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| Restoration Talk; Latex | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 13 2014, 01:05 AM (756 Views) | |
| RetroGirl | Dec 13 2014, 01:05 AM Post #1 |
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Since we don't have a section for this yet, and people have been asking questions, I thought I'd start a topic on ways to restore the things we get on eBay, whether they're animatronic characters, walk arounds or just collectibles. Somewhere, someone has already had to figure this out. So, let's share. I'll start by posting the technique I used to clean and repair the tears and weak areas in Rolfe and Earl's masks. I had previously used these techniques to restore rubber/latex dolls and props and just applied them to the bots. Firstly, these masks are latex and will deteriorate over time. A good mask is somewhat firm but pliable. With time and exposure to light and temperature extremes, the latex begins to break down and they become soft and "mushy," and may start to collapse. Masks for animatronic characters are a lot thicker than your average Halloween mask because they have to take a beating, and over time they will show some wear. Especially around the moving parts (eyes, mouth) and snaps that attach to the skull. To clean latex, you never want to use a chemical cleaner of any kind. This will only increase the chance of break down. Keeping the mask dry is also important. If latex isn't showing dirt, I just dry or damp wipe it, dry it, then dust it with baby powder to absorb moisture. If the item has some dirt, I will use a mild soap just on the dirty area and then dry it well. To make repairs, you'll need nylon mesh, like pantyhose, and liquid latex, which you can get at theatrical supply stores. Create a patch with the nylon that covers the tear and extends beyond it about a quarter to half of an inch. On the BACK of the mask, apply liquid latex to the area to be repaired. Let it get tacky, then apply the patch working it into the latex. Then, apply another coat of liquid latex over that. Let it dry and test. Repeat if needed. I used this technique to repair the latex around Rolfe's snaps, and to repair small tears in his mask. I also used it to repair a tear in Earl's mouth. Earl's hands were breaking down. Since I couldn't get to the back of them without taking him apart, I used liquid latex to fill in the cracks, coated his hands several times with latex, then repainted. It's just a temporary repair, because the latex underneath will continue to deteriorate, but it looks Okay for now and there are no working parts there to worry about. Eventually, he'll need replacements, but we've bought him some time. To reinforce or repair larger areas you can use the same technique as above, but you might want to use surgical gauze dipped in latex. It covers more area and is a bit thicker. Mushy masks probably won't hold up to running on a bot. But, if you reinforce them using the technique above and support the mask with wadded up plastic bags, they can display well as collector's pieces. I hope this helps anyone trying to work with latex. If anyone else has other suggestions, please add them! |
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4:49 AM Jul 11
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4:49 AM Jul 11
