TLDR Review: Ecoflex 00-30 Silicone
Pros
- •Silicone picks up fine details exceptionally well, producing smooth, bubblree molds without needing vacuum or pressure.
- •Working time is generous, around 20 minutes or more, allowing ample flexibility during mixing and pouring.
- •Fully cured molds are strong, durable, highly stretchable, and maintain their shape even after significant stretching.
- •Texture is impressively soft and very similar to real skin, providing a realistic feel for hand and foot molds or toys.
- •Mixing is straightforward, with some tolerance for measurement imprecision, and the silicone can be easily tinted with acrylic paints for custom colors.
- •Slow, careful pouring and applying a thin first layer minimizes trapped air and bubbles for best results.
- •Molds release easily without requiring a release agent, which actually can interfere with proper curing.
- •Silicone cures reasonably fast (4 hours at room temperature), but longer curing up to 12 hours is recommended for optimal strength.
- •The silicone mixture remains usable for at least two months if stored properly, despite a relatively short overall shelf life.
- •This product is generally reliable and effective, making it worth repurchasing for cosplay, miniature scenery, and similar detailed work.
Cons
- •The product can be prone to tearing if stretched beyond twice its original shape, showing some limits on extreme elasticity.
- •Silicone curing is inhibited when in contact with UV resin or 3D Urinted items, which can cause tacky surfaces or incomplete cures.
- •Packaging could be better designed to prevent leaks during shipping.
- •Some users find the silicone slightly stiff and less stretchy than expected for ultroft applications.
- •The product may be a bit expensive, and availability in larger singluantity options is limited or non-existent.
- •Degassing is necessary for finetail work, unlike some previous versions, adding a step to the process.
- •Using release agents can disrupt the silicone curing, requiring careful handling and application techniques.
- •Important to ensure you order the exact version needed, as packaging and product names are similar and can cause confusion.
Bottom Line
The Ecoflex 00-30 Super Soft Platinum Silicone Trial Unit is a top choice if you're after ultra-soft, realistic-feeling molds with excellent detail capture and good stretchability. Just be cautious if you're working with 3D UV-printed items or UV resin, as curing issues can arise. While it’s a bit pricey and comes in small trial packaging, the ease of use and final mold quality make it a solid investment for artists, hobbyists, and cosplayers. If you want a similar silicone that’s easier for ultra-fine bubbles without degassing or if budget is tight, keep an eye out for other silicone options, but Ecoflex 00-30 remains a benchmark for softness and detail.
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