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How to apply a super-thin layer of Sugru to anything
Sugru skin!
Want to apply a durable, waterproof and tactile 'Skin' to your stuff?
Find out how in this wonderfully simple technique, only needing some Cling-Film/Food-Wrap and a Rolling Pin!
Ideal for anyone wanting to be economical with Sugru, or even designers - wanting to simulate an 'over-moulded' surface on their prototypes.
This idea has now been featured in MAKE magazine!
Kit
- Cling Film / Food Wrap
- Rolling Pin
Step 1
Put your blob of Sugru on a piece of Cling Film.
(Perhaps put on to of a cutting mat / something smooth)
Step 2
Add another piece of Cling-Film on top. Roll flat with a Rolling-Pin (or something cylindrical). You may need to move it, to roll in different directions to make it as even as possible.
TIP: Because both the Sugru and the Cling-Film are being stretched in this process - the Cling-Film may begin to split if you make it very large (thin) - so transfer it to a fresh bit of Cling-Film if this happens and carry on. I actually used a Chapatti rolling-pin, but a bit of metal bar would work just as well.
Step 3
Peel of the top layer of Cling-Film and flop the Sugru onto one hand. Then peel of the other layer of Cling-Film. It is quite delicate, so handle gently.
Have the item you wish to cover ready. (In my case, this was a test 3D print of a duck).
Step 4
Gently pat the Sugru skin onto your model.
Smooth it flat with your finger (dipped in soapy water).
Don't worry about any excess at this moment - just make sure it is pressed on evenly.
TIP: You can blend 'patches' together - ideally within the 30min 'work-time' suggested by Sugru.
Step 5
When still wet, trip off any excess Sugru to the form you want.
Leave to dry overnight. (It usually dries faster - as it is so thin, but best to be sure).
Step 6
Ta-Daa! There you have your super skinned Sugru creation.
Please reply if you find any better tricks and/or show your results!
Thanks
Jude
Check out more at Design Modelling … Or read-on, for a more in-depth example with Ergo Mouse...
Step 7
The 'Duck' was a test I did, before using this technique on a more complex project, called the Ergo Mouse.
This is red Sugru (about 4 single use packs) on a ergonomically-shaped chunk of Styrofoam - with wireless USB mouse parts arranged inside to give optimum control and comfort.
The tutorial is perfect for anyone interested in Design and has a lot of tips and tricks I've picked up over the years in Industry.
So go ahead - design your own Ergo Mouse and give it a Sugru skin - by visiting my Instructable ... and if it all works out well for you, please consider voting for it.
Thanks a lot,
Jude
