[May 09, 2021, 04:19:10 AM] pnhicks: This dialog box is disguised to look like
[May 09, 2021, 04:20:00 AM] pnhicks: a search box, but, alas, it is not
[May 09, 2021, 04:21:57 AM] pnhicks: A second option is the little tiny one just below
[May 09, 2021, 04:22:47 AM] pnhicks: on the top right column, labeled "Search"
[May 10, 2021, 06:06:08 AM] Carrie Liu: update
[May 10, 2021, 09:30:57 AM] pnhicks: Really, Carrie Liu!!??
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Latex masks (and foam) have elastic qualities because of long molecular chains that allow stretching of the whole piece. What happens isn't a loss of moisture, but a chemical reaction that actually alters these molecular chains. The major enemies of latex are oxygen, UV light, smoke,and dust. These enemies cause one of two problems. 1- Either a breakdown of the cross-linked chains, which causes the latex to get gooey, and fail. 2- Or a continuation of the cross-linking process, until the mask becomes hard and brittle.The only thing that Silicone, or Armor-All will accomplish is that it will make the mask slippery, and that will make the mask un-repairable. Nothing sticks to silicone. No glue, no paint. Nothing. So what you end up with is a mask that is still hard as shoe leather, and if it's cracking, un-repairable.
The major enemies of all latex masks are: Perspiration- It contains oil, and oil rots rubber.Petroleum- Any kind of oil, Vaseline, or solvent, dissolves latex.Sunlight- UV rays and ultraviolet. They also make rubber brittle.Heat- Heat will bake out the natural moisture rubber needs.Age- Any mask, no matter how you baby it, will eventually rot.
Be aware some soaps are harsh to latex and will damage or weaken it over time. Anything with chlorine or bleach should be avoided and any such contact will weaken the materials even if quickly rinsed.
On a side note about Thermo Plastic Elastomers TPE (pleos skin) is repaired by CAREFULLY applying heat. TPE needs to be around 500 degrees F to meltYou can use a 'wind proof' butane torch lighter from a distance to carefully heat until the surface glosses over, indicating that it is beginning to melt, much like wax.Then you close or join the heated surfaces. If you have a seam, let it cool a little, then heat the seam and use a damp cloth to apply a skin like texture and to conceal the seam.Let the repair cool to room temperature before moving. A damp cloth soaked in cool water and applied to the repair helps to reduce heat more quickly.Then replace/put back on Pleos skin.WARNING * Work area must have active ventilation, such as exhaust fan or a fan next to an open window to pull any fumes outside.I saw a post were someone tried to use super glue on TPE and that doesn't work, TPE is thermal and you can re-melt it.(My cat damaged the tip of pleos tail years ago. I superglued it but it came loose years later.)CleaningIf you must wash Pleo ,wash with warm soapy water, (1 part antibacterial soap 4 parts water) taking care not to wet electronic components. TPE cannot be fully sanitized due to being made out of a porous material (meaning Pleos skin has pores that can harbor bacteria).