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I have good success with Reynolds Crystal Clear series, which is a water clear series. Selection is based on wall thickness, except for the 220, which requires heat curing, but adds the benefit of higher heat deflection.
https://www.reynoldsam.com/product/crystal-clear/
Reynolds has both tints and pigments. Mostly often I work with the So-Strong Tints to keep the clarity.
https://www.reynoldsam.com/search/?q=so-strong
The material is a little fussy-- but manageable, and the casting can polish up beautifully. It is not compatiable with every silicon mold—I typically pressure cast into a tin-cure mold that has been carefully cured to draw out the alcohol, washed and dried. On multiple castings, I find a sweet spot in how long to cure the casting inside the mold to optimize surface quality—again, based on wall thickness. For polished surfaces, I do not use a mold release.
Alternatively, their 320 color-match series is less expensive and less fussy, but adds just a bit of yellow cast, as the A side runs yellow. It is not as clear. With deep tinting this may not be an issue. The materials are less fussy in handling and less expensive.
Attached is a reproduction signal lens for an vintage scooter. Mold was pulled from an original, cast in Crystal Clear with red tint. Wall thickess varies from 1 to 2mm. Could definitely achieve a deeper tint if necessary.
Jill Kenik
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