Thread: Storing latex props

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My props are coming apart in my hands. I have been storing them in the attic,what should I be doing... we are talking about a lot of money here.

Sorry to hear that, I know what it's like. Latex does break down over time, storing in hot attic, sheds, etc is a no-no & will cause rapid breakdown. Once it happens there's nothing you can really do about it. When storing, I 1st dust them with baby powder / talc & I stuff my masks & props inside with news paper & store in a cool place ( not too cold as to create mold, just as bad ). This keeps folds & cracks from starting & help it to not dry out. When Latex dries out & starts to crack, it's hard to salvage.

Yea, I learned that a long time ago.
For my props that use a latex mask (witch, wolf) I always take off the mask itself or the head of the prop and store it inside the house where it is climate controlled.
Usually in a closet in the spare bedroom.

The attic is probably the worst place to store anything latex. Extremes of temperature will speed up the break down. I agree with the others. Store any latex props or masks in a dry cool place away from direct light, which also breaks it down. I also stuff masks with newspaper to hold their shape and store them in plastic bags. My larger latex stuff is kept in our basement where it is always a bit cooler. Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

I saw where someone else lost some gargoyles by storing them in the attic as the melted. I have been storing my devil in our heated basement and he seems fine so far.

A heated basement / room is at a temp comfortable for us, so that wouldn't effect latex. Now up in an attic were there's minimum ventilation & max heat build-up........that will do it.
Summers in most places will get an attic over 100++, on a hot day stick you head up in the attic & you'll see what I mean !

Besides, I'm sure storing the devil in the warm basement just makes him feel at home.....

Latex is nature's way of making sure we refresh our haunt props every now and again. You can seal latex, which reduces the rate of mositure loss and will preserve your props longer. Depending on how bad yours are, you might be able to stop them from getting any worse.

Attics are the WORST place for latex anything, as you've learned the hard way. Get 'em outta the attic & into some temperature controlled room in the house, a closet, under the bed, but NEVER in the attic.

Mine are like the others here, stuffed w/newspaper & in Rubbermaid containers in our heated , finished basement.

NEVER put latex in the attic.

I've always stored mine in boxes in the basement. I don't powder the masks, just fill with newspaper. My oldest latex prop is probably a fake cat from Spencers and he's pushing 8 years with no breakdown.