Types of Silicone
SILICONE – Platinum vs Tin
Platinum cure silicone: is a two-part silicone consisting of a polymer and platinum catalyst that are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. It has the lowest shrinkage and longest ‘shelf life’ (in the 30 year range). Shelf Life refers to how long your mold will last just sitting on a shelf, not being used. As for actual use longevity — we have molds in use currently that have been used daily; flawlessly; hundreds of times for the past seven years, and show no signs of wearing out. Platinum cure silicone also has varieties that are ‘Skin Safe’ as well as ‘Food Safe’.
Tin cure silicone: is a two-part silicone consisting of a polymer and tin catalyst that are mixed in a 10:1 ratio. Tin cure silicone is less expensive than Platinum cure, but shrinks and has a shelf life of about 1 year. There is also no ‘Food Safe’ version.
Silicone – Shore Hardness
All molds produced by Mighty Molds are created using Platinum Cure Silicone, with a Shore Hardness of either 10 or 30.
Benefits:
- 10 Shore Hardness – This version produces a very soft and flexible mold. It is used primarily for model designs that may be difficult to unmold.
- 30 Shore Hardness – This version produces a firm mold that is suitable for most Pillar and Taper candles.