You recommend using disposable rubber gloves when using Smooth-On materials. What type of rubber glove should I wear? Is one type of glove better than another?

Article courtesy of Smooth-On, Inc.

The issue in considering which type of disposable rubber glove to use with Smooth-On materials is the risk of contaminating the material to a point where it will not cure as expected. We have tested common disposable gloves over the years and have concluded the following:

Vinyl Gloves - The best disposable rubber gloves for use with these materials are made of vinyl. Vinyl gloves will not interfere with or inhibit the cure of urethanes, silicones, epoxies, polyesters, latex or other materials. 

Nitrile Gloves - Testing that we have done over the years has been inconclusive with silicone rubber curing in the presence of some nitrile gloves, but not others.  As a precaution, because silicone may cure with some nitrile gloves and not others, we must advise customers to not use nitrile gloves.

Latex Gloves - We recommend avoiding latex gloves when using these types of materials. The risk of contamination and inhibition is significant. 

 

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.

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