Alumilite Rubber Catalyst "clumpy" brown bits and clear - can it be made usable?

[Hawk312]

I just bought a new Alumilite casting kit. The RTV silicone rubber catalyst, which is usually solid tan in color, is clear with lots of brownish "bits" at the bottom. I am guessing it had been sitting on the shelf for a long time and got separated. I have been stirring and shaking til my arm falls off without much luck of it "mixing." Is there any hope for it? Is there something else I can use in place for it? I hate to have to buy a whole new kit just for that. 

Thanks. 

[Mark]

Can you return it, or contact Alumilite for a replacement?  Chances are, you got old stock.  I've always thought that the casting materials packaged as "hobby" items are industrial materials that have outlived their shelf life for industry.  I'd contact Alumilite, send them a picture of what you have, and see if you can't get a replacement for that item only.  If you want to try reclaiming the material you have, try screening out the particles and do a test mix.

[Casey]

It will probably still work. The only way to know is to try it and see what happens, but I bet it will be fine.

Alumilite was bought out by another company, and their customer service and quality control went down the toilet in my experience. I would not recommend them nor their products.

I would recommend trying Smooth-On, though the actual product may be a bit more difficult to source-- it was the last time I purchased their product. 

[Hawk312]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I cant get it to work, unless someone else has a trick. I tried shaking and stirring the life out of that thing, and even let the bottle in hot water for a little while, hoping the heat would make it want to blend. It is still clear though, with a bunch of tan "bits."  I mixed some of the latex with the catalyst and, after several hours, it it still the same consistency as the latex in the cup without catalyst. 

 

[Casey]

Just realized I misread "rubber" as "resin". You must be using the quick setting mold rubber, which, sets very quickly, and cures to a very firm shore hardness.

I would return it, if possible. If it's too late to do that, chalk it up as a loss and get yourself some Smooth On Mold Max XX, whichever best suits your casting needs.

[Hawk312]

For what its worth, I had a very good talk with Alumilite support, and they are helping me to straighten this out. I am happy to report I am having a very positive experience with them.