PlatSil Gel-0030 -Platinum Silicone-

PlatSil Gel-0030 is a two-part platinum (addition) silicone with an extraordinarily low Shore Hardness (Shore 00-30), translucent and easy to mix in equal parts by weight or volume. Developed by Polytek, it is an established reference in special effects, prosthetics and animatronics thanks to its predictable behaviour, high detail fidelity and soft-to-the-touch finish.

Technical Specifications

What It Is Used For

A Shore Hardness of 00-30 places PlatSil Gel-0030 at the softest end of the platinum silicone range, making it especially suitable when the finished piece must replicate the texture and flexibility of human skin or soft tissue. It is the standard choice among special effects professionals and anaplastologists.

• Hyper-realistic facial and body prosthetics
• Anaplastological prosthetics (nipple, ear, nose, etc.)
• Masks and skins for special effects in film and television
• Animatronics: soft coverings over mechanical structures
• Medical simulation and anatomical phantoms
• Reborn baby and hyper-realistic doll reproduction
• Flexible moulds for complex geometry parts with undercuts

How to Use It

1. Prepare the original surface: ensure the model is clean, dry and free from inhibiting contaminants (sulphur, latex, tin). Apply a release agent if necessary.
2. Weigh or measure the components: mix component A and component B in a 1:1 ratio by weight or volume. Use a precision scale for best results.
3. Mix thoroughly: stir slowly for at least 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container, until a uniform and homogeneous colour is achieved.
4. Degas (recommended): place the mix in a vacuum chamber for 1–2 minutes to remove air bubbles before pouring.
5. Pour or apply: place the silicone into the mould or onto the original in a thin stream from the lowest point. You have 45 minutes of working time at 25 °C. If working on prosthetics, you can add silicone pigments before pouring to achieve the desired skin tone.
6. Allow to cure: keep the piece at room temperature for 4–5 hours without moving it. Do not expose to elevated temperatures during the first hours unless you need to accelerate the process in a controlled manner.
7. Demould: once cured, the silicone releases easily thanks to its negligible shrinkage. Remove carefully to preserve detail.

Usage Tips

Working with pigments and additives

PlatSil Gel-0030 is translucent, allowing precise pigmentation to replicate skin tones. Use silicone-specific pigments or Key-Pigments for FX: add them to component A before mixing with component B for even distribution. For surface texture effects, you can also incorporate Flocking. If you need encapsulated ultra-soft pieces (prosthetics with feathered edges), combine the silicone with deadener at approximately 180–200% relative to the total mixed silicone.

Use with encapsulant and in professional prosthetics

In prosthetic applications, the edges of the piece should be as thin as possible to blend with the skin. Use an encapsulant (Key-Cap Plastic) over the outer edge so that it can be blended with make-up. Apply a release agent between silicones when working with counter-moulds, as platinum silicone does not self-release onto another platinum silicone without a barrier.

Temperature and cure times

The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the working and cure times. At 20 °C the working time is noticeably longer; at 30 °C it is shorter. Always work in a controlled environment to reproduce the stated times. If you need a faster-curing version with the same Shore 00-30, see PlatSil Gel-00, which cures in 30 minutes but with a working time of only 6 minutes. For casting from the original (Life Cast), consider using KEY-FORM, specifically formulated for skin contact.

Frequently Asked Questions