If you have a tear, rip or hole in your latex garment, there are a few options available to you. However, some prefer to do a simple patch on the inside of the garment.
Pros:
Simple to do and easy to apply to repair a problem area
Cheap option for repairing a garment
Cons:
You can see the outline of the tear or rip on the outside.
You can see the outline of the patch on the outside
You can feel the patch on the inside.
What are the other options to cover a tear, rip or hole?
You can opt to apply an latex appliqué over the area which then covers and reinforces whilst also creating a unique look to the latex. You can have text, images, symbols and shapes to cover the problem. See ideas here on my Pinterest : https://pin.it/4Ejgdm9
The more expensive option is to replace the panel with new latex. This will make the latex garment as good as new.
How do you apply a patch?
First you need to gather your latex repair kit. If you don't have a kit, you can purchase one from a supplier listed in this blog : https://www.debaucheelatex.co.uk/post/basic-latex-making-kits-1
Asses your latex tear and if needed, on the outside apply sellotape to stabilise the area so no further damage occurs.
You can use any colour latex for the patch, because it will be on the inside. The only issue is if the garment is semi transparent, where you will need to use the same semi transparent latex or at least semi transparent natural for the patch.
The patch needs to have rounded corners (see example left) or a circle shape. The size of the patch needs to be at least 1cm wider all around than the tear, rip or hole on your garment.
Once you have cleaned the area around the tear, rip or hole on the inside of the garment. You can now apply the Bostick latex glue wider than the patch to be applied. Excess glue can be cleaned away later.
Apply Bostick latex glue along the two edges of the tear, rip or hole and allow to dry. Now, you can carefully join together the two edges. If it's a larger tear, the sellotape on the outside will help you join the edges together easier.
Carefully lay the patch over the tear, rip or hole. If you are unsure where to apply, draw a outline with a gel pen. You can use a piece of baking sheet to prevent bubbles underneath the patch.
Gently use your seam press roller to add pressure to the patch area. This will complete the bond between the two latex sheets.
Use a hypodermic needle to suck out any air bubbles or carefully peel back the patch and reapply (warning, you can cause more damage if you tug too hard) Preferably, use latex glue cleaner to lift the patch away rather than tug.
Clean away any excess glue around the patch using the latex cleaner.
Turn the garment the shiny side out and use the seam roller again to press the patch area to secure the bond further.
Can a patch be applied to a large tear, or rip?
Whilst you can do a patch over a large tear or rip, it is not recommended. As you can see on the picture to the right, you can clearly see the outline of the large patch which some consider unsightly. Also the area is not fully secure or reinforced. You may find separation when the latex is stretched if the glue bond is not done correctly.
Can a patch be applied to thicker latex such as 1mm heavy rubber?
You can apply a patch on the inside of thicker latex, however the line on the outside will be very obvious. You need to use the same thickness patch on the inside for strength. The best option is to apply a appliqué on the outside as well to cover the unsightly line of the tear or rip. This can be any shape appliqué and a great way to reinforce the area too.
A blog will be available soon to show how to apply an appliqué to latex.
Can a patch be applied to chlorinated latex?
You can apply a patch to chlorinated latex, however you will need a few extra tools to prepare the latex. Chlorinated latex looks very smooth under a microscope, which is very difficult to glue too. Unlike normal latex sheet, which looks like layers and layers of mesh or hashtags under a microscope.
In order to create a good bond on chlorinated latex, you have to sand the area. You can use heavy duty scouring pad, sand paper or ever a Dremel tool with a sander attachment.
You need to sand the area in different directions in order to roughen the latex. Up, down, left, right and diagonal. Sand the area wider than patch so no lifting will occur. Sand the patch also so a tight bond.
Use acetone to dehydrate the area and then the Bostik latex cleaner to prep the area. Allow to full dry before applying the Bostick glue.
Apply the patch as normal and seam press the area for a good bond. Chlorinated latex simply takes extra steps to patch but it is achievable with the right tools and patience.
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