PlatSil Deadener LV -Silicone Gelling Agent-
37,51 € Tax incl.
PlatSil Deadener LV is a low-viscosity gelling agent designed to soften platinum silicones from the PlatSil Gel series without oil bleed. By adjusting the amount added, you can achieve anything from a slightly more flexible gel to a very soft consistency, ideal for prosthetics and special effects character makeup. Its reduced viscosity makes it easy to integrate into the mix and makes it the preferred option when greater working fluidity is required.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | Gelling agent / softener for platinum (addition) silicone |
| Viscosity | Low (LV — Low Viscosity) |
| Compatibility | PlatSil Gel silicones (addition / platinum series) |
| Maximum dose | Up to 300% over the A+B mix |
| Oil bleed | No bleed |
| Incorporation point | Always into Part A, before mixing with Part B |
What it is used for
PlatSil Deadener LV allows you to transform PlatSil Gel silicones into materials of variable consistency, from slightly soft to very gentle gels. It is especially valuable in applications where the material needs to mimic the texture of skin or soft tissue without losing cohesion.
- Fabrication of special effects prosthetics and facial character makeup (noses, ears, wounds, scars)
- Creation of encapsulated gel prosthetic makeup pieces
- Obtaining soft gels for animatronics and puppetry applications
- Production of tactilely realistic pieces for film, television and theatre
- Fine-tuning the hardness of silicone parts in articulated sculpture or doll-making projects
How to use it
- Decide the degree of softness you need. The higher the percentage of Deadener LV relative to the A+B mix, the softer and tackier the resulting gel will be. Always perform a cure test with your chosen ratio before working on the final piece.
- Measure the amount of Deadener LV according to the chosen ratio (from a small percentage up to 300% over the total weight of the A+B mix).
- Add the Deadener LV to Part A of the PlatSil Gel silicone. Mix thoroughly until a homogeneous blend is achieved. Do not incorporate it after adding Part B.
- Add Part B in the correct ratio according to the instructions for the PlatSil Gel silicone being used and mix uniformly.
- Prepare the mould by applying a thin layer of encapsulant (such as a flexible bald cap plastic sheet) inside the mould to contain the gel, as the resulting mix will be tacky to the touch and requires encapsulation to form a usable prosthetic piece.
- Pour or apply the gel into the mould over the encapsulant layer. Allow to cure under the conditions specified for the base PlatSil Gel silicone.
- Demould carefully. Using a paste release agent for silicones on the areas of the mould not covered by the encapsulant will make extraction easier without damaging the piece.
Usage tips
Always run a ratio test
The amount of Deadener LV you need varies depending on the application and the PlatSil Gel silicone you are using. Prepare small samples at different percentages (for example, 50%, 100%, 200%) and allow them to cure before evaluating the texture. Remember that the deadener does not alter the cure time of the silicone: the gel cures in the same time as the base silicone regardless of how much deadener has been added.
Encapsulation is essential for prosthetics
When the percentage of Deadener LV is high, the resulting silicone will be tacky to the touch. To obtain a workable prosthetic, first apply a thin layer of encapsulant (sheet or bald cap plastic) inside the mould before pouring the gel mix. This creates a non-tacky outer skin that makes the piece directly applicable to skin. If you need to accelerate curing of the encapsulant or the silicone, you can use the Curing Agent 81 VF.
Viscosity adjustment for complex moulds
The low viscosity of Deadener LV already helps the mix flow well, but if at any point you need to apply the silicone to vertical walls or undercut areas without it running, you can incorporate a small amount of thixotropic additive for silicones into the mix. Note that the thixotropic additive only modifies the consistency for application; it does not change the cure time or the final softness of the gel.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does a silicone gelling agent do?
A gelling agent such as PlatSil Deadener LV acts as an internal plasticiser for platinum silicone: when incorporated into the mix before curing, it reduces the polymer crosslink density and the result is a softer, more gelatinous material. The more you add, the softer and less tear-resistant the resulting gel will be. Unlike conventional silicone oils, PlatSil Deadener LV does not migrate or bleed once cured.
Does the gelling agent change the cure time of the silicone?
No. PlatSil Deadener LV does not alter the cure time of the PlatSil Gel silicone it is mixed with. The gel will cure in the same time stated in the technical data sheet of the base silicone, regardless of how much deadener has been added.
At what point in the process should the gelling agent be added?
Always into Part A, before mixing with Part B. Mix the Deadener LV with Part A until a homogeneous blend is achieved and only then add Part B. Adding it after Part B may compromise the uniformity of the cure.
How much gelling agent can I add as a maximum?
PlatSil Deadener LV can be added at up to 300% by weight over the total A+B mix. For example, if you mix 100 g of PlatSil Gel silicone (A+B combined), you can add up to 300 g of Deadener LV. At high percentages, the resulting gel will be very soft and tacky to the touch, making encapsulation essential. Always perform a preliminary test to fine-tune the ratio for your specific application.
Why does the resulting gel end up tacky and how is this resolved?
When large amounts of Deadener LV are incorporated, the silicone loses some of its surface cohesion and becomes tacky to the touch. This is normal and does not indicate a curing problem. To produce workable prosthetics, the standard solution is to encapsulate the gel: a thin layer of flexible encapsulant (bald cap plastic) is first applied inside the mould and the gel is poured over it, resulting in a piece covered by a non-tacky skin.
Can this gelling agent be used with any platinum silicone?
PlatSil Deadener LV is specifically formulated for silicones in the PlatSil Gel series. Although it is in principle compatible with other addition (platinum) silicones, behaviour and ratios may vary. If you use it with a different platinum silicone, always run preliminary tests to determine the appropriate ratios and verify correct curing. It is not compatible with condensation (tin) silicones.
What is the difference between this product and other silicone gelling agents or softeners?
The main distinguishing feature of PlatSil Deadener LV compared to other deadeners is its low viscosity, which facilitates integration into the mix and allows you to work with more fluid gels before curing. Other gelling agents with higher viscosity offer a different softening effect and may require different ratios to achieve an equivalent consistency. If you switch from one deadener to another, always adjust the ratios by running preliminary tests, as the effect is not directly interchangeable.
Can I pigment the silicone after adding the gelling agent?
Yes. Pigments compatible with platinum silicones can be added to the mix together with the Deadener LV without any issue. Add the pigment to Part A along with the deadener, mix thoroughly, and then add Part B. Use only pigments specifically formulated for addition silicones to avoid the risk of inhibition.