A Realistic Ice Display Using Encapso® K

Gallery courtesy of Smooth-On, Inc.

Trying to create video and print advertising is difficult enough without mother nature working against you. Specifically, how do you present your product encased in ice when the ice keeps melting away, the melting effect accelerated under hot studio lights?

Answer: Don't use ice at all.

Encapso® K is a water clear rubber that can be used to encapsulate just about anything. A feature of Encapso K is that the cured rubber can be crumbled to look just like ice, glass or diamonds.

The following tutorial will show you how an ice display was made, saving hours of labor and frustration in finishing this type of project.

You Will Need: Encapso K, Ease Release 200, Gloves, Mixing Sticks, Mixing Containers, Hot Glue

Step 1: Preparing Materials

Begin with two 32 oz. (900 gm) deli cups to contain Encapso® K as it changes from liquid to solid rubber. Then use hot melt glue to seal the two containers together at the seam. Wear vinyl gloves to minimize skin contact.

Apply a coating of Ease Release® 200 to prevent the Encapso® K from sticking to the glass bottle. Secure the bottle to the bottom of the container with hot melt glue.

Step 2: Dispensing, Mixing, and Pouring Encapso K

Pre-mix and dispense Part A. Then dispense an equal amount of Part B. Combine equal amounts of Parts A and B and mix thoroughly.

Pour Encapso®-K slowly to the top of the container. The small bubbles will dissipate over time.

Step 3: Demold and Finishing Display

Once the material has cured for 24 hours, carefully cut and remove the containers.

Carefully crumble pieces of Encapso®-K away, leaving the bottle partially encased. Add additional crumbled Encapso®-K to complete the display. The completed piece looks just like real ice!

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