If you've ever shopped for silicone moulds, you've likely seen the term “platinum silicone”. But what does it really mean — and why should you care?

At AK Molds, we use only platinum-cure silicone for all our moulds, whether it's a soap flower, a chocolate heart, or a delicate resin cast. Here's why that decision matters — for your safety, your project quality, and your peace of mind.

🔬 What is Platinum Silicone?

Platinum silicone (also called addition-cure silicone) is a type of high-grade silicone that uses platinum as a catalyst in the curing process. This is different from more common tin-cure silicones (also known as condensation-cure), which use metal salts instead.

This key difference in chemistry makes platinum silicone:

More stable

Longer-lasting

Safer for sensitive applications

⚖️ Platinum vs. Tin-Cure Silicone – A Quick Comparison

Feature Platinum Silicone Tin-Cure Silicone

Curing method Addition (platinum catalyst) Condensation (tin catalyst)

Odor Odorless Often strong chemical smell

Tear resistance Excellent Medium

Heat resistance Higher Lower

Lifespan Long (years with care) Shorter

Shrinkage Minimal Noticeable over time

Food-safe options ✅ Yes (certified) ❌ Rare and less reliable

Cost Higher Lower

As you can see, platinum silicone is more expensive, but for good reason. It's the gold standard for applications where precision, safety and durability matter.

✅ Why We Use Platinum Silicone at AK Molds

Every AK Molds product — whether designed for soap, chocolate, wax or resin — is made using certified platinum-cure silicone.

We offer three options:

1. 15 Shore Craft-Grade – for general craft use like soaps, wax, resin

2. 5 Shore Craft-Grade – extra soft, perfect for fragile shape

3. 15 Shore Food-Grade – certified for direct food and skin contact

All of these are:

Non-toxic

Long-lasting

Free from fillers, phthalates or BPA

Made in compliance with European standards

> When you choose AK Molds, you’re choosing purity, performance and peace of mind.

🧁 Is All Silicone the Same? (Hint: No!)

Many cheap moulds on the market are made from recycled or industrial-grade silicone. Some may even be labeled “silicone” without disclosing what kind. These can:

Contain unsafe additives

Release odors or residues

Degrade quickly

Be unsafe for food or skin contact

That’s why we’re fully transparent. We only use certified platinum silicone — and you can feel the difference.

🔍 How to Recognize Platinum Silicone Moulds

At AK Molds, we help you identify the silicone by:

Color coding (green, white, cream)

Clear labeling in each product listing

Certifications available on request

Trusted Shore ratings (5 & 15 Shore)

No guesswork. No hidden risks.

🌱 Platinum Silicone = Long-Term Value

While platinum silicone costs more to produce, it offers:

Hundreds of uses without degradation

Sharper detail in every cast

Better performance under heat or pressure

Less waste, since the molds last longer

Whether you're running a soap business or creating edible art, platinum silicone pays off in reliability, consistency, and quality.

💬 Final Thoughts

Platinum silicone isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a guarantee of quality. And at AK Molds, it’s our foundation. Because you deserve tools that are:

Safe

Strong

Certified

Beautifully made

Ready to try the difference for yourself?

👉 Browse our premium moulds at siliconemolds.ie

👉 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/akmolds.ie

🧩 Bonus Tip

> Did you know?

The food-grade platinum silicone we use complies with EU 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 standards. That means it's suitable for direct contact with chocolate, fondant, butter, and even skincare products like massage bars.