That moment you realize your homemade mold tore halfway through demolding, or that the bubbles trapped in your resin cast ruined the entire piece — it’s the universal frustration of crafters working with 2 part silicone. Getting the right liquid rubber means the difference between a flawless, reusable mold and a sticky, wasted batch of material.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve analyzed hundreds of platinum-cure and tin-cure formulations, cross-referenced Shore hardness data with real-world demolding results, and studied the curing chemistry that separates reliable kits from frustrating duds. (And Homer 🐱 gave an approving tail-swipe to every bubble-free pour I tested).
This guide breaks down the seven top-performing liquid silicone kits available today, covering mix ratios, cure times, and tear resistance so you can confidently choose the best 2 part silicone for your next resin, soap, or food-safe mold project.
How To Choose The Best 2 Part Silicone
Picking the right liquid silicone kit comes down to understanding the interplay between cure chemistry, hardness, and working time. Most beginners grab the cheapest option and end up with sticky molds that tear after one use — or worse, that inhibit cure when in contact with certain materials. Here is what actually matters.
Platinum Cure vs Tin Cure Chemistry
Platinum-cure silicones cost slightly more but deliver superior dimensional stability, no shrinkage, and zero odor during curing. They are also food-safe once fully cured, which matters if you plan to make chocolate, candy, or ice molds. Tin-cure systems are cheaper but shrink over time and can inhibit cure when in contact with sulfur-containing clays or certain plastics. Every product on this list uses platinum-cure formulation for consistent, professional-grade results.
Shore A Hardness — Choosing the Right Flexibility
Shore A ratings measure how firm the cured silicone feels. A 10A durometer produces a very soft, stretchy rubber — ideal for complex 3D shapes and undercuts where you need to flex the mold to release the cast. A 15A hardness strikes the best balance for general-purpose molds, offering enough firmness to hold shape while still being easy to demold. A 20A durometer yields a stiffer, more durable rubber suited to flat molds and production runs where the mold sees repeated use without distorting.
Working Time and Cure Speed
The clock starts ticking the moment Part A and Part B meet. Most kits offer a 20–30 minute working window, giving you time to mix, degas, and pour. Full cure typically takes 3–6 hours at room temperature, though thick molds or cooler environments extend that window. Faster-cure formulations (like Mold Star 20T) set in under an hour but demand quicker handling. Choose based on your comfort level — rushing a pour often introduces bubbles.
Self-Degassing and Bubble Management
Bubbles are the number-one killer of clean molds. High-quality 2 part silicones use low-viscosity formulas that let trapped air rise and pop on their own within 1.5–2 hours. This self-degassing property means you do not need a vacuum chamber for small-to-medium projects. Pouring in a thin stream from a height and letting the silicone rest before curing further minimizes bubble entrapment.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth-On Mold Star 20T | Premium | Fast demolding, high-durability runs | 20A Shore, 30-min cure | Amazon |
| Nicpro 90oz Mold Making Kit | Premium | All-in-one kit with mica pigments | 15A Shore, 92oz total | Amazon |
| LET’S RESIN 10A Silicone Kit | Premium | Ultra-elastic 3D molds, food contact | 10A Shore, 70.5oz total | Amazon |
| Nicpro 80oz Jade Green Kit | Mid-Range | Firm, long-lasting production molds | 20A Shore, 80oz total | Amazon |
| CHANGTIKEJI 84oz Translucent Kit | Mid-Range | Soft detail molds, beginners | 10A Shore, 84.6oz total | Amazon |
| Bond Craftor 64oz Mold Making Kit | Mid-Range | Budget-friendly, beginner-safe | 15A Shore, 64oz total | Amazon |
| Silicone Mold Making Kit 66oz (818AB-F) | Mid-Range | High-temp resistance, versatile use | 15A Shore, 66oz total | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Smooth-On Mold Star 20T
Mold Star 20T from Smooth-On is the industry benchmark for fast-turnaround, high-durability silicone molds. With a Shore 20A hardness, this platinum-cure rubber is noticeably stiffer than most hobbyist kits, making it ideal for production runs where the mold must hold its shape across dozens of casts without deforming. The 1:1 mix-by-volume ratio simplifies measuring, and the translucent off-white color lets you see exactly how your resin fill is progressing inside the mold.
