Thinning Silicone

[Slapp]

Hey folks,
I’m making an Expanding foam background for my tank, and wanting to coat the back in caulk 100% silicone instead of epoxy.
Silicone is much, much cheaper and more flexible than the epoxy would be, and I have 8 sqft of background to make.
I’ve seen people use Mineral Spirits to thin GE silicone 1 to a paint-like consistency.
However I’m concerned about the mineral spirits leeching anything into the tank. I have months to cure the tank.
I was wondering if anyone has tried it, or knows if mineral spirits will leech.
Thanks,

 

[Slapp]

Alternatively, I want to try Serpa Design’s concrete background method. Not the complicated mold one, the one where he basically just pours cement over styrofoam.

 

[a.t.t.r]

Glycerin iirc is good for thinning while allowing it to still cure and provides it a way to cure.

 

[Slapp]

Glycerin iirc is good for thinning while allowing it to still cure and provides it a way to cure.

Oh sick. I’ll try it out on a small scale.

 

[a.t.t.r]

Oh sick. I’ll try it out on a small scale.

CVS sells it Barcode 050428142127.

I used it when making mold and needed it thinner for details/ still cure when thick (out of tube it won’t cure on the inside once a 1/4inch thick skin forms without it).

I’d think mineral spirits would not allow it to cure correctly.


I have no idea if glycerin is reef safe and have never used it in this setting. I would run carbon no matter what you end up doing.

 

[Slapp]

CVS sells it Barcode 050428142127.

I used it when making mold and needed it thinner for details/ still cure when thick (out of tube it won’t cure on the inside once a 1/4inch thick skin forms without it).

I’d think mineral spirits would not allow it to cure correctly.


I have no idea if glycerin is reef safe and have never used it in this setting. I would run carbon no matter what you end up doing.

People have used glycerin as a source of carbon before, it should be safe.
However, I’ve decided to go the route of a cement background. I think it will look nicer in the end, and is 100% safe after curing.
thanks anyways