Latex Weapon Repair

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 was just going to use superglue to get the foam back on and acrylic paint to repair the outside, but I was warned that that might render the weapon unsafe.

Honestly, the only real thing you can do is re-latex it.  Youll have to cut the tip off all together, recut it, then have someone reapply the latex.  The other option is instead of latex, duct tape it.  You'd more or less have the exact same sword, but duct taped instead of latex.  I have one sitting against my wall waiting to have the latex recoated on it, since it melted in the heat on me.

Be careful! Some glues expand and harden as they dry and make the weapon a lot more dangerous.

Weapon tips are really hard to fix correctly.  from what you are saying if the foam itself has ripped and is seperated from the core itself, there isn't much you can do to it.

  If you do try to repair it...Use rubber cement not superglue. Rubber cement won't eat the foam like superglue can, and it will flex with the foam alot better. I repaired a latex weapon 5 years ago that way to repair the the area where the hilt and blade comes together (it was left in the back window of my car for 2 weeks).  The hilt is still attached.

  All that being said if it is the tip of the weapon, it won't last very long no matter what you do. I would suggest replacing it as soon as you can.

I've used spot duct taping on some very bad latex peeling issues, and provided the color matches up reasonably its not the worst option

/Jenna L.

"Maybe it's time to move up to something tougher than?"

If you say /Jenna L. 3 times in a weapon related thread*, she appears and tries to upgrade you to a Calimacil weapon.

Two more to go!

(*any other kind of thread, she knocks you out and steals your shoes.)

If you say /Jenna L. 3 times in a weapon related thread*, she appears and tries to upgrade you to a Calimacil weapon.

Is this the same as looking into a mirror in a dark bathroom and calling the name "Biggie Smallz" 3 times?

/Jenna L.

*ominous stormclouds begin to gather*

If you say /Jenna L. 3 times in a weapon related thread*, she appears and tries to upgrade you to a Calimacil weapon.

Is this the same as looking into a mirror in a dark bathroom and calling the name "Biggie Smallz" 3 times?

I think it's more like saying Beetlejuice three times. Also do the quotes count?

Quotes never count.

And don't make me abuse the forum censor function. 

/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

I actually have to get some smith training this coming moon and I intend to spend some time around the forge to make some gold anyways so I'm sure we will have plenty of time to talk about.... well [size=7pt](latex)[/size] smithing go figure...