This month Blackstyle offers a 20% discount on their 4D latex sheeting, stripes and tubing!

Furthermore, they have widend thier range of zippers and metal parts for us latex crafters.

So hurry up and check out their sale, it last only to the 31.07.2009!

And while you shop on discount, have a look on their latex supplies. Blackstyle offers all kind of goodies you need to make your own latex clothing, from thinner and glue to precut latex strips.

Sometimes it’s impossible to find a zipper with the right length for your latex project and you will have to shorten it to adjust the length.

1. Make a bottom stop

You want to keep the zippers top stoppers and only shorten it by making a new bottom stop.

First measure the length you need for the zipper in your garment and mark it onto the zipper. Before you cut anything off, you must sew in a new bottom stop for the slider.

Take a sewing needle and a normal sewing thread and sew a few tight loops around the zip where you have your mark.

2. Remove zipper teeth

There are different types of zipper teeth. Some can need to be pulled out (carefully) before you can cut them off and some you can cut out right away. It doesn’t matter how you do it, just make sure that the teeth come out without ruining the material around it.

3. Reinforce the end of the zipper

Start by applying glue to the backside of the end of the zipper and a piece of cloth. Allow both to dry completely.

Glue the piece of cloth on to the backside of the zipper. Apply pressure to make a strong bond using your seam roller.

Note: If the zipper need to be really strong, glue a piece of cloth on the front side too.

Finish off the zipper by cutting a nice rounded edge on the ending with a pair of scissors.

Done!

Talcum, french chalk or baby powder (unscented) is a white powder which is used for dressing up in latex clothing, it lubricate it and makes it easier to put on.

When making your own latex clothing, it will prevent part from sticking together which shouldn’t. For example, if you just glued a really nice seam you can put some powder on the seam, to prevent any excess glue from sticking to the latex sheet. This is way easier than having to pull things apart afterward, especially if you use very thin latex or are a beginner.

You will need the metal seam roller to give your glued seams a strong connection and as well to get airbubbles out of the seam, which might occure from time to time. After you glued your seams and pressed them slightly with your finger together, you will take the seam roller and roll it with light pressure over the seam. Done!

I prefer the metal seam rollers, because they are heavier and more stabile than the plastic once. I bought mine in a leather crafting shop, but you can as well easily order them online. Plastic rollers are available in almost any home improvement store.

It is more handy to have a “smaller” roller if it comes to the seams, especially the curved seams. My current one which you can see on the image is a little to wide if you ask me, but great if you want to double glue some bigger pieces.

Latex sheeting is made from natural rubber latex plus essential processing chemicals and pigments. Natural latex, as found in nature, is the milky sap from the rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis), which was found originally in the tropical climates of South America and is now cultivated in Southeast Asia.

Latex sheeting comes in a long range of colors, translucence and thicknesses. Normally delivered on wide rolls (92-100 cm) of up to 10 metres in length or more. Designs and logos can be printed on latex sheeting using silk-screen print technique.

Storage and use:
Store below 26° C. away from damp conditions and away from heaters. Store away from natural light. UV rays can break down the sheet and cause fading. Avoid contact with copper and copper alloys. These cause staining. Avoid contact with oils, solvents and greases which will destroy natural rubber.

Health hazards:
Sheeting is generally considered non-hazardous. However some people have an allergic reaction to the proteins in natural rubber latex. Persons with the allergy should avoid contact with natural rubber latex sheeting.

Fire Hazard:
Natural rubber latex sheeting is flammable. It should be protected from naked flames and non-smoking restrictions in areas where it is being worked on are advisable.

See my list of suppliers of latex sheeting…