Liquid Latex – Versatile Natural Rubber for Moulds, Textiles, SFX and Creative Applications

What Is Liquid Latex?

Liquid latex is natural rubber tapped from rubber trees. A small amount of ammonia is added to keep the latex in liquid form during storage. When latex is brushed onto a surface, the ammonia evaporates, causing the latex to cure and form a soft, elastic rubber layer.

Once cured, latex remains flexible and durable, making it suitable for moulds, coatings, adhesives, and special effects.

Ammonia Content – Choosing the Right Latex

MakeMake offers two types of liquid latex. The only difference between them is the ammonia content:

• 0.2% Ammonia (Ultra-Low Odour)
  Ideal for indoor use and applications where reduced smell is important. Particularly suitable for mould making, hobby work, and SFX projects.

• 0.6% Ammonia (Standard Latex)
  Traditional latex with a stronger odour. Functionally identical once cured.

Both versions can be used for all applications listed below.

Liquid Latex for Mould Making and Casting

Liquid latex is commonly used to create flexible moulds for casting with plaster or decorative concrete.

Typical workflow:

• Apply latex in thin layers using a brush

• Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next

• Repeat until the desired thickness is achieved

Using thin, fully cured layers is essential to ensure a strong and even mould.

Using Latex Thickener

Latex thickener can be added to:

• Increase viscosity

• Apply thicker layers per coat

• Build mould thickness more quickly

Note that thicker latex layers will also increase drying time.

Application Tools and Handling

Latex can be applied using:

• Silicone brushes (commonly preferred)

• Standard paint brushes

For easier cleaning, it is recommended to lightly coat the brush with dish soap before use. Brushes can be cleaned with water and stored in soapy water between uses.

Liquid Latex for Skin and Special Effects (SFX)

Liquid latex is widely used in special effects makeup to create realistic skin effects such as:

• Artificial wounds

• Aging or damaged skin

• Peeling or torn skin effects

Latex can be built up in layers and combined with materials such as cotton or tissue to create texture and volume. This makes it ideal for theatrical makeup, cosplay, and SFX work.

Liquid Latex for Textiles and Footwear

Liquid latex can also function as a textile adhesive, commonly used to:

• Create non-slip soles on slippers and socks

• Bond textiles together

Latex withstands temperatures up to 70 °C, so it should not be used on textiles that require washing above this temperature.

Colouring Liquid Latex

Liquid latex is supplied uncoloured. If colour is required, it can be integrally coloured by adding MakeMake colour pigments, including both natural pigments and PRO pigments.

By colouring the latex itself:

• The colour remains elastic and flexible

• The surface does not crack, unlike acrylic paint applied on top of latex

This allows you to create custom-coloured latex coatings or latex paint while maintaining full elasticity.

Important Safety Information – Latex Allergy

Some individuals may be allergic to natural latex.

If you suspect a latex allergy, avoid skin contact and consult relevant medical guidance before use. Always test on a small area when using latex on skin for the first time.

A Flexible Material for Professionals and Hobbyists

Liquid latex is a proven, adaptable material used across:

• Mould making and casting

• Decorative concrete workflows

• SFX makeup and creative effects

• Textile applications

• Hobby and craft projects

With options for low odour, adjustable thickness, and custom colouring, MakeMake Liquid Latex offers a controlled and reliable solution for a wide variety of creative and technical applications.