Trimming Marks

What is Trimming Marks?

Visible cut marks or surface irregularities left behind after removing flash from a hand-poured silicone toy.

What Do Trimming Marks Look Like?

Trimming marks are the small visual or tactile artifacts left on a toy's surface after a maker cuts away the flash — that thin silicone overflow that forms along the seam line during casting. They can appear as faint raised ridges, subtle color variations along the parting line, tiny nicks in the surface, or slightly rough patches where the trimming tool contacted the silicone. On a well-finished piece, trimming marks are virtually invisible. On a poorly finished one, they are immediately obvious to the touch and can be seen under direct light.

Why Do Some Toys Show More Trimming Marks?

The visibility of trimming marks depends on three things: the amount of flash that had to be removed, the skill of the finisher, and the firmness of the silicone. Heavier flash requires more aggressive cutting, which increases the chance of leaving marks. A skilled artisan with steady hands and sharp tools can trim even heavy flash to an invisible finish, while a rushed job leaves obvious evidence. Silicone firmness matters too — extra soft silicone is more forgiving because its flexibility allows it to self-heal minor surface disturbances, while firm silicone preserves every cut mark permanently. Dark or opaque colorways hide trimming marks better than translucent or light-colored pours, where even minor surface disturbances catch the light.

What Is Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Trimming?

In the hand-poured fantasy toy community, a perfectly smooth seam line is the standard expectation for full-price products. Minor trimming marks that are only visible under close inspection and cannot be felt during use are generally considered acceptable — a natural result of the artisanal process, similar to a beauty mark. However, trimming marks that create a rough texture, a visible ridge line, or any sensation during insertion cross the line into defect territory. Toys with noticeable trimming issues are typically sold at a discount during seconds sales rather than listed at full price.

What Should You Check When Receiving a Toy?

When unboxing a new piece, run your fingertip slowly along the full length of the seam line on both sides. You should feel nothing but smooth, continuous silicone. Then hold the toy under a bright light and look along the seam for any color inconsistencies, ridges, or rough patches. If you find significant trimming marks on a full-price purchase, contact the maker — reputable producers like those in the LustMonster catalog stand behind their finishing quality and will address legitimate concerns. Understanding what to look for puts you in a stronger position as a buyer and helps you appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every properly finished piece.