How do I release silicone from silicone?

Article courtesy of Smooth-On, Inc.

Silicone-to-silicone applications such as making two-part molds or casting silicone into silicone are possible, but require a release agent. This release agent cannot contain a significant amount of silicone oil. Here are some release options:

  • Mann Ease Release™ 200 is formulated specifically for releasing silicone rubber from silicone and other surfaces. Applied as a light mist coat, it will not interfere with surface detail.
  • A mixture of 2 parts isopropyl alcohol and 1 part dish soap can be used in some cases to release silicone from silicone.
  • Petroleum jelly can be used to release silicone from silicone, but it should be thinned with mineral spirits so that it can be applied in a thin layer with minimal visible brush strokes.

Whenever possible, you should consider doing a small-scale test to make sure that the release agent effectively works for your particular silicone combination.

Disclaimer

This FAQ article is offered as a guideline and offers possible solutions to problems encountered during mold making and casting. No warranty is implied and it is up to the end user to determine suitability for any specific application. Always refer to the provided Technical Bulletins (TB) & Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before using any material. A small scale test is suggested to determine suitability of any recommendation before trying on a larger scale for any application.