Smooth-On Dragon Skin 20 Mold Making Silicone Rubber - Trial Unit

In this review of the Smooth-On Dragon Skin 20 trial unit, the reviewer finds a dependable mold rubber aimed at artists and prop makers who need a soft, tear-resistant silicone that still captures detail. The single biggest reason to buy is its balance of softness and strength: it cures to a durable Shore 20A rubber that stretches without losing form, making it useful for special effects, sculpture, and repeat casting. The review covers handling, cure time, and real-world tradeoffs to help readers decide if this trial size fits their project needs.

Key Features

• Shore 20A hardness: Provides a soft, flexible rubber that resists tearing while allowing easy demolding of detailed sculpts.
• 1:1 mix ratio: A straightforward mix that reduces measuring mistakes and simplifies small-batch mold making.
• 6 hour cure time: Cures in about six hours for a quick turnaround on prototypes and weekend projects.
• Translucent formula: The clear base accepts pigments easily so users can tint the material to match casting or visual needs.
• Stretch and strength: The cured rubber is both stretchy and strong, suitable for repeated use with flexible masters.

Who It's For

This trial unit is best for hobbyists, special effects artists, and small-scale sculptors who want to test a very soft, resilient silicone without committing to a large quantity. It suits people making flexible molds for resin, plaster, or soft casting materials, and anyone who values ease of pigment mixing and a forgiving 1:1 ratio.

Those working in high-volume production or needing a much harder durometer should look elsewhere, as Dragon Skin 20 is deliberately soft. Also, if absolute fastest cure time is required, other formulas that set in under six hours may be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft but durable cured rubber that demolds intricate shapes without tearing.
• Simple 1:1 mix ratio reduces mixing errors during small jobs.
• Translucent base allows easy pigmentation for colored molds or matching casting materials.

Cons

• Cure time is listed at six hours, though some users report faster cures; expect variability based on temperature and batch size.

Specifications

Product	Smooth-On Dragon Skin 20 Trial Unit
Durometer	Shore 20A (soft)
Mix Ratio	1:1 by volume
Cure Time	Approximately 6 hours
Color	Translucent, easy to pigment
Common Uses	Special effects, mold making, sculpture

Our Verdict

The Dragon Skin 20 trial unit is a practical, low-risk way to evaluate a very soft, resilient silicone for creative mold making and effects work. Its easy 1:1 mix and translucency make it versatile for small runs and prototypes, and the cured rubber holds up well in repeated demolding. Buy this if you need a stretchy, high-quality silicone sample before scaling up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you mix this silicone?
Mix equal parts of the two components by volume (1:1) and stir thoroughly to a uniform translucent blend before pouring.

How long until it is safe to demold?
The manufacturer lists about 6 hours cure time, though ambient temperature and batch size can shorten or lengthen that window.

Can it be pigmented?
Yes, the translucent base accepts silicone pigments and colorants designed for tin-cure silicones.