Dragon Skin 10 Medium is a platinum-cure silicone rubber compound that comes in pint-sized units, designed for mold making and casting applications. It is part of a well-known family of silicones used by artisans, prop makers, and small-scale manufacturers. In this review, we look at how it performs in real-world use, its key features, and where it falls short.
This material is an addition-cure silicone, meaning it cures without releasing byproducts, which gives it low shrinkage and good detail reproduction. It is often chosen for making flexible molds for resin, wax, or plaster casting. The “10” in its name refers to its Shore A hardness of 10, making it quite soft and stretchy—ideal for parts with undercuts or delicate features. The pint unit (about 16 fluid ounces total, Part A and Part B combined) is a practical size for small projects like one-off molds or prototype runs.
In use, Dragon Skin 10 Medium is straightforward to mix. You combine equal parts by weight or volume, and it has a working time of around 20 minutes at room temperature, with a demold time of about 4 hours. It flows well and can be poured into tight spaces, but it does require careful degassing to remove air bubbles. Without a vacuum chamber, you risk bubbles trapped in the mold surface, which can affect detail fidelity. This is a common limitation with many addition-cure silicones, but it’s worth noting here because the medium viscosity does not self-level as aggressively as thinner silicones.
One of the strengths of this silicone is its tear resistance. For a soft rubber, it holds up reasonably well when demolding complex shapes, though it is not indestructible. Thin sections can tear if you are too aggressive. Compared to tin-cure silicones, Dragon Skin 10 Medium offers better dimensional stability and longer mold life, but it is more sensitive to contamination. Any contact with sulfur-based clays or latex can inhibit curing, leading to sticky or uncured spots. This makes it less forgiving for beginners who might not have a perfectly clean workspace.
When compared to polyurethane rubbers, which are cheaper and cure faster, Dragon Skin 10 Medium provides superior flexibility and detail capture. Polyurethanes are harder and more rigid, making them better for structural parts but worse for molds with deep undercuts. The silicone also has better heat resistance, so it can handle low-temperature casting resins without degrading. However, the cost per pint is higher than polyurethane alternatives, and the need for degassing equipment adds to the overall expense for those without a vacuum chamber.
Who is this product suitable for? It works well for experienced mold makers who need reliable, soft molds for small production runs or one-off art pieces. It is also good for special effects artists who require skin-safe silicone for prosthetics or masks (though Dragon Skin 10 Medium is not certified as medical-grade, it is often used for skin contact in non-medical contexts). It is less suitable for large-scale production due to the pint size and cost, or for beginners who might struggle with curing inhibition and bubble removal. If you are just starting out, a tin-cure silicone like Mold Max might be more forgiving and cheaper to experiment with.
Overall, Dragon Skin 10 Medium is a capable product that delivers on its promises of low shrinkage and high detail. It is not a miracle material—it requires proper technique and equipment to get the best results. The pint unit is a reasonable entry point for small projects, but expect to invest in a vacuum chamber and clean handling practices to avoid frustration. For those willing to work within its limitations, it is a solid choice for soft, flexible molds.