The standout feature here is cure speed — Mold Star 20T sets in roughly 30 minutes at room temperature, with full demolding possible inside an hour. That is two to four times faster than the average 3–6 hour cure time of most competitors. This speed comes at the cost of a shorter working window (about 5–6 minutes), so you must work efficiently. The cured rubber accepts mica pigments and glow powders beautifully, and users report excellent durability, with some making 25–30 small molds from a single pint unit.
The primary drawback is packaging and shipping — the trial-size pint kits ship in poly mailers and can rupture in transit. Ordering two kits simultaneously for larger pieces is recommended, and you should transfer the liquid to squirt bottles immediately to avoid messy pours. The rapid cure also means bubbles can be trapped if you do not pour slowly and from height. For professional mold makers who value speed and repeated-use strength, this is the premium choice.
Why it’s great
- Exceptionally fast 30-minute demold time
- Firm 20A durometer holds shape through heavy reuse
Good to know
- Sub-10-minute working window requires quick handling
- Small trial-size containers prone to shipping damage
2. Nicpro 90oz Mold Making Kit
The Nicpro 90oz kit is a complete mold-making starter station that arrives with everything except the master object. You get 92 ounces of translucent 15A platinum-cure silicone, 12 bags of mica powder for coloring your molds, 15 wooden sticks, 10 pairs of gloves, 10 graduated cups, and two tablecloths. The 1:1 mix ratio by weight is straightforward, and the low-viscosity formulation self-degasses within 1.5–2 hours, eliminating the need for a vacuum chamber on most small-to-medium projects.
At 15A Shore hardness, this silicone offers a comfortable middle ground — flexible enough to release undercuts without tearing, yet firm enough to produce a glass-like surface finish on resin casts. Users report producing detailed two-piece 3D molds and flat molds with excellent accuracy. The 30-minute working time and 3–5 hour cure period at 73°F give ample room for careful pouring. The mica powders included are high-quality and blend easily into the clear silicone base for custom-colored molds.
The main hassle is the packaging design of the jugs — they pour poorly, making it difficult to measure precise 1:1 ratios without spilling. Transferring to squirt bottles before mixing solves this cleanly. There is also a minor learning curve around cure inhibition: if your master object contains sulfur or certain UV-resin prints, a release agent is essential. For the sheer volume and accessory bundle, this kit delivers outstanding value for intermediate crafters.
Why it’s great
- Generous 92oz volume with full accessory set included
- Self-degassing formula produces clean, bubble-free molds
Good to know
- Jug design makes precise pouring messy without transfer
- Requires release agent on certain master materials
3. LET’S RESIN Super Elastic Silicone Kit 10A
LET’S RESIN’s 10A durometer silicone is the most elastic option on this list, specifically engineered for complex 3D shapes and deep undercuts where a stiffer rubber would lock your cast inside the mold. The 10A Shore rating produces a rubber that can stretch to double its length without tearing, making it possible to demold intricate sculptures and detailed candle molds without cutting the silicone open. The vibrant jade-green color of the uncured silicone makes it easy to see when Part A and Part B are fully blended.
This 70.5-ounce kit (1kg per bottle) is food-grade platinum-cure, certified safe for direct food contact once fully cured. Users have used it successfully for chocolate, candy, and butter molds without off-gassing or flavor transfer. The self-degassing property works reliably at room temperature, with bubbles dissipating within two hours. The 30-minute working time is comfortable, and full cure completes in 3–6 hours depending on mold thickness. A clever trick from experienced users is to refrigerate the mixed silicone for one hour during curing to further reduce bubbles in hot climates.
