Thread: Halloweens over, take care of your latex props and masks

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Over the years I have had some 30 Latex mask and many latex props. But I didnt always take the best care of them and sure enough they show signs of age and was a great way to throw away $25-50. Here are some care tips for storing you latex props and masks for next year.

1) Clean your latex! If its dirty, rained on or worn, you have to clean it before storage. Take a damp towel and give it a wipe down and dry it with a clean towel.

2) If its a mask that you wore, you have to clean the inside. especially around the forehead and mouth areas.

3) Make sure it doesnt have any creases or folds. Your local wig shops of halloween stores sell foam heads...typically $5. Its a good idea to put one inside your mask for storage. If the head is to small for the mask, wrap a old but clean towel around the head.

4) Powder it. Inside and out. Use cornstarch. Baby powder works too but use talc-free as it can irritate your lungs if you breath it in.

5) Bag it and Box it. I like to use trash bags, they dont let light through and UV rays will damage latex like it damages human skin. Put it in a box to keep it from getting crushed in the attic, closet or basement. Light, oxygen and other things in the air will cause latex to corrode like aluminum does, before you know it, you will have unwanted holes in your props.

6) Store it. Keep it somewhere it wont get over heated or become moldy. Damp basements and hot attics arent good. If your basement is damp, bag the box as well. If your attic gets very hot, keep your boxed up props and masks under a blanket.

This should keep your pricey latex scary stuff looking new for many years to come.