Technical product information

Natural Gel Extender

A specialist preservative additive developed for natural ballistic gel, helping reduce mould growth, improve clarity and extend the usable life of a correctly prepared cast.

View Extender Ask for advice
Up to six weeksCan extend cast life under optimum conditions.
Reduced mould formationHelps slow the deterioration of natural gel.
Improved clarityCan reduce surface foam caused by trapped air.
About the additive

What is Natural Ballistic Gel Extender?

Extender is a preservative additive designed specifically for use with natural ballistic gel. When incorporated during preparation, it can extend the usable life of a finished cast to as much as six weeks under optimum storage and handling conditions.

Natural gelatine is biodegradable and will normally begin to deteriorate as moisture, temperature and microorganisms affect the cast. Extender helps reduce or prevent common mould formation, slowing the breakdown that would otherwise limit the working life of the gel.

The additive can also reduce foam forming on the surface of the mixture. This helps produce a clearer finished block and can make wound tracks and internal test results easier to inspect.

Extender does not replace correct refrigeration, airtight wrapping or clean preparation. The finished gel must still be stored carefully to prevent drying and contamination throughout its extended service life.

Product and application

From Preservative Additive to Longer-Lasting Gel

A measured quantity of Extender replaces part of the water in the normal natural ballistic gel recipe before the mixture is cast and refrigerated.

Defensible Ballistics Natural Ballistic Gel Extender bottle

Natural Ballistic Gel Extender

A measured preservative additive supplied for incorporation into natural ballistic gel during preparation.

Defensible Ballistics natural ballistic gel powder

Natural Ballistic Gel

Extender is used alongside the normal gel powder and water preparation process rather than as a replacement for the gelatine.

Key benefits
01

Longer Cast Life

Can extend the usable life of natural ballistic gel to as much as six weeks in optimum conditions.

02

Reduced Mould Growth

Helps slow the mould formation that can otherwise cause natural gel to break down.

03

Clearer Finished Gel

Can reduce foam and trapped-air effects at the surface of the cast mixture.

04

Simple 1% Substitution

Replaces 1% of the normal water quantity without changing the amount of gel powder.

05

Compatible Process

Added after the gel and water mixture has been heated, before the usual casting stage.

06

Specialist Formulation

Developed for natural ballistic gel where extended preparation and test schedules are required.

Preparation method

How to use Extender

Keep the amount of gel powder unchanged. Replace 1% of the normal water quantity with the same volume of Extender.

1

Calculate the standard recipe

Determine the normal quantities of gel powder and water required for the chosen mould or batch size.

2

Reduce the water by 1%

Remove 1% from the normal water quantity. Do not reduce or alter the amount of gel powder.

3

Measure the Extender

Measure the same quantity of Extender as the amount of water removed from the recipe.

4

Prepare and heat the gel

Bloom and heat the natural gel mixture using the normal preparation procedure.

5

Add Extender slowly

Once the mixture is heated, add the measured Extender gradually and stir slowly in good ventilation.

6

Cast and refrigerate

Pour into the mould, allow the gel to set normally, then store the finished cast refrigerated and airtight.

Ventilation and ignition warning: Extender uses an alcohol carrier. Add it in a well-ventilated area and keep the undiluted product away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces and other ignition sources.
Worked calculation

6.5-litre rifle block example

The standard kit uses 650 g of gel powder and 5,850 ml of water. With Extender, 1% of the water is replaced.

Standard mixture

Gel powder650 g
Water5,850 ml
Extender0 ml

Mixture with Extender

Gel powder650 g
Water5,791.5 ml
Extender58.5 ml
Calculation: 1% of 5,850 ml is 58.5 ml. Reduce the water by 58.5 ml and add 58.5 ml of Extender after heating.
Important handling guidance

Safety, first aid and storage

Principal hazards

  • Highly flammable liquid and vapour when undiluted.
  • Harmful if consumed.
  • May irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
  • Keep away from heat, sparks, flames and ignition sources.
  • Use suitable gloves and eye protection where required.

Immediate first aid

  • Eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Skin: wash thoroughly with water and soap; seek advice if irritation persists.
  • Inhalation: move to fresh air and seek medical help if symptoms develop.
  • Ingestion: do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.
  • Always refer to the current SDS for full instructions.

Extender storage

  • Keep the container tightly closed.
  • Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
  • Use a suitable flammable-liquid storage area where required.
  • Keep separate from heat and ignition sources.

Finished gel storage

  • Keep the cast refrigerated.
  • Use an airtight container or wrap securely in plastic film.
  • Protect the gel from drying during its extended service life.
  • Maintain clean handling to reduce contamination.
Safety documentation

Review the current SDS

Consult the Safety Data Sheet before handling, storing or using Extender, particularly in a workplace, laboratory or educational environment.

Request the SDS
Product range

Natural gel preparation products

Browse Extender, natural ballistic gel powder, moulds and other accessories used to prepare calibrated gel blocks.

View Extender
Common questions

Extender support

How much Extender should I use?

Replace 1% of the normal water quantity with the same volume of Extender. Keep the amount of gel powder unchanged.

When should Extender be added?

Add it slowly after the gel and water mixture has been heated, then stir gently before casting.

How long can it extend gel life?

Under optimum preparation and storage conditions, Extender can increase the cast life of natural ballistic gel to as much as six weeks.

Does Extender remove the need for refrigeration?

No. The cast gel should still be refrigerated and kept airtight or wrapped in plastic film.

Will it improve gel clarity?

It can reduce foam caused by air at the surface of the mixture, helping produce a clearer finished cast.

Is the undiluted product flammable?

Yes. The product has an alcohol carrier and is highly flammable before dilution. Keep it away from all ignition sources and follow the SDS.

Need help calculating your Extender quantity?

Tell us the amount of water or the mould volume you are using, and the Defensible Ballistics team can help confirm the correct 1% substitution.

Request preparation advice