Care Instructions for Your New Latex Product
Though I use the highest quality latex in all my products, this item has a limited lifespan (as with all latex products). You can however, significantly increase the life of your latex product through proper care.
All of the following items are considered to be "enemies" of latex and will cause it to decompose or become dry and brittle over time. Care should be taken to avoid:
- Direct Sunlight: Never leave your latex product in direct sunlight or even artificial UV light such as florescent lighting.
- Temperature Extremes: Never store your latex product where it will be exposed to above average hot or cold temperatures. This includes in the garage or leaving it in your car or displaying it next to heat sources such as vents or electronics.
- Excessive Moisture: Never store your latex product in an area with excess moisture such as in restrooms or kitchens. If you need to wash your mask after excessive use or sweating, use a clean damp cotton towel and allow item to completely dry before storing it away. Dusting your latex product with unscented Talcum powder can also help to keep it dry.
- Oil Based Products: Always avoid make-up and moisturizers that are oil-based. These will build-up on your latex product and break it down over time. Oils from your hands will do this too so wash your hands before handling your latex product.
- Exposure to metals: Never allow your latex product to come into contact with any type of metal. This includes secondary exposure through your hands — if you touch, for example, a coin and then touch your latex product you can damage it. Always wash your hands before handling your latex product.
- Improper storage: Latex will not regain its proper shape if compressed, folded or "squished" for long periods of time. Keep your product on a display stand such as a plastic or foam form or crumple up old newspapers and stuff inside to help your item maintain its original shape during storage.
If your item contains a colorized vacuum-formed eye:
- Special care instructions for the vacuum-formed eye spheres: Do not use any solvents (alcohol, acetone, windex, etc.) to clean the eye spheres. The inside of the spheres are coated with a thin membrane which could be ruined by certain cleaners. The translucent color layer is semi-soft and will resist scratches to a degree, but is not impervious to damage. To clean, use water and a diluted mild soap and a soft cloth.
This all being said, repeated use may eventually lead to damage such as small tears or cracks around the thin edges. These can be repaired (preferably early on before they expand) by applying liquid latex or pros-aid adhesive to the damaged area. For larger tears, contact (rubber) cement may be necessary to bond the edges together. You can also touch up any paint damage with PaxPaint.
By following these instructions you can expect to enjoy your item for many years to come.