Latex Weapon Repair

/Jenna L

I say duct tape it. There are very few problems duct tape cant fix. True it wont be as pleasing to the eye, but it will be safe, and easy to paint.

/Jenna L

What have you done!?!

Can anybody tell me how to repair my latex sword? The tip is breaking off. The foam has completely separated from the rest of the weapon and is currently only held on by the paint, which is obviously starting to tear.

I'll have a definite answer for this question afte rmy next paycheck; I'm currently working on building (and repairing) swords.

As far as what I do know;

Almost any kind of glue will make a weapon unsafe due to the fact that when it hardens it becomes solid to semi-solid. This is part of the reason my first attempt at latex failed as the glue created a very rough edge between the layers of foam. Rubber cement is the safest fix and the best material to use on a budget; otherwise your looking at industrial strength impact glue, lol.

Acrylic paint will more than likely wear away after a very short while, so the best bet there is to actually cut away any excess latex/dangly bits (after you have reattached the foam and without creating a larger tear) and then reapplying latex to that area. I've also heard that its actually a good idea to re-latex weapons after a year or so of continual use. Latex dries clear so a thin-coat over the entire weapon is not a bad idea. Now if you want to add color without buying a small fortune in different color latex you can mix it with acrylic or latex-based wall paint (ive tried the latter and it works out very nicely). To use acrylic you need to diffuse it with another chemical (which escapes me at the moment) so that it will mix with the latex correctly.

Lastly when you apply the latex use a sponge brush (or a small roller may work even better), and not a standard paint brush, this creates a smooth coat and will keep the surface from getting bubbles in it which can create snags and holes in the coat.

Just let me know if you ahve any more questions.

P.S.  I see what you just did there Geoff.... 

Sneaky, sneaky smith.

Adam I'm thinking of shaving off a small section of my bearded axe, so its not so bearded (and  so it won't snag on a weapon or shield, plus lighter wt). I'd love to connect with you at the next event and get your thoughts on how to reseal that section before I attempt it.

Thx