Near Clear is an interesting, fairly new silicone in the EcoFlex line and can look amazing and lead to some neat effects! However, there are a few things anyone considering the EcoFlex toys should know.
Firmness: Near Clear’s firmness is a bit different. NC31 feels a little firmer than 00-30, and so does NC45 to medium. NC45 is the least like its firmness, feeling slightly more firm than 00-50 instead of slightly less.
Bubbles: A perfectly-poured toy will always have bubbles that rise to the top of the mold (which is the base of the toy), but Near Clear’s bubbles are stubborn. I try to pop as many as I can with bursts of air, but sometimes it sets with bubbles in the base. These are not considered flaws/flops, as it is just a natural condition of the silicone. However, shaft and other higher bubbles are still considered flops.
Yellowing: Near Clear may yellow with age. This is a new material and we’re not 100% sure how the effect will be as time goes on, nor what can be done to slow or stop that process. As a result, see the next point.
Boiling: Near Clear should be boiled as little as possible. Use soap and hot water and leave the boiling to rare occasions, as boiling may accelerate the yellowing process.
Durability: Near Clear is a bit more fragile. Its still not likely to break apart under normal conditions, but frequent exposure to hard objects will damage it. Fingernails will more easily leave permanent marks, as will teeth. Its very recommended to not pick at or bite this silicone (or any silicone for that matter, but Near Clear will be impacted more).
Cost: Near Clear is more expensive than other less-transparent silicones in its line. Its also more difficult and time-consuming to work with, which is why I have opted to add an up-charge.