The most common complaint is that the kit does not offer a gallon-sized option — the 70.5oz total feels limiting if you plan to make large molds or multiple projects in one session. The included accessories are functional but basic (four mixing cups, four sticks, two glove pairs). If you prioritize mold flexibility over sheer volume and want a food-contact-safe material for edible casts, this is the top contender.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-flexible 10A rubber handles deep undercuts without tearing
- Food-grade platinum cure safe for chocolate and candy molds
Good to know
- No bulk gallon-size available for larger projects
- Basic accessory pack could use more cups and sticks
4. Nicpro 80oz Jade Green Kit 20A
The Nicpro 80oz Jade Green kit offers a 20A Shore hardness, making it the stiffest silicone on this list alongside the Mold Star 20T. This firmness is perfect for flat molds, production casting of concrete or plaster, and applications where the mold must resist sagging over multiple uses. Nicpro claims a reuse life of 500 to 1,000 cycles with proper care — a legitimate claim for a 20A platinum-cure rubber with high tear resistance. The jade-green tint provides excellent visual feedback during mixing.
The kit includes a generous accessory bundle: 12 wooden stirring sticks, 8 measuring cups, 10 gloves, and 2 tablecloths, along with 80 ounces of liquid silicone. The 1:1 mix ratio by weight is standard, and the low-viscosity formula self-degasses within two hours without a vacuum chamber. The 30-minute working time and 3–5 hour cure period at 73°F mirror the industry average. Users consistently report no bubbles, no leakage, and an easy demolding experience when proper mixing technique is followed.
The 20A hardness means this silicone is less forgiving with undercuts — you will need to design your molds with draft angles or use a release agent for complex shapes. Some reviewers noted that the silicone can be more sensitive to cure inhibition on UV-resin masters compared to premium brands like Smooth-On, so a barrier coat is recommended. For crafters focused on durable, flat molds and high-volume casting, this kit delivers exceptional per-ounce value.
Why it’s great
- Firm 20A durometer resists wear for 500–1000 mold cycles
- Self-degassing formula with generous accessory kit included
Good to know
- Too stiff for deep undercuts — best for flat or gentle-slope molds
- Cure inhibition possible on UV-resin masters without barrier coat
5. CHANGTIKEJI 84oz Translucent Silicone Kit
CHANGTIKEJI’s 84.6-ounce translucent silicone kit matches the LET’S RESIN offering in Shore hardness (10A) but surpasses it in accessory volume — you get six bags of mica powder, 10 wooden mixing sticks, and 10 disposable gloves in addition to the two 42.3oz bottles. The platinum-cure formulation is non-toxic and odorless, with a crystal-clear transparency that makes it easier to see trapped bubbles during the pour. The 10A softness shines for capturing microscopic texture details on master objects.
The low-viscosity design means bubbles self-dissipate within 1.5–2 hours at room temperature without a vacuum chamber. The 1:1 mix ratio by weight is simple to follow, and the cure time of about 4 hours at room temperature is predictable. The six included mica powder sachets allow you to tint the silicone directly, producing colored molds that look professional and hide yellowing over time. Users praise the kit’s ability to replicate fine details from gemstone masters and miniature sculpts.
The main trade-off is that the 10A durometer, while excellent for detail and flexibility, produces a softer mold that is less durable over repeated use compared to 15A or 20A alternatives. If you plan to cast heavy materials like concrete or plaster repeatedly, this silicone may wear faster. Additionally, the container design is better suited for the full 84oz batch rather than splitting into smaller trials. For beginners focused on detail-oriented resin or wax projects, the 28-piece bundle provides everything needed to start.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-transparent silicone for easy bubble detection during pours
- Generous 28-piece kit with six mica powder colors included
Good to know
- Soft 10A durometer wears faster under heavy-use production runs
- Not ideal for batch splitting — best used in full quantity
6. Bond Craftor 64oz Mold Making Kit
The Bond Craftor 64oz kit is explicitly designed for first-time mold makers who want a forgiving silicone that still delivers professional results. The 15A Shore hardness is the most versatile durometer for general mold making — flexible enough to release moderate undercuts while firm enough to hold shape for resin and soap molds. The non-toxic, odorless platinum-cure formula includes built-in defoamers that accelerate bubble release, making vacuum degassing optional even for thicker pours.
