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Glossary


Here you will find interesting facts about latex.

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Dressing aid, liquid

Liquid Liquid dressing aid makes it easier to put on tight latex clothing. To do this, rub a few drops on the skin. This way, you can easily slip into the tightest of sleeves. Instead of liquid dressing aid, you can also use talcum.

Chlorinatex latex

Chlorinating latex is a process that chemically seals the surface. The properties of the latex are retained, but the surface becomes silky matt and slips very well on the skin even without dressing aid. Even without polish, the material has a silky shine. This makes the clothing much easier to care for. Deep care with latex polish is still useful. The disadvantage of this process is that chlorinated parts can no longer be bonded without problems. Repairs or working on other parts is very difficult or even impossible with chlorinated material. Bonding can only be achieved by sanding very thick material. Chlorination also changes the smell of the material. The popular rubber smell largely disappears. Although the properties of the material remain fundamentally unchanged, chlorinated parts initially feel slightly firmer and stiffer. However, with regular wear, the effect largely disappears.

Latex

Original vulcanization product made from rubber, but also a generic term for numerous mixtures with or without natural rubber content. The main component of the latex films we use is natural rubber from Southeast Asian plantations.

Raw rubber

Milky sap of the rubber tree (raw rubber) and raw material for rubber production.

Latex, liquid

iquid latex Liquid latex is available in various viscosities, from undiluted, low-viscosity latex to trowelable pastes. Viscosity refers to the degree of fluidity. The higher the viscosity, the thicker or less flowable the latex is. The applications also depend on this. 

Processing

 Our latex is pre-vulcanized and air dries. The thinner the latex, the faster the applied layer will dry. Absorbent surfaces accelerate the drying process. We offer our latex in three fluid levels (viscosities). These can be mixed with each other as desired. Liquid latex can be diluted with distilled water. Latex thickeners can be used to achieve a thick to trowelable consistency. Any new color can be mixed as the basic colors. In its liquid state, the colored latex is significantly lighter. The final color is only achieved after drying. Pink becomes a strong red, gray becomes black. Metallic and glitter effects can be achieved with the right color additions. The liquid latex can be applied like paint. Sponges, brushes or rollers are suitable. It can also be sprayed appropriately diluted. The tools are cleaned in distilled water. If the tools are to be reused, they must be sealed airtight. Water-based color pigments are suitable for coloring undyed latex. 

 Common uses 

 Dipping / moulding
The dipping process is particularly suitable for smaller objects. The thicker the latex, the less smooth surfaces can be achieved. Blistering and dripping increases the less flowable the latex becomes. As the thickness of the immersion film increases, the drying time also increases. 

 Mold making and impressions 

 The thinner the liquid latex used, the finer details can be molded. Depending on the size of the mold, it can be stabilized with additional layers of thick latex or with a latex paste. The latex paste can also be used directly for coarser, smooth impressions. Several thin coats dry faster than one thick coat. Latex impressions shrink by up to 10% during the drying process. Latex textile coatings and textile substrates adhere very well to each other. A slightly thicker latex is usually better as it does not flow through the fabric. Fabrics and felts can also be easily glued with liquid latex. For making non-slip soles on socks and felt shoes. 

Effect make-up and body painting 

 To create special make-up effects, the latex is applied with a sponge or spatula and the desired structures are modeled. 

Material science 

 There are different types of liquid latex: 

 Liquid latex, ammonia-free: solids content over 60% 
 Liquid latex, with 0.3% ammonia content: solids content over 60% 
Liquid latex, with 0.6% ammonia content: solids content approx. 60% 
Industrial latex, with more than 0.6 ammonia content: solids content approx. 50% 

 Latex is stored correctly at temperatures between +5°C and +30°C. Frost makes the latex unusable. The containers must be hermetically sealed and stored in a dark and dry place. Stored this way, the latex lasts for at least 1 year. Please shake or stir the container before processing.

Latex colours

There are over 60 different colors. These include metallic tones, transparent colors and those that reflect in black light. There are also printed patterns. We always have most colors in stock. We would be happy to send you samples to view. You can find a complete overview in our color sample set, or here in our webshop.

Note on light latex colors 

White, yellow or transparent react sensitively to contact with copper or its alloys, e.g. B. Brass. Keep belt buckles and jewelry made from these metals away from your latex clothing. The resulting stains can no longer be removed!

Neon colors 

Neon colors are bright, radiant colors with a special effect; they glow in black light. The brighter the neon color, the stronger the fluorescent effect. Latex neon colors are always slightly transparent. Black light is used in darkened rooms, e.g. in clubs, at parties and mini golf courses for show effects. Black light lamps are available in many versions, such as fluorescent tubes, energy-saving lamps or LED technology. Their light causes neon colors and other fluorescent materials to glow. Black light is the colloquial name for UV-A radiation, a type of UV radiation. Physically, the following happens: Particularly bright materials absorb UV light and then emit it as visible light.


