If you’ve ever worked with silicone rubber, you know that bubbles can be a real problem. They not only affect the appearance of the finished product, but can also weaken the overall structure. Bubbles can appear in silicone rubber for a variety of reasons. If the silicone is not properly mixed or if it is exposed to air during curing, bubbles do appear. Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques that can help you remove bubbles from silicone rubber.
Remove bubbles using a vacuum chamber
One of the most effective methods is to use a vacuum chamber. By placing the silicone rubber in a chamber and removing the air, you can collapse the bubbles and create a smooth surface. This method works best with all sizes of bubbles, but can be time-consuming and requires specialised equipment.
Remove bubbles using a roller or brush
Another option is to use a roller or brush to push the bubbles out from the inside. This works best with smaller bubbles, and can be done by hand or with a machine. However, it’s important to be careful not to damage the silicone rubber while doing this.
Remove bubbles using a blowtorch
Finally, you can also use a blowtorch to remove bubbles from silicone rubber. This method works best for popping larger bubbles, but is also the most dangerous! If you’re not careful, you could easily damage the silicone rubber or even start a fire. Therefore, it’s important to use caution and follow all safety precautions if you choose this method.
Overall if there are lots of bubbles, the best method is to use a vacuum chamber. If there are a few small bubbles, the best method is to use a roller or brush. Finally, if there is one very large bubble, a quick method is to use a blowtorch.
Each of these methods has its own set of risks and rewards, so be sure to experiment and find the method that works best for you and your project.
With a little patience and practice, you should be able to get rid of those pesky bubbles once and for all.
