Sil-Key Silicone Adhesive
60,50 € Tax incl.
Sil-Key is a high-strength, pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive with high solids content, suspended in a maximum-safety cosmetic-grade solvent. It is specifically formulated for the application of silicone and latex prosthetics in special effects and character makeup, offering reliable, long-lasting and safe adhesion on skin.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive |
| Grade | Cosmetic / skin-safe |
| Base solvent | Cosmetic grade (extremely safe) |
| Compatible materials | Platinum silicone, latex |
| Compatible thinner | Sil-Key Thinner |
| Application | FX prosthetics, theatrical and film character makeup |
What it is used for
Sil-Key is designed to bond platinum silicone and latex prosthetics directly onto skin with complete safety. It is the go-to adhesive for professional special effects makeup artists, theatrical and film character makeup professionals, and television artists who need a strong, clean bond that does not irritate the skin during long shooting days or performances.
- Bonding platinum silicone prosthetics (noses, ears, scars, wounds)
- Securing latex prosthetics on skin
- Applying thin, translucent edges on FX prosthetics
- Special effects makeup for film, television and theatre
- Long-duration professional character makeup
- Securing prosthetics during shoots in heat or sweat conditions
How to use it
- Clean and degrease the area of skin where you will apply the prosthetic. The skin must be dry and free of creams or oils.
- Apply a thin, even coat of Sil-Key to the inner face of the prosthetic and/or to the skin, depending on the edge thickness.
- Allow the solvent to evaporate until the adhesive becomes transparent and slightly tacky to the touch (not wet).
- Carefully position the prosthetic in its final location.
- Press gently for a few seconds to activate the pressure-sensitive bond.
- If you need to work very thin edges or hard-to-reach areas, thin the Sil-Key with Sil-Key Thinner beforehand to achieve a more fluid consistency.
- Once the prosthetic is in place, proceed with the usual makeup and blending paint.
Usage tips
Prepare the skin properly before applying
The performance of Sil-Key depends greatly on skin preparation. Any trace of grease, sweat or moisturiser will drastically reduce adhesion. Use a cleanser or cosmetic-grade isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry completely before applying the adhesive. On very oily skin, a very thin layer of translucent powder before the adhesive can help improve grip.
Control the solvent evaporation time
Sil-Key works as a pressure-sensitive contact adhesive: the key moment is when the solvent has fully evaporated and the surface is translucent and slightly tacky. If you bond too soon (still wet) or too late (no longer tacky), adhesion will be reduced. In warm environments evaporation time shortens; in cold environments it lengthens. Learn to read the exact point with a little practice.
Thin it for ultra-fine edges
For very thin prosthetic edges where you need the adhesive to penetrate well and the edge to blend seamlessly with the skin, thin Sil-Key with Sil-Key Thinner to the desired viscosity. Apply in thin coats and allow to evaporate between coats. Do not use incompatible thinners, as they may alter the cosmetic formulation of the adhesive.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use this adhesive directly on skin?
Yes. Sil-Key is formulated to cosmetic grade, with a maximum-safety solvent for use on skin. Its components come from manufacturers specialising in cosmetic and clinical-use materials. Even so, as with any adhesive, a patch test on a small area of skin is recommended before extensive use, especially for people with sensitive skin or known allergies to silicones or solvents.
What materials does this type of adhesive work with?
Sil-Key is optimised for bonding prosthetics made from platinum silicone and latex. It is not designed for porous materials or foams, where acrylic-based adhesives such as PROTAC may work better.
How long does the bond last throughout the day?
With correct application and well-prepared skin, Sil-Key provides a strong bond through long working days. Its high-strength formulation makes it suitable for demanding shoots involving heat or movement. Duration may vary depending on skin type, perspiration and environmental conditions.
How is the prosthetic removed once bonded?
To remove the prosthetic safely, gently lift the edges using a cotton swab or flat spatula, applying a compatible cosmetic remover or solvent to help release the adhesive without pulling sharply on the skin. Avoid pulling the prosthetic off dry to prevent damaging either the skin or the prosthetic.
Can I use this adhesive with silicone encapsulants?
Yes. Sil-Key is fully compatible with prosthetics encapsulated with platinum silicone encapsulant materials. Adhesion on cured silicone surfaces is precisely one of its strengths over other acrylic-based adhesives.
How can I make the adhesive more fluid for delicate applications?
You can thin Sil-Key with Sil-Key Thinner until you achieve the viscosity needed for very fine edges or hard-to-reach areas. Add the thinner gradually and mix well before applying. Do not use other unspecified thinners, as they could compromise the cosmetic safety of the product.
Is there a difference between this adhesive and other silicone adhesives on the market?
Sil-Key stands out for its certified cosmetic grade, high solids content and the quality of its components. Other silicone adhesives such as Telesis 8 are also industry references in FX; the choice between them depends on the makeup artist's workflow, compatibility with the encapsulant used and application preferences.
What materials do I need to set up a complete FX prosthetics workflow?
For a professional FX prosthetics workflow you will need a platinum silicone to make the prosthetic, a compatible encapsulant, the adhesive for application on skin (such as Sil-Key), integration pigments and paints, and basic safety tools. At Feroca you will find all these materials in their specialist catalogue.