Latex thicknesses

Latex sheets are manufactured in different thicknesses. These vary between 0.10 mm and 2.00 mm. 

They are used for different products. 

For clothing the most common materials are: 

 0.35 mm - Fine latex for T-shirts, underwear and dresses.
0.60mm - A medium thickness. This is suitable for jeans and loose jackets.
0.90 mm and thicker - Heavy latex. This material can be used to make motorcycle jackets and bondage items.



Latex processing

Latex, dipped/moulded

Moulded latex articles are produced in an industrial process. For this purpose, plastic moulds are dipped in liquid latex. Submerged latex lingerie is mainly found in sex shops. The goods are usually cheaper, but also of lower quality. In addition, there is often a poor fit, since the shapes used, for reasons of profitability, are not adapted to the human anatomy. Individual items, such as gloves and condoms, can only be produced in this process. 

 Latex, glued 
This processing corresponds most to the material latex. The individual parts, e.g. a jacket, are cut according to specially designed templates. The seams and seams are closed with contact adhesives. Adhesive seams are durable and elastic. This is also the decisive advantage over other methods. Individual designs are possible. 

 Latex, sewn
The textile processing similar process which is used especially for outerwear. Jackets, coats or trousers have a distinctive seam pattern. Sewing is less suitable for tight latex linens because the seams are not very elastic, tear the yarns or cut the latex.

Latex glue

The latex glue is a white latex milk. It is used for glueing for thin and medium latex thicknesses up to 0.60 mm. Thicker latex can be glued with a rubber solution.

Application Clean the surfaces to be bonded with our latex cleaner and apply the latex adhesive to both sides of the surfaces to be bonded. Let these air out now. Only when the adhesive layer appears consistently transparent can the seams be compressed. Round objects to roll over are particularly suitable. The stability is already sufficient for first tests. The adhesive is completely cured after 48 hours. For adhesive tests or repairs we like to send you latex remnants. Please tell us the desired colours and thicknesses.

Latex cleaner

Latex surfaces to be glued must be clean. Use a lint-free cloth cloth and our cleaner. Alcohol is also suitable, but takes longer to dry. For adhesive tests or repairs we like to send you latex remnants. Please tell us the desired colours and thicknesses. 

Polishes

Frequently used care products are latex polishes. With these you achieve a matte or glossy shine. We recommend using them especially before storing your latex clothing. Use a pump spray bottle to spray some polish on the latex and distribute it with a soft sponge. After a short period of drying, the garment is ready.

Zippers

We offer three basic types of zippers :  
- Plastic zippers   
- Metal zippers
- Airtight zippers  
We always have a large selection in stock.

If necessary, please ask us for desired lengths and colors. We do our best to provide you with the right items. 

Silicone oil

Silicone oil is, contrary to the name suggests, not a fatty oil!  Unlike greases and oils, which destroy the latex, you can treat your latex clothing with silicone oil. Most latex polishes are made of silicone oils.

Structured latex

Structural latex is available in many finishes. Mostly liquid latex is poured onto flat moulds. After curing, a latex web is formed. The surface of the flat form determines the pattern of the finished latex web. This allows you to create any geometric or floral patterns. Typical designs are also fish scales, snake or crocodile skin decors. Further effects can be achieved by freshly added colors or glitter particles in the liquid latex. Structural latex is particularly suitable for applications and applications, together with smooth latex sheets.

Talc, Talcum powder

Talcum powder serves as a dressing aid and makes it easier to put on particularly tight models. It makes the skin smooth without greasing. For treatment after washing and drying, we also recommend powdering. To do this, add a little talcum into the clothes, close the openings e.g. the sleeve and distribute the powder by shaking. A large spray can or a brush are also suitable. Alternatively, there are liquid dressing aids.

Please do not use talc excessively and do not breathe in talc dust.


Production of latex sheets

1. Calendering: In this process, liquid latex is pressed through a series of rollers to produce a thin film. The thickness of the film can be controlled by adjusting the spacing of the rollers. Calendered films are often uniform and have a smooth surface.

2. Casting: In this method, liquid latex is poured onto a smooth surface and evenly distributed. After drying, a thin film is formed. This process is well-suited for producing films with special properties or patterns.
3. Injection Molding: In this process, liquid latex is injected into a mold, where it cures and takes the shape of the film. This is particularly useful for creating complex shapes and designs.
4. Blow Molding: This method is often used for the production of hollow bodies but can also be applied to the manufacture of films. In this case, a tube of liquid latex is blown to create a thin wall.
5. Extrusion: In extrusion, liquid latex is pressed through a nozzle to produce a continuous film. This method allows for high production speeds and uniform thickness.
6. Vulcanization: Regardless of the chosen method, latex is often subjected to a vulcanization process to enhance the elasticity and durability of the film. This is achieved by adding vulcanization agents and heating the material.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages and is selected based on the desired properties of the latex film.