Can Silicone Be Used Without The Use Of A Vacuum (Degassing) Chamber?
Yes, silicone can be used without a vacuum chamber. Many of our Silicone RTV Systems are used successfully without any special equipment. But for those critical mold surfaces an initial detail coat can first be applied by mixing up a small batch of silicone rtv and painting it on, allowing material to gel before back filling with more silicone to complete mold. Another similar technique uses forced air, either though compressed air or hair dryer set on cool, to force out any surface air bubbles on initial detail coat and back filling later. Keep in mind when mixing any materials, avoid whipping in additional air–keeping mixing utensil or mixing blade completely submerged. Also, when pouring rubber into the cavity, pour thin streams of mixed material from high above the surface into the lowest corner of the mold box, allowing the rubber to roll out, pushing air away as it fills the mold cavity. Avoid a back and forth motion which folds the rtv and traps air. Pressurizing a mold in a pr
