How to Make Your Own Silicon Gel

How to Make Your Own Silicon Gel
Written By
David Shaw
David Shaw
Published: Jul 15, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read

Law enforcement agencies often make silicon gel molds to run ballistics tests designed to determine what happens when a bullet or knife hits a target. These molds allow a view of the path, trajectory and penetration of many different types of weapons. While your homemade silicon gel mold won't be used for formal forensic purposes, it can still be an instructive project to undertake. Just use gelatin powder and two quarts of water to create your own mold.

Measure out 8 oz. of gelatin powder mix using a measuring cup. Pour the gelatin powder into a large mixing bowl.

Pour 2 qt. of water into the mixing bowl containing the gelatin powder. Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon. Stir slowly and smoothly to ensure that you do not create air bubbles; bubbles will affect the mold once it hardens.

Place the mixture into the refrigerator for about two hours, or until it has cooled completely. The cooling process is known as "blooming."

Place the metal mixing bowl on top of a pot of boiling water in order to reheat the mixture. Use a thermometer to make sure that the temperature does not reach above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Slowly stir the mixture as it heats up.

Spray a Tupperware container with a nonstick cooking spray to ensure that you can easily remove the mold from the container. Pour the silicone gel into the container and refrigerate for 36 hours.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • 8 oz. of gelatin powder
  • Measuring cup
  • 2 qt. of water
  • Metal mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Thermometer
  • Cooking pot
  • Cooking spray
  • Tupperware container
  • David Shaw

    David Shaw has been writing professionally since 2006. He has featured music-related articles in "Connections" and "Axis Magazine." Shaw attended Florida State University where he majored in communications and he was granted a certificate…

    Sponsored
    Our Pastimes Logo

    A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

    Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.