Silicone Experimenting

[melbel1023]

Hello! I've heard there has been a lot of debate about ALEX being safe or not for either skin or the environment - so I've started to conduct scale swatch test for different types of readily-available pure silicone caulk. It is a little more expensive than the ALEX plus (which is labeled as a "siliconized" latex), and its not always available in the 12-pack box the ALEX comes in.
So far, these are the brands I've applied to neoprene - scraps from my ALEX tail.
Test 1:
http://www.caulkyourhome.com/ge-silicone-II-kb-supreme.php
http://www.caulkyourhome.com/ge-silicone-II-window-and-door-supreme.php

Test 2:
http://www.caulkyourhome.com/groov-kitchen-bath-plumbing.php
http://www.caulkyourhome.com/groov-exterior-interior.php

Test 3:
http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=189&SubcatID=25
http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=25&SubcatID=26

I'm not just waiting for the 24 hour cure time, but soon I will post with my photos and results from each swatch =D

[AniaR]

Im honestly at the point where I dont mind spending more money on something I KNOW is proven safe around skin you know? Someone like me can't take the chance

[Mermaid Star]

I was able to look at the MSDS on the DAP sealant, found here http://www.dap.com/docs/msds/00010032001_english.pdf It says that this product is also not approved for skin contact. I have not been able to check on the others. But it would be good to look at. :) I will try and find them later

[Mermaid Star]

Not sure if thi link will work... But here it is for the GE Silicone II http://www.msds.com/servlet/B2BDocumentDisplay?document_version_nri=4446828&manuf_nri=110&manuf_name=&supplier_nri=110&page_number=1&search_source=centraldb&CLIENT_session_key=A638817_schaa011&CLIENT_language=2

I cant find the MSDS for the Groov but I am sure if you look at the back it should tell you if it is safe or not. I believe Selene said that Platinum base silicone is the only safe silicone for skin. If it is Tin based it is not safe. At least that is what I gathered from what she said, which pretty much rules out caulk all together I am sure. But Capt Nemo (I believe) said that if we keep the neoprene buffer between us and the product, we should be fine. Strangely, the MSDS for DAP suggests using neoprene gloves when handling the silicone. :)

[melbel1023]

I started water testing my silicones, two did not pass the freshwater test very well (it was leaking color, despite them being fully cured with the color mixed in to the silicone). I still have three other brands that are going to move on to the chlorine testing once my apartment complex is done renovating their pool.
It disappoints me because the two that failed I was really excited for! They are the G.E. Silicone II brands - they are not paint-able, which could explain their color leaking, but one advertised being more flexible for joints and the other being more mold-free.
Anyways, since I have to wait for the next test for...who knows how long, I'm going to post my next tail design ideas!
482
I know its a small image =/ If you go to my mermaid fan page (link in my signature) you can see a bigger image of it.
The main difference between the two is that one is almost entirely green with transparent tips of the fluke, the other is the same with iridescent gold accents.
What do you think???

[Syrenia]

My friend did a test wit ALEX and she found it's really unsafe for marine life. Quite honestly, I'd spend more money on the silicone, due to the fact that I'll be swimming in lots of aquariums and hopefully in the ocean and some lakes. I'm an animal lover, so I'd rather be nice to the aquatic life.

[Kanti]

Caulks are actually not so unsafe for you as it may seem.

The bottles always mention the "unsafe for skin contact" but I think it's more for purposes that have to do with the latex and the possibility that you
could contract an allergy from it. I've been using caulk frequently before I tangled with making mermaid tails and a common practice is to spread
the caulk line with your finger. The product MAY be dangerous while it's wet for the same reasons latex is. Speaking of which, has anyone ever
read the warnings on a latex bottle? The warnings state that you need to wear protective clothing, cannot inhale the fumes, and cannot allow any
skin contact. Latex is not dangerous in the least, though. You CAN easily contract an allergic reaction, and those are very unpleasant, and depending
on the person, could lead to serious complications. Latex is often applied directly to skin without problems. it REALLY just depends the person.

Alex is meant for many uses, one of which includes bathroom settings. I doubt if it was dangerous, it'd be allowed to be applied in an area that's
associated with water runoff and exposed skin almost constantly. Alex is also "weatherproof" when allowed to fully cure, which means it will not
absorb water but rather bounce it off the surface. However, it is not immune to water and WILL corrode overtime. I don't think there are many harms
when it comes to the Alex.

What exactly did your friend do to test the Alex?

[AniaR]

Kanti, if you read the MSDS for Alex it says differently, it even says not to use in water. I remember Raven even coughed up blood while she was making her tail. one of the things it's hard on is your liver and when I went for my recent doc check up my liver was under extreme stress for no "apparent" reason. I'd just rather ditch my alex tail as quickly as I can. My silicone tail is being made out of the highest quality used for prosthetics silicone. I'm more sensitive than other people due to my illnesses so I just hate being exposed to this stuff. And alex takes so long to cure and can seem cured when it's not.