@ AlexanderC:
You know, I'm not sure about silicone caulking in large amounts as far as safety goes. In your case, it seems fine, as it's not like it was in constant contact with your body. But for long-term use? I don't know.
I mean, on the one hand, if it's 100% silicone with none of those questionable fungicides and other additives, it shouldn't be TERRIBLE once it's cured, and I know that there are food-safe and aquarium safe versions that are still relatively inexpensive, especially compared with platinum grade stuff from a company like Smooth-On. I've also heard of FX artists using caulking to create latex-free bald caps on the cheap; there was a feature on this method in (what I assume is) a reputable magazine...I wish I had written down the title so I could follow up on it...but I remember them saying it was a safe thing to do. So some skin contact is probably fine.
But on the other hand, using it to create a prosthetic that you're going to wear a lot (especially if you don't use a pouch-style harness)? Hmm. I've tried to do some research, but it doesn't seem like many people in the amateur FX community can come to a consensus. I've only seen this one professional address it, so I'd stick with her advice just to be safe:
QuoteThe Tin-based systems come in two different types -
One-part materials contain all the ingredients needed to produce a cured material. They use external factors – such as moisture in the air, heat, or the presence of ultraviolet light – to initiate, speed, or complete the curing process.
Typical uses – building sealants, high-consistency rubber (HCR) compounds, coatings for electronics, medical bonding adhesives
Advantages – easy to use; low- or room-temperature cure (although, in some cases, cure can be accelerated by heat)
Disadvantages – moisture-curing materials may take 24 hours or more to fully cure; precautions must be taken to protect the material from the cure initiator prior to application
Examples include window and bathroom caulking. These silicones are NOT suitable for mouldmaking or prosthetics, though they DO have an unexpected application in painting silicone models... (to be discussed in a later post)
She later gives the reason for this:
QuoteTin silicone appliance and moulds leach over time, and become brittle, as the catalyst is unstable. Because of this they cannot be used for any purpose requiring a long shelf-life, or in contact with skin.
If you want to read more, check out
http://naomidlynch.com/2011/05/29/the-how-and-why-of-silicone-part-1/----There are five parts so far, this is just the first installment. It's so informative:)
Now, I'm unsure of why it's okay to use caulking for painting and sealing silicone appliances (a method I've seen recommended in the doll community for recoloring things like Sinthetics-brand dildos, packers etc.)...maybe it's because it's used so sparingly and diluted so much that it doesn't matter? But then what about the chemicals used to dilute it, surely those wouldn't make things MORE body safe? Maybe it's the only bet if certain silicones don't stick to other silicones? It's all very confusing.
EDIT: Nevermind! She explains it all here:
http://naomidlynch.com/2013/08/13/the-how-and-why-of-silicone-part-5/I swear this woman is a goddess.
But on the subject of fabric packers in general, maybe there's another way to make them more moisture-resistant? Perhaps some sort of moisture-wicking material as an underlayer?
