Close Encounters latex preservation help

[Kingfrak]

I know this might be better suited for the “Screen Used” section, but there doesn’t seem to be many craftsmen there and this isn’t simply a “Show” thread. Though, if this indeed does belong there, I’ll certainly remove it.
I’ve had this screen used Close Encounters alien mask for about 10 years and as you can see, it’s really becoming brittle ,misshapen and darken in color.
Does anybody know what can be done to stop this from happening?
Mike A.

 

[Clutch]

Tom Spina! Calling Tom Spina!

 

[T2SF]

Better fitting mask mannequin/support I'd love to know some of Mr. Tom Spinas tricks

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

RPF member Dr. Strickfadden actually worked on the film and that may have been one he made. Somewhere I have an old 35mm photo of me sitting next to one of those same masks complete with suit and hands...it was a copy he got to take home. I don't think he gets back here too often so I'll drop him a message to let him know about this thread.

 

[frosty]

if you get no luck with the guy who worked on the film Tom is probably your best bet, he's fixed up stuff in much worse condition than that.
A real piece of history you have there. hope you can save it
heres a link to his site
http://www.tomspinadesigns.com/Home%20and%20News.html

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

I made a post on Dr. Strickfaddens FaceBook wall.

 

[PHArchivist]

Tom Spina! Calling Tom Spina!

Yes - you absolutely should work with Tom Spina on this.

 

[PHArchivist]

By the way - welcome to the RPF, and that is an impressive piece! Do you have more SU props in your collection?

 

[Kingfrak]

I bought a Jawa from Tom Spina about 10 years ago and I asked him about this, then. At that time, he told me to use nothing but water on it. I didn't press for more info, though.

Better fitting mask mannequin/support I'd love to know some of Mr. Tom Spinas tricks

 

[Kingfrak]

I made a post on Dr. Strickfaddens FaceBook wall.

Oh, nice...I'd like to see that photo that you mentioned too.

 

[Apollo]

Tom should be able to help you!

Nice piece!!

 

[Zombie Killer]

That is an awesome piece. Is the monkey screen used also? It looks spot on!!!

Sorry i can't help but thanks for posting the pics. Good luck in finding a way to save it.

 

[Kingfrak]

Thanks for the welcome!
I dont have any other SU props. (I hope the welcomes still stands, though :confused)

Also, as far as usuing a better fitting stand-I tried to take the mask off the styrofoam head/stand and I really couldn't get it off. It's quit brittle and I was afraid it just might crack up. I did put some stuffing inside the mask, but it did little to support the mask.
I just hope there is a way to reverse or at least stop it from drying out.

I made a post on Dr. Strickfaddens FaceBook wall.

By the way - welcome to the RPF, and that is an impressive piece! Do you have more SU props in your collection?

 

[BrundelFly]

Its Latex.

Sadly...Eventually...it will disappear.

 

[propologist]

Its Latex.

Sadly...Eventually...it will disappear.

just out of curiosity , hoe long would you think. Even storing it in a sealed case of something help slow it at least ?

 

[blipper]

Many moons ago I used to help make these latex spiky bags -

We'd supply a silicon spray (at the time it was 'Son of a Gun' I think auto shops have 'Armor All') so the buyer could regularly 'feed' the latex to keep it supple and prolong the life. I managed to resuscitate quite a few older and stiffer latex items by flooding them with silicon spray for a few days. The item will go glossy for while but eventually dulls.
But indeed, Tom Spina I imagine is as near the authority you could get on the subject. He's restored things that previously looked utterly unsavable. Quite the magician.

Great prop, btw

 

[d_osborn]

no clue about latex preservation, but AWESOME piece! good luck with it!

 

[Zombie Killer]

I wonder how mink oil would work. The stuff is amazing on leather seats, dashboards and plastic stuff.

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

Here is Daves(Dr. Strickfadden) myspace page. In his slideshow you will see some of the CE aliens. Maybe he has time to help you. I am sure Tom is more than qualified but given the choice I would think you would want help from someone who probably worked on it in the first place. In the slide show he also includes the close up child sized alien(hero quality) from the end of the film.
MySpace - MOVIE MAKEUP MAGIC: Makeup EFX Artist - 58 - Male - Scottsdale, Arizona - myspace.com/davidaayres

 

[Kingfrak]

Thanks for the suggestions fellas.

My fear is, as Brundlefly stated, that because it's latex, it will disappear. It's been brittle since I got it, but only recently has it been getting darker in color. So, it seems it's on it's way out. I noticed that many of Ray Harryhausen's models are preserved, but others have wasted away to mere naked armatures and I'm not really sure what makes the difference in latex.