Do thinner mask rott more quickly?

[robocop]

Hi guys, I was looking at my collection today and started thinking about how latex rotts overtime. Do thinner masks rott faster. I have some new don post pieces and there really thin then i have a piece from darkside studios which is very thick like say half an inch. I wouldd think thicker would last last longer. What do you guys think?

[DRLADY]

In my experience: Yes, definitely. While there is some variance due to differing latex formulas and such, as a general rule:
The thicker they're cast, the longer they last!

[robocop]

Ah thanks dr lady, very good to know.

[CreepingDead]

The thicker they're cast, the longer they last!

And the more they shrink when cured too.

I have an original Bayshore Zombie mask that has to be at least 50 years old, it's super thin, and the latex is still like new. No rot, cracks or hardening. Both Don post Jr and Verne Langdon checked it out and said it was probably because there was no fillers in the latex.

[DRLADY]

It's true that they shrink a little more when they're nice and thick. To me, it's well worth losing a tiny percentage of size for the comfort of knowing a mask is going to last a good long while. That, and the obvious fact that thicker castings hold their shape better throughout their lifespans.
If you've got a thin, flimsy mask that looks like new after 50 years, that's awesome, but you've got to know that's a one-in-a-million case. Nearly all mass-produced masks are cast in latex of uneven, sometimes questionable content.
That said, one wishes Savage Eye had used the same latex formula as Bayshore!

[CreepingDead]

If you've got a thin, flimsy mask that looks like new after 50 years, that's awesome, but you've got to know that's a one-in-a-million case.

Actually, I know of 2 other copies of this mask in the same condition, so I guess that's 3 in a million? Haha! And let's not forget that Ray has a number of obviously vintage topstones that are paper thin yet still in like new condition. I'm not saying thicker pours wont last longer, I'm merely pointing out that with proper storage and care even paper thin castings can last a lifetime or longer.

[DRLADY]

Okay, three in a million, then. That's still not very good odds! For every vintage Bayshore or Topstone in decent shape today, thousands have gone the way of all flesh, as they say.

I know there are a few exceptions one may point to, but I stand by my original comment, which was "As a general rule, the thicker they're cast, the longer they last."

To focus heavily on the very rare cases of 40- or 50-year-old masks that still look decent today is to risk encouraging today's maskmakers to go ahead and pour their masks Topstone-thin, which is only okay if they're selling them for Topstone-equivalent prices!

[Draculaone]

Actually what I've been ranting about since i started collecting, this is the reason Darkside is My favorite Place to get My mask fix, super thick, they look like they are gonna last forever, better investment, my "thin masks" all start to crack

[DRLADY]

Amen to that, DRAC~~~ I'm a big DarkSide fan too! Can't beat the quality for the price! They're one of those rare mask companies of which it can be said that if you like it in the catalog photos, you'll like it in person!

[robocop]

Amen to that, DRAC~~~ I'm a big DarkSide fan too! Can't beat the quality for the price! They're one of those rare mask companies of which it can be said that if you like it in the catalog photos, you'll like it in person!

True dat doc, I would say some even look better in person, paul is about the best in the busines when it comes to getting the most for your money. He really could be charging alot more. His stuff is great. He's also a super nice dude to deal with.