Ok, As I’m new to this world, I’ll ask, even though I’m sure it’s been discussed before…
Is latex rot avoidable? If so, what are the factors. I do plan on occasionally wearing my masks, so should I be treating them with something?
thanks!
yes sir , it is avoidable , obviously not forever but you get the point…after each use spray the mask with lysol then wipe it out…you can do the same thing with baby powder
There should be a sticky thread about this on here. This is like the 200th time I’ve seen this pop up on here. 
Maybe so, but I did a search on “Latex Rot” and after scrolling through thte first 5 or 6 pages, I didn’t find anything pertinent to my question.
MichaelScarredFos mentioned using Lysol. does this suggest that Latex rot is related to presence of bateria? Nasty! 
Latex rot or dry rot rather is caused by the natural moisture dissapearing out of latex. Oil is the main cause of this as in sweat. It breaks down the natural latex and makes it easier to tear and crack. Ive never used lysol. For the most part after wearing the mask, wipe the inside down good with a wet cloth then when dry take cornstarch (preferred) or baby powder and dust the inside. that will keep moisture from building up and make it easier to put on. Latex today is the strongest ever, so as long as you take care of your mask, its not impossible for them to last a lifetime.
Lysol works really well because it
1)cleans the mask
2)disinfects the mask
3)protect the mask
hmm never knew that. I know alot of members have used it to help remove a cigarette smell from a mask.
Make sure to keep powder inside the mask too. Talcum powder.
or cornstarch. Can’t talcom affect your lungs?
wipe it out before you wear it. Any powder would be bad to breath in no matter what kind it is. Wipe it out before you wear it and re apply it when you are done.
Great tips, guys. Especially THEDARKONE.
Thanks alot!
Yea this thread is old but i was just thinking about this so should we powder both the inside and out?
These might be helpful to some of the newer members
http://www.maskdr.com/Care.html
This article focuses more on silicone but mentions some of the properties of latex. Jordu gives some great insight as does everyone in that thread.
I dont think its necessary to powder the outside…i coat my masks that i make .with a rubberized (not latex) sealer to keep all dirt and oils away from the paint and latex. Kind of like a protective barrier.
Yea thats what i was thinking, but not all mask makers put a rubber sealer on the outside. And a question/suggestion if you were to apply the sealer to the entire mask, including the inside, would that just permanently preserve the mask? or at least for a good while? As a bonus also it would preserve the signatures on the inside. Mine got a little worn down from use and i want to stop it from fading away lol as i’m sure other customers would want too.
…Here’s info from the care sheet I send out to my customers…
Also, Sealing the inside is more than less useless. Sealed or not, The latex WILL try out.
Hope this helps…
''MASK CARE:
Your mask is made out of natural latex rubber which is derived from tree sap and can also be found in some flowering plants. Latex has been used to make masks for many decades and has been used in the film industry for costumes, appliances and props since the dawn of cinema. Latex begins life as a milky substance and is then poured into a mold and allowed to set. Even though it is an extremely versatile material it is also fragile to the elements.
Over time latex can become brittle- loose its shape and dry out. However there is ways to avoid this.
It is important to keep your mask well stuffed and supported as Latex has ‘memory ‘it can lose its shape and form creases. While displaying your mask, dust it with a soft brush, this prevents the build up of dust which can dull the paint work. This is known as ‘rusting’.
Dry Rot is the process when the latex dries out and begins to break down. Keep your mask out of direct sunlight and florescent rays and keep it away from strong sources of heat such as a radiator or fire place as UVA rays and heat speed up the drying out process.
Oil is another element that can induce dry rot, so be mind full of your hands when handling your mask. After wearing it, be sure to dry any condensation within and wash the inside of your mask with a warm damp cloth. This wipes away the harmful oils and bacteria keeping your mask clean. You can also wash the outside of your mask, wiping it gently with a cloth and warm water and simply dab dry with a clean towel.
It’s important to keep the inside of the mask powered with unscented talc powder. Simply sprinkle the inside with a light covering and smooth over with your fingers. The talc powder has many advantages; it keeps the inside of the mask clean and makes it easier to slip on and off but most importantly it acts as a barrier. It helps keep in the natural moisture within the latex and keep out any harmful alien substances.
I hope your mask gives you many years of fun and enjoyment!
Regards
Ben Fallaize
‘’