The mixing process is straightforward: measure Part A and Part B in a 1:1 ratio by weight or approximate volume, stir for 3–5 minutes, and pour. The 4–6 hour cure time at 73°F provides a wide safety margin for beginners who work slowly. Users report that the silicone maintains elasticity across a broad temperature range of 65–250°C, making it suitable for both cold-cure resin projects and warm candle wax applications. The kit supports a range of projects from resin jewelry and soap molds to cosplay prop duplication and concrete casting.
The most notable minor issue reported is cure inhibition when the silicone contacts certain plastisol or sulfur-bearing master materials — a few users experienced stickiness where the silicone touched the master part. This is common with platinum-cure silicones and is not a defect of the kit itself; a thin silicone mold release spray solves it. For the price per ounce and the beginner-focused formula, Bond Craftor offers an excellent entry point into mold making.
Why it’s great
- 15A durometer offers the best all-around flexibility and strength
- Built-in defoamers accelerate bubble release for clean molds
Good to know
- Can experience cure inhibition on some master materials
- Working time (4–6 hour cure) is slower than premium fast-set options
7. Silicone Mold Making Kit 66oz (818AB-F)
This 66-ounce translucent silicone kit stands out for its heat resistance — rated to withstand temperatures up to 200°C, it can handle low-temperature pewter casting (450–520°F) according to user reports. The 15A Shore hardness and 1:1 easy-mix ratio make it a solid general-purpose choice, but the thermal stability opens applications that standard silicones cannot handle, such as wax injection molds and small metal castings. The platinum-cure formula delivers excellent dimensional stability with no shrinkage over time.
The low viscosity means bubbles rise and pop quickly without vacuum degassing. Users consistently praise the 20-minute working time and the 3–4 hour cure period, which is on the faster side of the mid-range spectrum. The cured silicone is notably strong — a user testing a 1/16-inch layer reported it was extremely difficult to rupture. The kit includes disposable gloves, measuring cups, and wooden sticks, making it ready to use out of the box. The flexibility is sufficient for most 3D and flat molds without being overly soft.
The only recurring negative feedback concerns the push-twist caps on the A and B containers, which can slip or fail during storage. Some users have epoxied the caps or transferred the silicone to screw-top jars for long-term storage. Additionally, the silicone requires a mold release spray for best results — petroleum jelly interferes with the platinum cure. For crafters who need a heat-tolerant, fast-curing 2 part silicone that works for both cold resin pours and warm metal experiments, this kit punches above its price tier.
Why it’s great
- 200°C heat rating enables low-temp metal and pewter casting
- Fast 3–4 hour cure and strong tear resistance at thin layers
Good to know
- Push-twist caps on storage bottles can fail over time
- Must use proper silicone release agent — petroleum jelly inhibits cure
FAQ
What is the best 2 part silicone ratio for beginners?
Can I use 2 part silicone for food molds?
Why is my 2 part silicone mold sticky after curing?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best 2 part silicone winner is the Nicpro 90oz Mold Making Kit because its combination of 15A versatility, self-degassing formula, and all-in-one accessory bundle delivers premium results without the premium price. If you need the fastest demolding and highest durometer for production work, grab the Smooth-On Mold Star 20T. And for ultra-flexible, food-contact-safe molds with complex undercuts, nothing beats the LET’S RESIN 10A Super Elastic Kit.