PlatSil Gel-00 -Platinum Silicone-

PlatSil Gel-00 is a two-part platinum (addition) silicone with Shore 00-30 hardness, extremely soft and translucent, formulated by Polytek for hyperrealism applications, encapsulated prosthetics and special effects. Its equal-parts mix (1A:1B) and fast cure make it one of the reference silicones for FX makeup professionals and animatronics.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Thanks to its extremely low hardness and translucent tone, PlatSil Gel-00 is the preferred choice when you need to replicate the texture and appearance of skin or flesh with maximum realism. Combined with the appropriate additives, it covers a wide range of professional applications:

• Encapsulated prosthetics for film, television and theatre (with Skin Imitator or a suitable encapsulant)
• Skins and coverings for animatronics and hyperrealistic puppets
• FX masks and character pieces
• Soft tissue reproductions for anaplastology and external prosthetics
• Reborn babies and hyperrealistic collectible figures
• Moulds for complex geometry parts requiring extreme flexibility for demoulding
• Props and set dressing pieces with a skin or organic tissue appearance

How to use it

1. Prepare the mould or positive surface, ensuring it is free of cure-inhibiting contaminants (sulphur, tin, latex, vinyl, uncured epoxies). Apply a release agent if necessary.
2. Weigh or measure parts A and B in a 100:100 ratio (by weight or volume). Given the working time of only 6 minutes, prepare only the amount you will use immediately.
3. Mix both parts vigorously for at least 60 seconds, thoroughly scraping the sides and bottom of the container to ensure a homogeneous mix.
4. If you are adding Flocking pigments or other colorants specific to platinum silicone, incorporate them at this step and mix until the colour is uniform.
5. If the application is for an encapsulated prosthetic, add PlatSil Deadener LV or Smith's Prosthetics Deadener. The indicative ratio for prosthetics is 1A : 1B : 180-200% Deadener.
6. Pour or apply the mix onto the mould. For a bubble-free application, pour in a thin stream from a height or use a vacuum chamber if available.
7. Allow to cure at room temperature (25 °C) for 30 minutes before demoulding. At lower temperatures the cure will slow down.
8. Demould carefully. The cured silicone is very soft; handle it gently to avoid tearing.

Usage tips

Manage your working time carefully

With only 6 minutes of working time, advance preparation is key. Have the mould ready, pigments weighed out and accessories to hand before starting to mix. If you need more handling time, you can use PlatSil Retarder 71/73 R, but do not exceed the maximum percentage recommended by the manufacturer or you risk compromising the cure. Working in a cool environment (below 25 °C) also slightly extends the working time.

Pigmentation and skin tone

The translucent tone of PlatSil Gel-00 is an advantage: it allows you to start from scratch with colouring without the material's base colour interfering. Use only pigments specifically formulated for platinum silicone, such as Titanic Fx Flocking, to ensure compatibility and avoid inhibition. Mix the pigment into part A before adding part B to make it easier to achieve a uniform colour.

Thickening and brush application

If you need to apply PlatSil Gel-00 in layers over a vertical mould or one with undercuts, use PlatThix to thixotrope the mix and prevent it from running. Apply a detail coat first with a brush and allow it to gel before adding fill layers. For surfaces with fine textures, ensure the first coat penetrates all the recesses thoroughly before it begins to gel.

Frequently asked questions