View source for Moulded latex

'''Moulded latex''' is made by dipping a cast in [[liquid latex]] (often in the colour black, red or transparent).

Afterwards, the cast is dried and then baked ([[vulcanisation|vulcanised]]) in an oven. Then the finished product can be pulled off the cast and is turned inside out at the same time. Industrial-scale manufacturers use air nozzles embedded in the cast to "lift" the latex off the cast for easy removal and for an even application of [[talcum powder]] or other substances to stop the [[latex]] from sticking to itself while in storage.

Before the liquid latex cures sufficiently, it will flow as pulled by gravity. This process can cause areas of uneven thickness and even weak spots in the finished product. To alleviate this, some manufacturers use rotating racks to keep the net effect near zero. This is in contrast to [[latex sheeting]], which is normally produced flat and where gravity acts to make the surface even, provided that the platform on which the liquid material is flowing over is smooth and perfectly horizontal.

Quality of the cast surface defines the quality of the latex surface and any surface imperfections are duplicated in great detail on the finished product. For this reason, ceramic or metal casts are often used for large scale production lines - smoothing other materials sufficiently by sanding is a daunting task and the expected use count for such much lower. 

== Notable uses ==

=== Gloves ===

All fetish, household and industrial rubber [[glove]]s are produced by moulding. Even if it were possible to glue gloves out of strips of latex, in the way that real [[leather (material)|leather]] gloves are stitched, it would most likely prove to be infeasible.

=== Hoods ===

Some manufacturers have specialised in [[hood]]s of elaborate designs and use three dimensional moulding to get a seamless construction and a good fit, provided that the wearer's head is close to the cast used. This allows for extra thick materials in the finished product. With good care the material thickness can be sufficient for prolonged life and enhanced visual appearance.

=== Low cost clothing ===

The cheapest brands have items made by moulding. The main difference from more expensive masks is their use of (nearly) two dimensional moulds. This leads to less than optimal fit and visible edges (which fortunately in almost all cases smooth out once the garment is put on). The edges where the latex has cured over a steeply curved surface are even more likely to exhibit weak spots. 

== Sizing ==

Low cost moulded latex clothing items are often sold under various brand names even when produced in the same factory. As such the reseller-supplied size tables are sometimes contradictory or vague, unlike with tailored latex items where the producer has specifically calculated the appropriate sizing. For some this is not a problem, as the body measurements are sufficiently close to median people and choosing the same size as with normal clothing is sufficient. To help others - say, with a bottom larger than their bosom - choose the right size some known-to-fit measurements (and known-not-to fit!) can be collected.

== See also ==
* [[Glued latex]]
* [[Latex clothing]]
* [[Latex fetish]]


{{Latexwiki|Moulded_latex}}

[[Category:Fetish]]
[[Category:Rubber]]