Sealing/Repairing Latex

[MadeNew]

Hi Guys,

 

I've got some latex props/wardrobe items that are a little old, but somewhat irreplaceable all made from latex. One is starting to split/tear, and I worry if not sealed it could tear more so and I also want to return the item to it's former glory.

 

Is there a method of re-sealing, gluing, repairing a latex join? When pushed together you'd never know their was a tear/split.

I ask as I heard from a friend that super glue and similar products can have negative effects on latex?

 

Thanks

[Dave m]

I would guess that the more er..... Specialist clothing suppliers could help?

I had a quick Google and maybe bicycle puncture glue and a patch on the rear/inside would be the answer.They suggested using masking tape to close the tear on the outside, and a patch on the rear

[nikkicallaghan]

I guess you could try liquid latex as in something like copydex or make up latex but it will degrade over time with the rest of the latex

[Jivemaster]

firstly latex has a life of well less than ten years -if exposed to daylight this comes down to less than one year. Yes there are a few glues that will start to hold your item together, start with bicycle tyre patch glue.

 

Do NOT use gaffer tape it will bond deeply to the latex item and be permanent.

[musht]

Its a known issue

 

http://www.tomspinadesigns.com/Restoration.html

 

Latex itself is inexpensive, but be aware it shrinks a lot as it dries

 

http://www.maragon.co.uk

 

Might get some help here

 

http://www.therpf.com

[lonemorf]

These guys may be the people to talk to - even though they are not in this "field" ;)

http://www.expectations.co.uk/customer-information#general-made-to-measure-service (site is NSFW)

[Jivemaster]

Robin Archer at www.houseofharlot.com/ will be able or know someone else to do a liquid latex job BUT liquid latex as used for custom mouldings and brush lay up simply doesn't have the preservatives in the mix that for example tyre rubber does. Natural rubber latex articles have a life of 10 years at MOST, and once degradation starts it's auto catalytic -it goes faster and faster wherever it once starts to degrade.

 

Really it's your choice whether to do basic repairs to a structure that's rapidly losing it's elasticity but preserve it's looks, or to rebuild the structure and make another mould from the ageing item (* caution rights issues and permissions) and make or have made another latex structure with possibly another ten years of life.