First let me say that this is my first post, so thanks to anyone reading or replying to this! Hopefully this will be at least somewhat interesting as I am asking about latex clothes (very hot, imo)
We have recently purchased a few latex garments and I am having a really difficult time figuring out some of the practical aspects of owning such an item. I want to make sure we take care of them properly as they were not cheap. My confusion is that I keep finding conflicting advice, even from sources that I would otherwise expect to be reliable. I therefore turn to you, oh wise and diverse 'Dopers!
In general, could someone knowledgeable or experienced with latex please provide some pointers?
For polish, I know to use a silicone based lube and Pjur seems to be the ideal product…however it is hard to find. Wet Platinum ( http://www.wetunderwater.com/platinum/ ) is much easier to find and many sources say it is latex safe, however it contains Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E acetate) and I’ve been told to avoid vitamin E as it is an oil. Are you familiar with wet platinum and is it safe? what do you use?
For applying the polish, I’ve read that the best method is to apply with your hands. What I don’t quite understand is how to avoid having your hands and fingerprints leave streaks or smears in the polish? (Imagine trying to smooth butter with your hands, and then look at the texture you’ve created - it won’t exactly be mirror smooth!)
Finally, storing - some sources suggest storing latex in a polished state (ie re-polish after cleaning), other sources say not to do this, yet others just don’t say one way or another. What’s the correct thing to do?
I’ve never heard of using lube as a latex polish. Many years ago, when I worked at a well known leather and latex shop, we used Black Beauty latex polish.
I’ve been involved in the fetish scene for quite a bit of time and I own a ton of latex. Here are a few basics on caring for them:
Some people like wearing baby powder under latex, some people like lubing their body and then putting the latex on. I go the heavy-lube way: I prefer Swiss Navy silicone lube and I lube both myself and the inside of the clothing before I put it on.
As for the outside, fill a big bathtub with water and a bit of Vivishine. If you wash the garments in the vivishine and hang them to dry, the result is a small amount of lube across the entire garment-- ideal for storing. Also, when you put them on, the outside will be sufficiently shiny as to avoid the globs of lube you’d otherwise have to apply.
Also, when you store them, the bit of lube on them will keep them from sticking together, and make them less likely to be damaged. We hang all of our latex up, and keep the random small pieces in little bins.
Also, I assume you know this, but tobacco smoke will eat through latex, so don’t wear it in smoking environments. And also be very careful of fingernails/such when you put it on and take it off. Also, I’ve caught the zippers on mine a few times and that’s no fun either. Small tears can be fixed with rubber cement. White latex WILL stain, and you’ll never get the stains out, so be extra-careful with it.
Finally, we get most of our latex from polymorphe. High quality, decent price point, consistent sizing, custom colors. Enjoy
