Near Clear is a newer (2021) product by Smooth-On, it’s certified skin safe/platinum cure just like the other silicone we use currently! (We will label products made with Near Clear. These come in 00-31 and 00-45 shore hardness Please note we have found 00-45 to be more firm than 00-50 and label it as Medium Firm). The base price is more than its counterparts due to the higher price of this silicone and the time it takes to make! (Usually a15%-20% increase) Because of this, we most likely won't pour a lot with it! Here are some special notations regarding NC!
NC is extra translucent and is more noticeable in models with glossy finishing. UV usually is highly vivid! That being said, this silicone is a bit more finicky to care for and to make. Leaving indents, seeing normal mold imperfections, and discoloration are easier with this product. Multiple bubbles are common to be found on the flat bases of NC and won’t be considered a flop. This is normal due to the nature of this silicone.
Some other makers have mentioned noticing yellow discoloration or cloudiness after boiling excessively. Sometimes, silicone may remain cloudy for hours to a few days before returning to normal after boiling if not permanently discolored. Also, oil-based lube may cause discoloration as well. If unsure to risk discoloring due to boiling, we can advise using silicone safe toy cleaner, soap and water, or a 10% bleach to water solution to thoroughly clean toys. (Do NOT boil bleach!)
On a final note, as with our other silicone, do NOT use silicone-based lube.