Silicone thickener is also called thixotropic agent, as the name implies, the thickener is a thixotropic agent used to increase the viscosity of liquid silicone. The thickener is used to make a pourable silicone a brushable silicone. The addition of thickener to RTV liquid silicone can greatly slow down the flowability of silicone. For best results, we would always recommend applying the first coat of un-thickened Silicone to create a bubble-free silicone mold.
To use the silicone thickener, add approximately 1% by weight to the silicone base and mix well. Again, you must use a digital gram scale in order to ensure the correct weight. Add the catalyst to the TOTAL weight of the silicone base and silicone thickener. Mix well and brush on to your original. Important: Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container several times while mixing.
1% is the general starting point for a brushable material. You may want to adjust up or down, depending on your application. Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if the performance of this thickener is in question. The thickener does not affect the cure time or the durability of the finished mold. Note: results may differ due to variables in temperature, humidity, etc.
Precautions
1. Silicone thickeners are not suitable to be used with high temperature and food-safe silicone mold-making rubbers.
2. Use in a properly ventilated area. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize contamination risk.
3. Store and use silicone thickeners material at room temperature (73°F/23°C). Silicone thickeners may harden and become firm in low temperatures, stand the container in a hot water bath to restore it to liquid form.
4. Be careful not to add too much, or you could end up ruining your mix and having to start from scratch.
Application case video
