An artist recently contacted me to ask for a recommendation for a type of adhesive. They are using latex to create cast forms (think Eva Hesse) and would like to adhere panels of latex together. They are unconcerned with the inherant vice of the latex itself, but they are concerened about the compatability of the adhesive with the latex, its flexibility, comparative aging and of course its efficacy. Does anyone have any experience in this area and could they also recommend some basic and easy to implement storage ideas for when the work is not on display? Many thanks in advance.
I think ideally more latex would be preferable, as it clearly is compatible with and would age similarly to the substrate and won’t introduce new materials. I have also read that it can be sanded later and that it hides seams well. Since the poster is casting latex, it sounds like they have access to liquid latex which may be used for this.
I was reading some forums for movie prop designers, and while some posters complained that new latex can delaminate (aka doesn’t have great bond strength) as a join material, others have had good results if they first dampen the bond edge with a mild citric acid solution and then apply the liquid latex (apparently the wetted surface bonds better with the liquid latex than a dry surface). Worth a shot!
If the poster does not want to use liquid latex, there are two types of commercial latex adhesives: solvent-based and water-based. Obviously it is hard to say what exactly is in commercial adhesives, but if you are going this route, water-based latex adhesives are preferred, as any solvents in a solvent-based adhesive can dissolve/warp the cast latex panels used as the substrate.
Alexandra Nichols
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