Dragon Skin™ silicones are high performance platinum cure liquid silicone compounds that are used for a variety of applications ranging from creating skin effects and other movie special effects to making production molds for casting a variety of materials. Because of the superior physical properties and flexibility of Dragon Skin™ rubbers, they are also used for medical prosthetics and cushioning applications. Dragon Skin™ rubbers are also used for a variety of industrial applications and have a service temperature range of a constant -65°F to +450°F (-53°C to +232°C)
Great for Making Molds for a Variety of Applications - Dragon Skin™ silicones can be used to make exceptionally strong and tear resistant molds for casting plaster, wax, concrete, resins and other materials.
Time Tested, Versatile Special Effects Material – Soft, super-strong and stretchy, Dragon Skin™ 10 Very Fast is used around the world to make spectacular skin and creature effects. An infinite number of color effects can be achieved by adding Silc Pig™ silicone pigments or Cast Magic™ effects powders. Cured rubber can also be painted with the Psycho Paint™ system. Cured material is skin safe and certified by an independent laboratory.
Easy To Use – Dragon Skin™ silicones are mixed 1A:1B by weight or volume. Liquid rubber can be thinned with Silicone Thinner™ or thickened with THI-VEX™. Rubber cures at room temperature (73°F/23°C) with negligible shrinkage. Vacuum degassing is recommended to minimize air bubbles in cured rubber.
Dragon Skin™ 10 silicones are Flame Rated to UL-94 HB specification and they meet the B1 classification for the GB 8624-2012 Fire Test to Building Material and Products (does not include ‘NV’ formulas).
Safety – Use in a properly ventilated area (“room size” ventilation). Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize contamination risk. Wear vinyl gloves only. Latex gloves will inhibit the cure of the rubber.
Store and use material at room temperature (73°F/23°C). Warmer temperatures will drastically reduce working time and cure time. Storing material at warmer temperatures will also reduce the usable shelf life of unused material. These products have a limited shelf life and should be used as soon as possible.
Cure Inhibition – Addition-cure silicone rubber may be inhibited by certain contaminants in or on the pattern to be molded resulting in tackiness at the pattern interface or a total lack of cure throughout the mold. Latex, tin-cure silicone, sulfur clays, certain wood surfaces, newly cast polyester, epoxy or urethane rubber may cause inhibition. If compatibility between the rubber and the surface is a concern, a small-scale test is recommended. Apply a small amount of rubber onto a non-critical area of the pattern. Inhibition has occurred if the rubber is gummy or uncured after the recommended cure time has passed.
To prevent inhibition, one or more coatings of a clear acrylic lacquer applied to the model surface is usually effective. Allow any sealer to thoroughly dry before applying rubber. Note: Even with a sealer, platinum silicones will not work with modeling clays containing heavy amounts of sulfur. Do a small scale test for compatibility before using on your project.
Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
Applying A Release Agent - Although not usually necessary, a release agent will make demolding easier when pouring into or over most surfaces. Ease Release™ 200 is a proven release agent for making molds with silicone rubber. Mann Ease Release™ products are available from Smooth-On or your Smooth-On distributor.
IMPORTANT: To ensure thorough coverage, lightly brush the release agent with a soft brush over all surfaces of the model. Follow with a light mist coating and let the release agent dry for 30 minutes.
If there is any question about the effectiveness of a sealer/release agent combination, a small-scale test should be made on an identical surface for trial.
Measuring & Mixing - Before you begin, pre-mix Part B thoroughly. After dispensing required amounts of Parts A and B into mixing container (1A:1B by volume or weight), mix thoroughly for 3 minutes making sure that you scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container several times. After mixing parts A and B, vacuum degassing is recommended to eliminate any entrapped air in liquid rubber. Your vacuum pump must pull a minimum of 29 inches of mercury (or 1 Bar / 100 KPa). Leave enough room in container for material expansion. Vacuum material until it rises, breaks and falls. Vacuum for 1 minute after material falls.
Pouring - For best results, pour your mixture in a single spot at the lowest point of the containment field. Let the rubber seek its level up and over the model. A uniform flow will help minimize entrapped air. The liquid rubber should level off at least 1/2” (1.3 cm) over the highest point of the model surface.
Curing / Post Curing - Allow rubber to cure as prescribed at room temperature (73°F/23°C) before demolding. Do not cure rubber where temperature is less than 65°F/18°C. Optional: Post curing the mold will aid in quickly attaining maximum physical and performance properties. After curing at room temperature, expose the rubber to 176°F/80°C for 2 hours and 212°F/100°C for one hour. Allow mold to cool to room temperature before using.
If Using As A Mold - When first cast, silicone rubber molds exhibit natural release characteristics. Depending on what is being cast into the mold, mold lubricity may be depleted over time and parts will begin to stick. No release agent is necessary when casting wax or gypsum. Applying a release agent such as Ease Release™ 200 (available from Smooth-On) prior to casting polyurethane, polyester and epoxy resins is recommended to prevent mold degradation.
