Foam rubber - does it deteriorate over time?

[Cave_Troll]

I am thinking of buying a screen used prop mask that is made of foam rubber and I was wondering will it deteriorate over time and, if it will, is there anything that I can do to stop this process?
It has wear as a result of being screen used but I don't know if it dries out over time and therefore will just deteriorate over the years.
Any advice on foam rubber wouldm be much appreciated.

 

[Vermithrax 4]

All foam latex breaks down over time but in my experience I've found making them last longer depends on how you store them. I have foam latex masks that I've kept on display for the last 18 years and they've started to break down and crumble because of the continual exposure to air, temperature changes and general sunlight. But I also have pieces that are just as old that are still in excellent condition because I've preserved them in Ziplock bags and kept them hidden away in drawers.

 

[Cave_Troll]

All foam latex breaks down over time but in my experience I've found making them last longer depends on how you store them. I have foam latex masks that I've kept on display for the last 18 years and they've started to break down and crumble because of the continual exposure to air, temperature changes and general sunlight. But I also have pieces that are just as old that are still in excellent condition because I've preserved them in Ziplock bags and kept them hidden away in drawers.

Many thanks for that. Your response is greatly appreciated.

 

[amfx74]

It depends on the foam they are made from to an extent. Keeping all foams away from the sun will preserve them. There are rubber bits from 1960s films that are still good.

 

[Mostly Fantasy]

I'm currently restoring some used movie props that were not taken care of, and it DOES break down!!!

 

[fabrik]

Foam latex or foam rubber? Latex WILL dry out and die, rubber may last longer. It really does depend on what it's made from...

 

[PHArchivist]

Talk to Tom!