Since they are soft, skin-friendly, colorful, safe and non-toxic, silicone beads are often used in the production of handmade jewelry, children's toys or decompression toys. However, many people encounter the problem of "uneven surface, grainy or poor glossiness" when using silicone beads, which not only affects the appearance, but also may reduce the user experience. So, what exactly causes the silicone beads to be not smooth? This article will reveal the truth behind it from the four dimensions of materials, processes, preservation and use, and provide practical solutions.
Material problem: the "double-edged sword" of silicone quality and additives
Insufficient purity of silicone raw materials
Reason: Low-quality silicone may be mixed with recycled materials or impurities, resulting in uneven molecular structure, and pores or particles are prone to appear on the surface after curing.
Judgment method: high-quality silicone beads have a delicate feel and no odor; inferior silicone may have a pungent odor and a dark color.
Solution: Choose food-grade or medical-grade silicone beads, and give priority to brand products with quality inspection reports.
Imbalanced ratio of additives
Reason: Curing agent, color paste, etc. need to be added in the production of silicone. If the ratio is not right, it may lead to incomplete curing or surface agglomeration.
Case: Excessive addition of color paste may cause local hardening of silicone and form "color spots"; insufficient curing agent will cause silicone to be sticky.
Solution: If you make silicone beads by yourself, you need to mix the raw materials strictly according to the formula ratio; when purchasing finished products, choose a merchant with a stable reputation.
Production process: "Detail trap" from mold to demolding
Rough or worn mold surface
Reason: If the inner wall of the mold is not polished or worn after long-term use, the surface of the silicone beads will copy the defects of the mold.
Comparison: The surface of silicone beads made by new molds is as smooth as a mirror, while old molds may leave stripes or dents.
Solution:
When making by hand, clean the mold regularly and apply a release agent (such as vaseline).
When purchasing finished products, choose a brand that uses precision molds.
Improper curing temperature and time
Reason: Silicone curing needs to be carried out at a specific temperature. Too high or too low temperature and insufficient time will cause uneven surface.
Common problems:
Low-temperature curing: Silicone has poor fluidity and is prone to bubbles;
High-temperature curing: The surface quickly forms a crust, and the interior is not completely cured, resulting in shrinkage and depression.
Solution:
Refer to the silicone manual, cure at 25-30℃, and ensure sufficient time (usually 8-24 hours).
Use a constant temperature box or insulation pad to control the temperature.
Rough demoulding method
Reason: Forcibly peeling off the silicone beads may cause surface tearing or drawing, destroying the smoothness.
Correct operation:
After curing, let it stand for 24 hours before demoulding;
Use tools to gently pry the edge of the mold to avoid directly pulling the silicone beads.
Storage conditions: "Invisible killers" of environment and time
Exposure to dust or impurities
Reason: The surface of the silicone beads has static electricity, which is easy to absorb dust, hair or fibers in the air, resulting in a rough touch.
Phenomenon: The newly bought silicone beads are smooth as new, but the surface becomes "rough" after being placed for a period of time.
Solution:
Store in a sealed bag or sealed box to avoid contact with fabrics and plush items;
Wipe gently with a slightly damp soft cloth before use (Note: silicone beads cannot be soaked!).
Long-term extrusion deformation
Reason: When silicone beads are stacked and stored or pressed by heavy objects, the surface will produce permanent wrinkles due to extrusion.
Case: Bulk silicone beads squeeze each other during transportation, resulting in irregular edges.
Solution:
Store in a single layer flat, or use a partition box;
Avoid mixing silicone beads with sharp objects.
Aging and oxidation
Reason: Silicone will gradually harden, turn yellow, and lose its luster when exposed to ultraviolet rays or high temperatures for a long time.
Precautions:
Store away from light (such as drawers and cabinets);
Keep away from heaters and direct sunlight.
Usage habits: "accidental damage" caused by human factors
Contact with chemicals
Reason: Silicone beads may corrode or dissolve when in contact with alcohol, oily cosmetics, detergents, etc.
Experiment: Soak the silicone beads in alcohol for 10 minutes, the surface will become sticky and lose elasticity.
Precautions:
Avoid spraying perfume when wearing silicone bead jewelry;
Rinse with clean water when cleaning, and do not use alcohol or disinfectant wipes.
Excessive pulling or rubbing
Reason: Frequent bending and stretching of silicone beads (such as for decompression toys), or rubbing against rough surfaces will cause surface wear.
Repair suggestions: Minor wear can be gently polished with fine sandpaper (1000 mesh or more) dipped in water, but it will lose some gloss.
How to remedy uneven silicone beads?
Short-term emergency plan
Wipe method: Wipe the surface with baby wipes or slightly damp soft cloth to remove dust and stains.
Polishing method: Put the silicone beads in a stocking or fine mesh bag, add a small amount of talcum powder, shake for 5 minutes, and use the powder to fill tiny dents.
Long-term repair plan
Re-polishing: Use sandpaper with a grit of 1000 or above and dip it in water to polish the surface, then use sandpaper with a grit of 2000, and finally rinse with clean water and dry.
Coating protection: Apply a thin layer of transparent nail polish or silicone-specific protective agent on the surface of the silicone beads (compatibility needs to be tested).
The smoothness of silicone beads is not only related to appearance, but also directly affects the user experience. From material selection to storage methods, every link may become a "smooth killer". Whether you are a handcraft enthusiast or an ordinary user, mastering the correct purchase, production and maintenance skills can keep the silicone beads as new. The next time you encounter a rough silicone bead, you might as well check it one by one in accordance with this article - perhaps, just a small adjustment can make your silicone beads have a smooth touch again!