Question on thinning latex

[dropshipbob]

When you want to thin liquid latex, I seem to remember someone saying to use ammonia, is this correct?

 

[SonOfPumpkinhead]

Ammonia will work, yes. I've heard that, depending on how thin your trying to get it, you can add small amounts of distilled water as well.

 

[darthchiro]

water is fine, I've never used ammonia. Just make sure its cold or room temp, hot water will set latex.

 

[dropshipbob]

Ahhh, now you see, I used plain water in the past, but then wondered if I was doing something wrong.

So ammonia or water is fine?

 

[Edward H]

The best thing to use is a mixture of amonia and distilled water. I usually put a tad more amonia than water.

 

[patsmear]

I used Distilled Water added a little at a time while stirring it.

I was also under the impression to use Ammonia, but was told my a mask maker, that it could potentially mess up the chemical compound, so I didn't want to take the chance with 5 gallons!

 

[Edward H]

One of the main ingredients in liquid latex is amonia. Liquid latex is about 2/3 water, the amonia helps the rubber cure by speeding up the evaporation of the water. In my experience, amonia/distilled water is a great thinner.Chemically it shouldnt change the rubber. Ive thinned gallons of latex for spraying through an airless gun and for slosh casting without issue. Just wear breathing protection as the fumes are irritating. Your real enemy is cold weather... Dont expose your liquid latex to extreme temperatures. That will effect the elasticity and shear strength of your cured parts.