Premium Soft Condensation Casting Silicone for Professional Soap Mould and Candle Mould Applications
Silicone Condensation 5 A-Component is the base component of a soft 2-component casting silicone based on polycondensation (tin-cure, RTV-2) that cures at room temperature. Once cured, the white silicone is flexible with a hardness of Shore A 5 to 7 (with B 5) and yet very strong. With a viscosity of 4,000 ± 500 mPa·s the material flows well and captures fine detail. The mixing ratio is 100:5 by weight (with B 5, T 21 or T 51), the working time 30 to 60 minutes and the demoulding time 16 to 20 hours with B 5. Linear shrinkage is less than 0.3%. Ideal for soap moulds, candle moulds, concrete moulds and moulds of fragile objects.
Please note: this is the A-component only. The B-component (curing agent) must be ordered separately. For standard use we recommend Condensation B 5.
Key Benefits
- Soft and flexible with Shore A 5-7: – the very soft mould peels easily off fragile originals and castings with undercuts.
- Good flow at 4,000 ± 500 mPa·s: – the silicone flows easily into detail and accurately reproduces fine surface textures.
- High elongation at break of 400%: – the mould can be stretched far during demoulding (500% with T 21 or T 51).
- Tensile strength of 23 kg/cm² (2.26 MPa): – once cured, the silicone is very strong despite its low hardness.
- Low linear shrinkage of less than 0.3%: – castings stay dimensionally accurate to the original.
- Simple 100:5 mixing ratio by weight: – mix by hand or mechanically, with a choice of four B-components for working speed and casting material.
Typical Applications
- Soap moulds for handmade and artisan soap
- Candle moulds and wax moulds for candle makers
- Concrete and decorative concrete moulds for ornamental elements
- Moulds of fragile originals and models with many undercuts
- Plaster moulds for sculptures and ornaments
- Moulds for polyester (with T 51) or epoxy and polyurethane (with T 21)
Choosing the B-Component (Curing Agent)
The B-component determines the working time, the demoulding time and which casting material is best processed in the mould. Values at 20 °C and 50% relative humidity:
- Condensation B 5 (5%): – standard curing agent; working time 30-60 minutes, demould after 16-20 hours, full strength after 3-4 days, Shore A 5-7, elongation 400%.
- Wacker Catalyst T 21 (5%): – recommended for casting epoxy and polyurethane; working time over 120 minutes, demould after 48 hours, full strength after 7 days, Shore A 3-5, elongation 500%.
- Wacker Catalyst T 51 (5%): – recommended for casting polyester; working time over 120 minutes, demould after 48 hours, full strength after 7 days, Shore A 3-5, elongation 500%.
- Wacker Catalyst T 47 (1-2%): – for very fast work; working time 5 minutes, demould after 0.5 hours, full strength after 1 day, Shore A 5-7, elongation 400%.
Wacker T 47 may be mixed with the other B-components to achieve a working speed of your choice, while retaining the properties of that B-component. Wacker T 21, T 51 and T 47 can only be ordered by business customers.
Processing Instructions
- Stir the A-component thoroughly in its container so that the material is homogeneous.
- Weigh A and B accurately by weight: 100 grams of A to 5 grams of B 5, T 21 or T 51, or 100 grams of A to 1 to 2 grams of T 47. You can use 0.5% more or less curing agent: less curing agent gives a longer cure and more time for air bubbles to escape; more curing agent gives a faster cure but also faster ageing and more shrinkage of the mould. Never use too little curing agent, otherwise the silicone may not cure (properly).
- Mix A and B thoroughly by hand or mechanically until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, scraping the sides and bottom of the mixing cup.
- Optional: degas the mixture under vacuum to remove entrapped air.
- Pour the mixture within the working time (30 to 60 minutes with B 5) and never mix more than you can process within that time.
- Only demould once the silicone has fully cured: 16 to 20 hours at 20 °C and 50% relative humidity with B 5; full strength after 3 to 4 days. Working time and demoulding time depend strongly on the mixing ratio and humidity: more curing agent or higher humidity shortens both.
Brushing, Spreading or Spatulating
If you want to brush, spread or spatulate the silicone, add 0.6 to 2% Thixo C (usually 1%). This thickening agent makes the silicone spreadable. A brushed or spatulated mould must be fitted with a support jacket, for example made of plaster bandage, an epoxy support jacket or acrylic resin with thickener and glass fabric.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the silicone in a tightly closed container in a dry, cool, frost-free and well-ventilated place. Under these conditions the shelf life is at least 1 year.
Silicones and More, specialist in high-quality mould rubbers and casting materials for professional makers.
Professional Support
Our specialists help you choose the right B-component for your casting material and make soft moulds for soap, candles and fragile originals. Contact us at info@siliconesandmore.com for advice on the right B-component, mixing ratios and building your mould.
