Showing posts with label RD-407 Mask Making Latex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RD-407 Mask Making Latex. Show all posts

The Many Faces of Liquid Latex Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Sunday, April 23, 2023 6:07 AM

Liquid latex rubber is in a class of its own with a broad range of artistic applications that are not just limited to mold making and casting. It occupies a special place in the world of masks and special effects.

Liquid latex rubber is like the Holy Grail of artistic applications. This fluid material is easy to use and can be used for different purposes. It proves to be flexible, tear resistant and displays exceptional tensile strength across its varied range of applications. It is not only durable but also economical as compared to other mold making and casting materials.

Let us take a look at some of the uses of latex rubber:

  • Molds – Liquid latex can be easily used to make molds of different objects. It will capture details well and can even be applied on vertical surfaces – like architectural details – without it running off. Anything from plaster to urethane or polyester resin can be cast in the latex molds to make figurines, moldings and the like.
  • Casts – What sets casting latex rubbers apart from their mold making counterparts is that they are less viscous. The casts turn out to be like a thin skin, making it perfect for making props, gloves, hollow toys and the like.
  • Mask making – Liquid latex rubber is most identified with making masks. It is the first choice for making different types of masks that replicate the contours of the face to the last detail. It can be finished with monster, zombie or other spooky effects.
  • Costumes – The same rubber is also used to make customized costumes for Halloween and other occasions.
  • Special Effects – Name any kind of special effects on the body and liquid latex can be used to create the same for film, television and theatre productions. Realistic looking wounds, gashes, scars and other effects become possible in the hands of an experienced artist. Many people use it for body painting and even nail art.
  • Protective Coating – Latex rubber is used to form a protective coating on tools and other surfaces. Simply dipping the object in the liquid latex a couple of times (while allowing each successive coat to dry in between) will render a better grip and comfort in usage apart from providing electric insulation.
  • Waterproofing – Dipping a material in liquid latex will make it waterproof after curing. This is usually used for making raincoats and rubber boots that will not allow water to seep through them.
  • Repair Jobs – Pouring a bit of liquid latex serves well for covering up holes and tears in certain fabrics.
 
When it comes to making a choice of liquid latex rubber, RD-407 Mask Making and Casting Latex is useful for all the above purposes. It remains the prime choice for making a latex mask.

In sum, there’s not much that cannot be done with liquid latex. The humble material is easy to use – as simple as pouring it into the mold or dipping the model into the rubber!

0 Comments

What You Need to Know About Latex Casting Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Thursday, August 11, 2022 4:29 AM

Latex rubber is fun to use and lends itself well to varied projects. It can be used by beginners as well as experienced artists. It is fun to play around with the rubber with unending creative possibilities.

Liquid latex rubber can be split into two categories – mold making and casting rubber formulae. While the purpose is obvious from the names, it should be noted that liquid latex casting rubbers are always less viscous than the mold making ones. Therefore, they are preferred for making props, masks and other theatrical work.

As this category of rubber is more fluid, making the cast is as easy as pouring the material into the mold and letting it sit for some time before pouring it out again. This forms a thin skin inside the mold – the perfect way to make stretchable masks, props and other thin rubber items. RD-407 Mask Making and Casting Latex is the preferred product for such applications.

The same latex can be applied on the skin to create varying kinds of special effects. It will dry quickly to form a second skin of sorts, making it perfect for creating gashes, wounds, cuts and even horrifying effects.


Working with latex rubber


Latex rubber compounds are very easy to use as they do not require any mixing or other preparations. Application is direct and simple and the molds/casts capture excellent details to create an exact reproduction.

Latex casts are inherently flexible, more so than the casting formulations. However, the degree of flexibility of the latex cast can be controlled by adding an appropriate filler. RubRfil Latex Mold Rubber Filler And Extender is an excellent product that can make the latex cast turn out to be very flexible or very hard depending on the combination. The following proportions are suggested to get varying results:

  • 1 part latex to 1/2 part RubRfil - very flexible
  • 1 part latex to 1 part RubRfil– flexible
  • 1 part latex to 1 1/2 part RubRfil - medium flexibility
  • 1 part latex to 2 1/2 part RubRfil - very hard

The versatility of latex casting rubber comes to the fore when it is used for dipping and coating purposes. Fabrics can be dipped in liquid latex to make them waterproof. The same coating can also insulate tools from electric hazards. Apart from the protection, the coat also improves grip and comfort during usage.

Latex rubber usually has a transparent or white finish. It can be colored using special paints and dyes as the regular ones tend to chip and crack easily. These can be used intrinsically by mixing in the latex rubber or be painted on the cured latex surface. Varying shades are available.

When it comes to storing the liquid latex casting rubbers, both the material and the molds/casts have a long life and extended durability. However, keep in mind that liquid latex has a fair amount of alcohol mixed in it and should be handled with care. It should be stored in airtight containers and kept away from sunlight.
 

 

0 Comments

Using The Best Latex Casting Rubber

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Wednesday, August 28, 2019 3:17 AM

RD 407 Mask Making Latex is considered the best liquid latex casting rubber not just for making masks, but also gloves, props, coating and other uses. It is easy to use but does require some careful handling.

Liquid latex rubber is a popular mold making material because of its tough, durable, tear resistant and economical aspects. The same is also used as a makeup and special effects product to create varying effects for film and theatre.

In addition, there is latex casting rubber variants which are less viscous than the mold making latex rubbers. These are commonly used for making hollow toys, props, puppet heads and masks. In fact, RD-407 Mask Making Latex is considered the industry standard for making latex masks, props, gloves and a skin over polyurethane foams. This is a high quality latex that is favored by professional artists for masks, body parts and other thin skin latex products.

Latex casting rubber is very easy to use when compared to other casting materials. It comes in a ready-to-use liquid form and just has to be poured into the mold. It is swished properly in the mold and allowed to sit for a couple of hours before being poured out again. The latex that remains clinging to the sides of the mold will dry gradually and can be peeled out to become the actual thin skin cast.

Apart from making masks and props, the same RD 407 latex rubber can also be used to coat fabrics for waterproofing and insulating tools. Dipping the model into the latex and allowing the coat to dry before repeating the steps will build up a suitable protective coating over the same. Alternatively, the same latex can also be used to coat foam that has been carved into the desired shape.

A latex cast can be sanded, painted and finished as required. It will be elastic and flexible but still stays durable for years to come. Even the amount of hardness and flexibility of the rubber casting can be manipulated by adding an extender and filler like RubRfil.

Care during use
 
Liquid latex rubber is a simple product that can be used easily. It has a long shelf life and can be used whenever desired.

In case a stored latex rubber turns thick, it can always be thinned by adding some distilled water to get the desired consistency. The ammonia in the latex will also tend to evaporate. In case the ammonia smell is diminished, adding some aqua ammonia from a chemical store will restore it back to normal. However, latex should never be allowed to freeze as this will render it unusable. Special handling is necessary during the freezing months of winter.

In sum, casting latex rubber is a multi-use product that is commonly used to make latex mask but has other useful applications as well. In fact, it can be used to create almost any effect as a cast or directly on the skin as well.

0 Comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)