Stearic acid

Brian Hogan

 After a substantial amount of time searching! was unable to find the stearic acid that would be a barrier between the latex and balloon rubber. I had some mold release available and brushed that on instead. Unfortunately the bladder I made didn't work.

My latex layer and balloon rubber layer were fused together. Wondering if you know where I can get the stearic acid that they used in the class or if there is something else I should be using. I don't want to waste material again as it is a rather large bladder. Please let me know if there are suggestions.  Thanks so much!!!!

Matt Winston

Hi Brian, 
The supplier of the stearic acid used in the lesson was Burman Industries, but they can be hard to reach.

I just did a quick Google search, and here's an online supplier. Hopefully they sell smaller amounts: https://www.labdepotinc.com/p-22884-stearic-acid-fcc?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Pmax+-+Chemicals&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5326096552&hsa_cam=19642673519&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtv0DSugL3cgitQSh8DxXOT54NkfKNzOqs-9Od_HN869SXqAgSp_PLhoCGesQAvD_BwE

Willie

Hi Matt, will this work for air bladders? It's in powder form so I assume you mix it with liquid then apply? thanks again

https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/stearic-acid

https://www.laballey.com/products/stearic-acid-lab?variant=7219079577659

Matt Winston

Hey @Willie - I didn't want to steer you wrong, so I reached out to our Bladder FX course co-instructor Mike Regan, and he had some great advice to share: 

"The stearic acid release is just foam latex mold release. It usually comes with foam latex kits. I did a quick online search, and I know Monster Makers carries it: https://www.monstermakers.com/monster-makers-foam-latex-mold-release/

Depending on where you are located, there might be an easier/better source. Just search for stearate based foam latex release or foam latex release. The key is it’s stearate based.

You can also use any sort of wax-based release, as long as the solvent in it doesn’t degrade your latex.

Hope this helps!"

Willie

@Matt Winston @Mike Regan. Thank you both so much! This is a perfect answer and I had forgotten to ask about Monster Makers release in my previous post.

Side note, Matt, I'm the DP for the show Collector's Call and met you briefly at Icons of Horror, but didn't want to bother you with fandom bc I was working and Mike, 'Sleepstalker' is a sleeper hit for me and my sister growing up--we still quote it all the time. You all rule!

Much love and horror,

Willie

Matt Winston

Hey @Willie Glad to hear Mike's advice is what you were looking for, and good to connect again! That episode of Collector's Call turned out great. Happy bladder making!!