From Niche Asmr to Global Crafting Trend: the Rise of Diy Taba Squishies
By James H. Sterling
Freshly cured, ultra-soft silicone possesses an intense natural tack. Attempting to pry a Shore 00-10 cast out of a silicone mold with dry fingers often leads to deep structural tears across delicate details.
Mastering silicone demolding techniques requires patience and mechanical lubrication. Professional crafters coat their hands in a mixture of lukewarm water and a drop of neutral dish soap, working their fingertips around the mold perimeter to break the surface tension. Peel the flexible mold backward over itself in a single, rolling motion rather than pulling the squishy outward by its appendages.
Once demolded, wash the piece thoroughly to remove remaining soapy residue and pat it completely dry using an untextured microfiber cloth. At this juncture, the squishy will pick up household dust, lint, and hair almost instantly. Crafters address this through two distinct surface treatments:
The first method uses a fine flocking powder applied with a manual squeeze atomizer or mini electrostatic applicator. The tiny synthetic fibers bond to the tacky exterior, producing a velvet, peach-skin texture that enhances the visual appeal while preserving the underlying squish. The second, more minimalist method involves dusting the entire piece with a high-purity cosmetic talcum powder coating or cornstarch using a dense makeup brush. This neutralizes surface stickiness, leaving behind an exceptionally smooth, matte finish that feels silky under direct finger pressure.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
