Body Double™ is a long lasting platinum-cure silicone rubber that can be applied directly to the skin to make molds of the face, hands and other body parts. The rubber cures quickly and will reproduce perfect detail from any original model, far better detail than alginate. Body Double™ is skin safe and certified by an independent laboratory.

Features

One casting or many for about the same price. Unlike alginates which are suitable for only one casting, Body Double™ will last for many castings of materials including plaster, wax, resins, low-temperature melt metal alloys, and other materials. The amount of material used per mold is less than most alginates, so the cost per mold is about the same. Adding a release additive creates a self-releasing silicone that is easily removed from hair-covered body areas.

Body Double™ Standard Set is designed for larger surface areas. It has a working time of approximately 5 minutes and a demold time of approximately 20 minutes.

Demold time depends on material temperature, ambient temperature, and body temperature.

Instructions

Preparation

Store and use Body Double™ at room temperature (73°F / 23°C). Warmer temperatures reduce working and cure time and shorten shelf life. This product has a limited shelf life and should be used promptly. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves. Mixing sticks should be flat and stiff with defined edges for scraping containers.

Safety – Perform a small test on the back of your hand to ensure there is no allergic reaction to release preparations or mold rubber. Do not use if irritation occurs. Body Double™ is safe for skin application only and must not be ingested. Do not use to make molds of the inside of the mouth. Closed-lip smile molds are acceptable.

Avoid open eye contact – When molding faces, silicone may be applied over closed eyes after applying release cream to eyelashes. Material must never contact open eyes.

Life casting is best done with at least three people. The model remains still while others mix and apply mold rubber and support shell. These materials set quickly.

Cure inhibition – Skin must be clean and free of makeup, cosmetics, creams, oils, perfumes, and aloe-based products. Do not use latex gloves. If using a bald cap, ensure it is latex free.

Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application is recommended if performance is in question.

Releasing Body Double™

Body Double™ does not stick to skin but may mechanically lock to hair such as facial hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Release cream or release additive will minimize mechanical lock. Shaving the molding area is also an option.

Release cream is a non-toxic skin conditioner that aids in releasing cured rubber from skin with or without hair. Wash skin with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Liberally apply release cream to all skin surfaces, including hair-covered areas. Aggressively work cream into body hair. Insufficient coverage may result in painful removal.

Release additive is a non-toxic liquid mixed into Body Double™ prior to application. It aids release from both skin and hair-covered areas.

Measuring and mixing

Body Double™ Fast Set is dispensed using a pre-measured cartridge system with a static mixing tube. Install the mixing tube, load the cartridge into the dispensing gun, and dispense only when ready to apply material. Mixed material is dispensed directly onto skin and spread immediately with a soft bristle brush.

If dispensing stops, material may cure inside the static mixing tube. Replace the tube before resuming.

Unused cartridges may be stored with cured material left inside the static mixing tube. Replace tube before reuse.

Body Double™ Standard Set is available in larger units. Mix ratio is 1A:1B by volume. Stir Parts A and B thoroughly. Dispense equal amounts and mix aggressively, scraping sides and bottom of container until color is uniform. Apply with a soft bristle brush.

Optional – For the initial detail coat, material may be thinned for easier application. Subsequent layers should be applied without thinner.

Add material as needed. Body Double™ bonds to itself, so additional layers can be applied. Blend new material carefully with cured sections to minimize seam lines. Final mold thickness should be approximately 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (1 cm). Allow full cure before applying support shell.

Applying a support shell, demolding, and casting

Plaster bandages are commonly used to create a strong support shell. After rubber has cured, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the rubber surface. Apply wetted bandages over the mold surface following contours. Bandages dry in approximately 15 minutes and can be removed from the rubber surface.

Demold rubber from body – Peel rubber slowly from skin. Encapsulated hair may require careful trimming. Avoid cutting skin or mold rubber.

Removing release cream – Make-up remover or baby oil may be used, followed by washing with soap and water. Baby oil may leave residue.

Casting – Seat rubber mold into support shell before casting. Release agent is generally not required. When casting platinum-cure silicone, use a release agent. When casting resins, allow rubber to cure a minimum of 60 minutes. Store cured molds in the support shell for best results.