Liquid Rubber – A Versatile Waterproofing Material
Liquid rubber keeps moisture out and prevents damage to materials, structures and masonry. It can be applied with a brush, roller or spray gun and is quick to dry.
To find out how much liquid rubber you need for your project, measure the size of the area. Use length, width and height measurements to calculate the volume.
It is vulcanized
Vulcanization is the chemical process that changes rubber’s physical properties. It makes it harder, more abrasion resistant and less soluble in organic solvents. It is also more elastic than unvulcanized rubber. It’s a process developed by Charles Goodyear in 1843.
He heated natural latex with sulfur and discovered that it hardened, or vulcanized, when the heat was maintained. This discovery led to the modern industrial process of combining rubber with various ingredients and heating them under controlled heat.
Once vulcanized, the liquid rubber is used to make a variety of products. Some of these include rubber hoses, shoes and tires, and even movie props. Despite its durability, it’s not as environmentally friendly as some other materials. Old rubber can be recycled into paving materials, insulation, or landscaping mulch. The material may also be repurposed as conveyor belts, rubber-lined tanks, or children’s toys. Many types of liquid rubber can be dyed, which allows companies that make movie prosthetics to match the color of an actor’s skin.
It is cast
Liquid rubber is a versatile waterproofing material that can be used to coat almost anything. It can be applied by brushing or spraying and is nontoxic and safe for plants. It also comes in a variety of colors to match your decor. When it dries, it creates a waterproof membrane that will protect the surface from water, sun, salt, and corrosion.
It is best to work in a clean, well ventilated area when handling liquid rubber. Wear eye protection, gloves and a long sleeved shirt to prevent splashing or spilling. In case of skin contact, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if needed.
To prevent sagging or deformity of the finished product, polyurethane molds should be kept flat and out of direct sunlight. If the molds will be occasionally exposed to sunlight, it is recommended to use UV Additive (sold separately) to help resist UV damage. Creature Cast Rubber can be brushed or sprayed onto a variety of surfaces, including EVA and L-200 foam for Cosplay costume and prop fabrication.
It is molded
The process of making a mold using liquid rubber is called injection molding. It is used for a wide variety of manufacturing applications, including medical devices, automotive parts, and infant products. The liquid silicone rubber (LSR) contains repeating Si-O chains and provides a broad operating temperature range, weatherability, bio-inertness, electrical insulation, and a long life span.
The LSR material is injected into the mold and cures to form the molded part. This allows for quick cycle times and less raw material handling, which reduces cost and lead time. Injection molding is also very versatile and can be used to make a wide range of shapes.
Before making a mold, prepare the master by hot-gluing it to a base that will not move once the rubber has set. This can be a cardboard wall or a Lego brick wall, for example. Read the product labels to determine the correct ratio of part A to part B, and mix thoroughly. If vacuum degassing is desired, spray the product with Poly Purge aerosol dry gas before re-sealing the container.
It is painted
Liquid rubber is a great waterproofing solution that can be applied to almost any surface. It can be brushed or roller-applied and is easy to clean. Once it dries, it can withstand a variety of weather conditions. It is also UV stable.
It is important to prepare the surface before applying liquid rubber. You need to make sure that it is completely clean and free of dirt or debris. You can also use a power wash to remove any contaminants that may interfere with the bonding process. You should also try to repair any cracks in the substrate before applying the rubber coating.
The best liquid rubber products are heat, chemical, weather, and impact resistant. They are also flexible and provide an air and vapour tight seal. These materials can be used on concrete, stone, wood, metals, and EPDM. They can even withstand ponding water for flat roofs. They can be painted with spray or brushing, or by dipping.