Fresco Silicone Podiatry Putty for Corrective Toe Orthoses

Medical-Grade Orthotic Silicone Putty from Fresco

A soft, quick-setting silicone elastomer designed for fabricating both palliative and corrective orthoses in clinical and workshop environments.

What is it?

Fresco Silicone is a poly-condensation silicone elastomer supplied as a pale pink, non-fluid paste. It is formulated for the fabrication of custom-made palliative and corrective orthoses, particularly in podiatry, orthotic, and clinical settings.

The material is soft to the touch with moderate elasticity, allowing clinicians and technicians to shape and contour it directly to the patient’s anatomy. It hardens through the addition of a compatible liquid or paste catalyst and continues curing over a 48-hour period to reach its final mechanical properties.

The silicone incorporates medical oils designed to help hydrate the skin and soften hyperkeratotic areas, making it particularly suitable for digital orthoses and pressure redistribution devices that are worn in direct contact with skin.

Who is it for?

Fresco Silicone is suitable for healthcare professionals and technical users who require a reliable, adaptable silicone for custom orthotic fabrication.

• Podiatrists and foot health practitioners
• Orthotists and prosthetists
• Orthotic technicians and fabrication labs
• Hospital-based workshops
• Sports podiatrists and MSK clinics
• Footwear modification specialists
• Training institutions and universities
• Advanced DIY or specialist makers working under guidance

It is particularly suited to environments where fast turnaround and chairside fabrication are required.

What is the putty used for?

Applications

• Toe props and digital props
• Interdigital wedges and separators
• Protective padding for prominent joints
• Offloading corns and callused areas
• Corrective digital alignment orthoses
• Pressure-relieving devices for clawed or hammered toes
• Custom silicone cushioning elements within footwear

Characteristics

• Non-fluid paste consistency for controlled handling
• Quick-setting working time
• Average elasticity with good stretch (245%)
• Soft Shore A hardness (14–16)
• Durable and resistant to splitting
• Washable and reusable once fully cured
• Adjustable hardness when blended with other Fresco poly-condensation silicones

Typical Users

This product is typically used by clinicians fabricating chairside orthoses, laboratories producing small-batch custom devices, and educators teaching digital orthotic fabrication techniques.

How to work with it

The silicone base is mixed with either a liquid or paste catalyst. After blending to a uniform colour and consistency, it can be shaped directly onto the foot or moulded externally before placement. Once formed, it progressively cures and will achieve its final hardness after approximately 48 hours.

If the catalyst paste adheres to the fingers during handling, lightly moistening the fingers with water can improve manageability.

Expected Use Timeline

First use

Once the orthosis is fabricated, it should be allowed to cure fully. While initial setting occurs relatively quickly, the material continues to stabilise and reach its full mechanical properties over 48 hours.

Ongoing use (weeks and beyond)

Completed orthoses are washable and reusable. With appropriate hygiene and patient compliance, devices may be worn daily. Regular review is recommended to assess wear, hygiene, and continued suitability as digital alignment or pressure distribution needs change.

Common Problems and How Fresco Silicone Helps

Key Benefits

• Soft, skin-friendly formulation containing medical oils
• Quick-setting for efficient clinical workflow
• Washable and reusable once cured
• Adjustable mechanical properties when blended within the Fresco range
• Good stretch and tear resistance for durability
• Suitable for both palliative and corrective digital orthoses

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming full hardness immediately after initial setting – allow 48 hours for complete curing.
• Using the material for high-load structural support beyond its intended soft Shore A range.
• Incorrect catalyst proportioning, which may affect curing and final properties.
• Failing to review patient fit and hygiene over time.

How to Work With Fresco Silicone

1. Prepare the treatment area and ensure the skin is clean and dry.
2. Measure and dispense the required quantity of silicone base.
3. Add the appropriate liquid or paste catalyst according to manufacturer guidance.
4. Mix thoroughly until a uniform colour and consistency are achieved.
5. If paste adheres to fingers, lightly moisten them with water.
6. Apply and mould into the desired orthotic shape.
7. Allow to set undisturbed and advise that full mechanical properties develop over 48 hours.
8. Review fit and comfort at follow-up appointments.

Technical specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the silicone take to fully harden?

While the material sets quickly after mixing with the catalyst, it continues curing and reaches its final hardness after approximately 48 hours.

Can the hardness be adjusted?

Yes. The silicone can be blended with other poly-condensation silicones from the Fresco range to modify final firmness.

Is it suitable for daily wear?

Orthoses made from Fresco Silicone are washable and reusable. Suitability for daily wear depends on clinical assessment and patient needs.

Can it be used directly on the skin?

It is designed for orthotic fabrication that involves skin contact. Proper hygiene and correct curing are essential.

Is it appropriate for rigid structural support?

No. With a Shore A hardness of 14–16, it is intended for soft, cushioning, and corrective digital applications rather than rigid bracing.

How should completed orthoses be cleaned?

They may be gently washed with mild soap and water, then thoroughly dried before reuse.

Complementary Products

• Fresco liquid or paste catalysts
• Other Fresco poly-condensation silicones for hardness modification
• Digital orthosis finishing tools
• Footwear modification materials
• Protective dressings for high-friction areas