Telesis 8 Thinner is the official medical-grade thinner designed specifically for use with the Telesis 8 silicone adhesive. It allows you to adjust the viscosity of the adhesive to suit each application's requirements and also works as a skin primer to significantly accelerate drying time when bonding prosthetics directly to skin. Manufactured by PPI Premier Products Inc., an FDA-certified company, with a formulation tested by independent laboratories to ensure dermatological safety.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|
| Product type | Thinner / skin primer |
| Grade | Medical |
| Compatibility | Telesis 8, Telesis 8F (Fast), Telesis 8S (Slow) |
| Incompatibilities | Telesis 5, Telesis 7 |
| Use on skin | Yes, as a dermal primer |
| Manufacturer certification | FDA (PPI Premier Products Inc.) |
| Known carcinogens | None |
| Reproductive toxins / cytotoxins | None |
What it's used for
Telesis 8 Thinner has two main functions in prosthetics and special effects makeup work: thinning the adhesive to ease application in delicate areas, and preparing the performer's skin for immediate and long-lasting adhesion.
- Thinning Telesis 8 when a more fluid consistency is needed for hard-to-reach areas or very fine edges.
- Priming the skin before applying the adhesive to drastically reduce drying time and achieve near-instant contact bonding.
- Facilitating the application of silicone prosthetics on film sets, theatre and special effects where preparation time is critical.
- Working with encapsulated silicone prosthetics such as those made with Key-Cap Plastic Encapsulante.
- Preparing the skin in medical and cosmetic applications that require secure fixation of prosthetic elements.
How to use it
- Make sure the skin is clean, dry and free of oils or cream residue before any application.
- To prime the skin: apply a thin layer of Telesis 8 Thinner with a brush or sponge over the area where the prosthetic will be bonded. Allow it to evaporate for a few seconds.
- Apply Telesis 8 to the back of the silicone prosthetic or to the primed skin area.
- Bring the prosthetic into contact with the primed skin and press firmly for a few moments. Bonding occurs almost instantly.
- To thin the adhesive: add small amounts of Thinner to the Telesis 8 and mix well before adding more. Avoid over-thinning as this can compromise adhesion strength.
- To remove the prosthetic, use the specific Telesis Silicone Remover. Do not force a dry peel to avoid skin irritation.
Important notice: Telesis 8 Thinner is exclusively compatible with the Telesis 8 line of adhesives (
Telesis 8,
Telesis 8F and
Telesis 8S). Do not use it with Telesis 5 or Telesis 7 as it is not compatible with those earlier formulations. Always work in a well-ventilated area.
Usage tips
Skin priming: the quick-dry trick
Applying the Thinner as a skin primer before the adhesive is the most widely used technique on film sets with limited preparation time. The key is to let the Thinner evaporate fully before bringing the prosthetic into contact with the skin: if the skin is still too wet with Thinner, the adhesive may not cure correctly. A few seconds of waiting makes all the difference between an instant bond and a failed application.
Adhesive viscosity control
When thinning Telesis 8, add the Thinner drop by drop and mix thoroughly before adding more. It's easy to over-thin and end up with an adhesive that's too fluid to bond properly. For very fine prosthetic edges, a slight thinning greatly improves application without compromising final adhesion.
Storage and handling
Seal the container tightly after each use to prevent the thinner from evaporating. Store in a cool place away from heat sources or open flames. A Thinner contaminated with cured adhesive residue can lose effectiveness as a primer, so avoid inserting dirty brushes directly into the container.
Frequently asked questions
What is a silicone adhesive thinner used for?
A thinner like Telesis 8 Thinner has two main uses: reducing the viscosity of the adhesive to ease application in delicate areas or with very fine edges, and priming the performer's skin so the adhesive cures almost instantly on contact, reducing preparation times on set or stage.
Can it be applied directly to skin?
Yes. Telesis 8 Thinner is formulated to medical grade and has been tested by independent laboratories to ensure its safety on skin. Its use as a dermal primer is precisely one of its main purposes. It contains no known carcinogens, reproductive toxins or cytotoxins.
Which adhesives is this thinner compatible with?
Telesis 8 Thinner is compatible with the Telesis 8 line of adhesives: standard Telesis 8, Telesis 8F (Fast) and Telesis 8S (Slow). It is not compatible with Telesis 5 or Telesis 7 adhesives, which have a different formulation.
How do you remove a prosthetic bonded with Telesis 8 adhesive?
To remove the prosthetic safely, use the specific Telesis Silicone Remover. Never peel the prosthetic off dry or by force, as this can cause irritation or damage the prosthetic. The remover dissolves the silicone adhesive without harming the skin or the prosthetic material.
How long should you wait after priming the skin before applying the prosthetic?
The wait time is very short — just a few seconds, enough for the Thinner to evaporate and leave the skin in optimal bonding condition. If the prosthetic is applied while the skin is still wet with Thinner, curing may not occur correctly. The visual cue is that the skin returns to its normal appearance after application.
Can this thinner be used to clean tools or brushes?
That is not its intended use. Telesis 8 Thinner is formulated to thin the adhesive and prepare the skin, not as a cleaning solvent. To clean tools with Telesis 8 adhesive residue, consult the manufacturer's specific recommendations and use the appropriate remover.
Is it necessary to prime the skin for the adhesive to work?
It is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended when preparation time is tight. Telesis 8 can be applied without prior priming, but using the Thinner as a dermal primer reduces drying time to an instant and improves bonding security, especially in high-movement areas such as nose edges, lips or cheeks.
What is the difference between the various Telesis 8 adhesives?
The Telesis 8 range includes three variants that differ in working time: standard Telesis 8 offers a balanced working time, Telesis 8F (Fast) cures faster and is ideal for quick applications, and Telesis 8S (Slow) offers more manipulation time before curing. Telesis 8 Thinner is compatible with all three.
