When your latex gloves start going tacky

[Sol]

I'm using Santi textured gloves and the fingers are starting to stick together. I usually let them air dry and then dust with baby powder before putting them in an air-tight bag, but I read something somewhere about treating them with silicone spray. Anybody know anything about that?

 

[JonG1]

I do it all the time, also extends the life of latex neck seals.

 

[BoltSnap]

Not sure if this is relavent but shouldn't you use uncented talc powder instead of the baby powder?

 

[BlueTrin]

I’d like to know as well.

Someone told me to not leave them exposed to direct sun.

I have switched to showas now and then don’t have this problem

 

[BoltSnap]

silicone spray

Don't the other additives in the spray help deteriorate the rubber? (Not the silicone, the other stuff in the spray bottle)

 

[Sol]

I'm using corn starch baby powder, not talcum. And yes, I keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

I've tried showas as well. Liked the 720s (nitrile) best, but they just don't have the flexibility and comfort I get with the Santi latex.

What kind of silicone spray are you using?

 

[Zef]

I recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant for latex seals and gloves. I used it back in my whitewater kayaking days to protect the hull of my kayak and the seals of my drysuit. The stuff works well and is advertised as sunscreen for your outdoor gear.

-Z

 

[Sol]

I recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant for latex seals and gloves. I used it back in my whitewater kayaking days to protect the hull of my kayak and the seals of my drysuit. The stuff works well and is advertised as sunscreen for your outdoor gear.

-Z

Just a follow-up: I got some 303 and diligently treated my latex gloves with it after every dive. Even so, I think I'm coming to the end with these gloves. Went for a two-hour dive yesterday and before the end of the dive, the fingers were sticking together even underwater. I air-dried them gently and applied the 303, but even now, they're still tacky. Sooner or later, latex is going to break down.

Not complaining, as I'm sure it extended their useful life.

 

[Zef]

Just a follow-up: I got some 303 and diligently treated my latex gloves with it after every dive. Even so, I think I'm coming to the end with these gloves. Went for a two-hour dive yesterday and before the end of the dive, the fingers were sticking together even underwater. I air-dried them gently and applied the 303, but even now, they're still tacky. Sooner or later, latex is going to break down.

Not complaining, as I'm sure it extended their useful life.

You don't need to apply 303 protectant after every dive....once or twice a season is all that is needed. Just apply, rub in to ensure good coverage, and let dry. While 303 protectant will help prolong the life of one's gear, it will not miraculously make it last forever. Dive gloves are a consumable item, and the latex becoming tacky is an irreversible issue that indicates it is time to replace them.

-Z

 

[sea_ledford]

I'm using corn starch baby powder, not talcum.

You should not use corn starch, it can lead to latex allergies. Probably doesn't matter too much on gloves while wearing under gloves since there is little to no skin contact, but if you are doing the same with a latex neck seal it may cause problems down the road.

https://www.jacionline.org/article/0091-6749%2894%2990255-0/fulltext

This is one of the reasons why medical gloves are nitrile now instead of latex.

Get some billiards talc if you are going to powder them.