( write this down).
STEP 2. change out the empty tube of silicone & replace with tube of latex caulk. plunge in 1-2 squirts only. ( this determines bonding break with water barrier ) If you go 3 plunges, its over the point & will never cure. (write that down.) 1 plunge will be best to start off with, so ya see what i mean, then go from there ok ? ...close caulk tip with lid or what i use is just squeeze a bolt into the opening to save for later. ( the Latex/ Silicone caulk is an active ingredient that is the missing link with bonding water to other materials. this water aspect & bonding also work with Urethanes & fiberglass polymers, but that comes later.
(IMPORTANT NOTE).....All or most materials such as latex, silicone, etc.....they all have whats called a "SHELF LIFE". so, do not purchase these materials as in bulk, if you dont have a plan to use them soon. THEY WILL CURE AFTER SITTING FOR MONTHS IN THEIR OWN CONTAINER, OR BECOME WHAT WE CHEMISTS CALL,....."INACTIVE"....waisted material & $$$.
STEP 3. pour in 4 1/4 cups / 1 cup oderless Mineral spirits.
STEP 4. pour in 1/2 tspn. flesh or other colored ( water based ) makeup.
STEP 5. Mixing........ok, here is where it gets tricky. just be patient !!!!....Be Patient !....HAVE PATIENTS !!!!!
Mix & Mix & Mix that batch for around 10-20 minutes, or more depending on the water temp, & mixing technique. you are going to be pissed, discouraged & even think your waisting your time......keep mixing....keep mixing....keep mixing. dont look like its working , does it ?.....keep on mixing !!!!!...mixing, & mixing.......WTF ??? OMG ! its blending !!!!! Its blending & mixing !...Oh my FKNG GOD ! what happens here folks is amazing ! "Time" is the missing formula to making this "Wet & Squishy" come to life. the more you mix & blend, you will see that this stuff really is amazing. a
STEP 6. after you have mixed your balls off, with your spatula, pour out the "stuff" into your degassing chamber & degass in 1 minute intervals. watch through the lid window, to not let it rise too high & suck into the vacuum hose port. if it gets close, shut off the vacuum pump & let it fall back down, then repeat 3=4 times. that should be good. if you do not have a vacuum pump, simply but carefully pour the mix at an elevated distance above your mold, create a thin, runny stream to remove air.
clean all tools & such & your hands with mineral spirits & then yourself with a little bleach / soap water. mineral spirits break down the goop of silicone on tools & hands, & bleach dilutes & breaks down mineral spirits. bar soap ( lime ) breaks down the bleach. kinda a table of periodic elements thing.
STEP 7 let sample cure at 70 degrees for 48-60hrs. ( 2 days ) demold.
STEP 8 to preserve samples moisture, simply store in a container of water now that water has been impregnated into the sample. ( wash & freshen up sample with bath soap, etc. ( smell of mineral spirits & baby oil will dissipate over 2 weeks soaking in water )
STEP 9 as with all silicones, materials etc. a simple barrier of vaseline, body cream, lube, etc. is recomended between you & materials for health & cleanliness.
next post coming up soon........& your welcome !
MM
