Brushable thixotropic silicone for bodycasting and SFX moulds

Zhermack SkinForm (ZA 22 Thixo Body Silicone) is a two component thixotropic addition cure silicone supplied by Zhermack for moulding body parts. The brushable consistency stays on vertical surfaces without running, picks up fine skin texture accurately and is tear resistant once cured. It mixes 1:1 by weight, the working time is 10 minutes and it can be carefully demoulded after about 25 minutes.

Key benefits

• Thixotropic consistency: stays on vertical surfaces without running, ideal for brushable work on the body.
• Fast cycle: 10 minutes working time and demoulding after about 25 minutes, so your model does not have to sit still for long.
• High tear strength: 14 N/mm, so thin edges and undercuts do not tear easily during demoulding.
• High detail reproduction: picks up skin texture and fine detail accurately with minimal distortion.
• Shore A 22: firm enough to hold detail, flexible enough to demould over undercuts.
• High ageing resistance: moulds and impressions keep their properties over time.

Typical applications

• ✓ Bodycasting and lifecasting of face, hands, torso and other body parts
• ✓ SFX moulds for masks and theatrical prosthetics
• ✓ Cosplay and theatre, accurate skin impressions for costumes and character prosthetics
• ✓ Orthopaedic and medical models
• ✓ Sculpture and lifelike reproductions of body parts
• ✓ Education and workshops

Processing

1. Mix the components 1:1 by weight. Preferably by hand, since machine mixing whips in too much air.
2. Work with two people and a model. One mixes, the other applies.
3. Apply petroleum jelly or hair release on lightly haired or short haired areas. We do not recommend this product on long hair, use a bald cap instead.
4. Apply the silicone in even layers and work within the 10 minute working time.
5. Always make a support shell. The silicone picks up very fine detail but is not dimensionally stable on its own. Preferably use plaster bandage, applied once the silicone has set and is still on the body. A two part support shell gives better results. Plaster bandage does not bond to the silicone.
6. Demould carefully after about 25 minutes. The mould is fully cured after 24 hours.

Note: working time and demould time apply at 20 °C and get shorter in a warm environment or on warm skin.

Points to watch

• ✓ This is an addition cure silicone. Sulphur, nitrogen, amino compounds and metal salts can poison the cure. These occur in latex gloves, cigarette smoke, some plasticine clays, condensation silicones and 3D printing materials.
• ✓ Test on a small scale if in doubt.
• ✓ Work on clean, grease free and dry surfaces and do not swap the caps of the components.

Professional support

If you are unsure about the right technique, support shell or application, contact us at info@siliconesandmore.com or +31 (0)85 485 83 11.