This article was taken from the April 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
WIRED loves Sugru -- the sticky putty that's great for small fixes. Roboticist and Instructibles member Michael Anthony also found it makes excellent artificial skin. However, using huge quantities was getting expensive -- so he came up with his own cheaper alternative, Oogoo. "It can be used to make most of the things you can make with Sugru," he explains. "And the main ingredient, silicone caulk, can be found for about $3 [£2], making it very affordable."
What you need
- 300g of silicone caulk
- Corn starch
- Caulking gun
- Lollipop sticks
- Linseed-oil-based paints
The basics
Silicone caulk sets by reacting with moisture in the air, so cures slowly. "A 2cm layer can take days or even weeks to set," says Anthony. "The corn starch absorbs small amounts of moisture from the air -- when mixed with caulk it acts as a catalyst by evenly distributing moisture." This means even a thick layer can set in minutes.
Get mixing
Oogoo is best mixed in small quantities with around three or four tablespoons of caulk. Add the corn starch in a 1:1 ratio for a quick drying time or in 1:3 corn starch-to-silicone to dry over a few hours. "The caulk gives off fumes which you should avoid," Anthony says. "Wear nitrile gloves and mix in a well-ventilated area."
Mould or slice it
Mixing in five drops of linseed-oil-based paint per teaspoon will give Oogoo a vibrant colour. The mix can be hand moulded and, once cured, sanded. "You can also slice it with a knife, but it's difficult to get precise cuts," Anthony explains. Oogoo can be cast in any container made from PVC, polyethylene or polycarbonate.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
