Sugru not only looks like coloured handicraft clay but can indeed be formed just as easily into any shape you want. Sugru, however, does not remain soft and kneadable but will cure in the air overnight into a permanently elastic rubber. To that must be added that it is self-adhesive and will permanently adhere to practically any surface after it has cured. Is there anything more you could want?

The cured silicone modelling material can withstand arctic cold (-50 °C) as well as high heat up to 180 °C and is waterproof, UV resistant and dishwasher safe. It will not stick to your hands when working with it but will stick to glass, metal, wood, ceramic, rubber, silicone, leather and plastic (our tests show it will even stick to polypropylene!). It has the consistency of solid rubber when cured, is dimensionally stable and elastic.

Sugru was invented by the Irish product designer Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh. She worked together with two material scientists for six years developing this product. Her success followed on the heals of an unsuccessful attempt to find the perfect modelling compound as part of her degree dissertation.

Application: Moulding, gluing, sealing, insulating, padding: Sugru can serve as the allround super-putty for all those who would rather repair or improve a product than just throw it away. There are a wide variety of applications, all of which are extensively covered on the Sugru Internet site. For example, there are resourceful laptop users who have used it to replace bumpers (feet) on the back of their computers; it has been used to make ergonomic tool handles and bicycle grips or serve as an anti-slip device. It has even been used to make anatomically correct models! The small foil packages fit easily in a travel bag and are thereby ready at hand when you need to repair a broken tent pole or a hiking boot that is no longer leak-proof or a cracked headphone cable. And there is nothing wrong with the idea of using this wonder putty for making perfectly fitting gasket rings or your own self-made rubber stamp.

Treatment: Sugru can be formed with just a clean pair of hands. This modelling putty can be worked with right out of the package and has a working time of 30 minutes, during which time you can make whatever shape you want. Any surface on which the Sugru is to be applied must be free of dirt and grease. During the above-mentioned working time, this putty can still be easily removed from smooth surfaces if necessary. Slight discolorations on smooth surfaces or your hands can be easily removed with soap and water and a cloth. Care should be taken with porous surfaces – on such surfaces the discolouration can be impossible to remove.

Safety tip: Even though Sugru looks just like play-dough, in it’s uncured form it is not suitable for use by children. Sugru is categorized as non-toxic and can be processed using just your bare hands. When finished, however, you should thoroughly clean your hands with warm water. People with sensitive skin should wear gloves when working with Sugru.