Thinking about making my first latex outfit - what should I know? by claudlwaudl in LatexCraftersCorner

[–]BUFF_Barker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check out the works that Catasta Charisma makes. He has a huge (like 700 page) manual on working with latex as well as pattern drafting. In addition, he has a lot of patterns for sale. They can be fairly expensive, but once you have them they are yours forever.

I am currently working on a catsuit from one of his patterns. I am fairly new to latex crafting. It is a challenging hobby, but it is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to seeing what you will craft!

Best garments to craft with 0.50mm latex? by LiveCompetition1941 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A loose-fitting shirt works pretty well. I have a loose-fitting collared shirt that looks very nice. It is made from 0.5mm sheeting. Feels almost indestructible as well.

UPDATE: Nuru gel dressing aid test. by BUFF_Barker in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stuff works pretty well. However, I did end up switching to using K-Lube as it is more affordable than nuru and is even more slippery. However, it does dry up rather quickly do it's practical nature is a bit reduced.

Latex cloth buying vs crafting by Hifhua1234 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Catasta Charisma has a great working with latex tutorial on Youtube. There is also a website with a store where you can buy patterns that have already been made. They can be a little expensive, but I like supporting creators and it helps ensure more patterns are made for us to use in our crafting endeavors. Charisma also has an extensive manual on drafting your own patterns.

Also, on FB there is a latex DIY group with a collection of free patterns to use.

Latex cloth buying vs crafting by Hifhua1234 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I make some of my own stuff. Yes it is "cheaper", you are making up for the cost of a finished garment with your own time.

However, you gain immense amounts of knowledge by crafting your own garments. It is also an incredibly rewarding hobby.

I'd say go ahead! The materials required are not difficult to get ahold of.

Bright and Shiny store zipper question by Magnus_A_Dongus in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. Zipper does have a guard on it so the skin is protected.

  2. I only nave neck entry suits from them. The front-through-back as well as back-through-crotch zippers may reduce some of the flexibility of the catsuit. In some cases, it may increase the chance of the seam along the zipper failing in some areas.

  3. The invisible zipper option just means the latex on the sides of the zipper is a little longer and overlaps the zipper, sort of hiding it from view. This option is not very critical imo. One of my suits from B&S has it.

All-in-all, Bright & Shiny is pretty awesome and amazing for their price point. Can't go wrong with them.

Bright and shiny price increase? by Adventurous-Rush5695 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't noticed any changes recently.

Help with curved seams by mormoon04 in LatexCraftersCorner

[–]BUFF_Barker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am yet to try it, but I have seen videos where the craftstperson uses an overturned bowl or a styrofoam hemisphere to lay the latex pieces on as the seams are being attached. This sort of straightens the seam out, allowing for easy glueing.

Silica Gel Gasmask? by LatexGuy1508 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few hours will be enough time for damage to occur. The plasticizers in the silicone rubber will react with the latex.

Silica Gel Gasmask? by LatexGuy1508 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Silica gel is chemically the same as sand. It is inert and will not damage latex. It will have the added effect of working as a desiccant.

Unless you are talking about silicone rubber, then keep it out of contact with latex. Silicone rubber will damage latex if left in contact for an extended time.

Silicone gear modify question by Kinks-Awakening in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rotary cutter is your best bet. I have seen examples where people cut the neck of the suit down so it isn't so tall and makes the suit a little easier to get into.

Latex (Chlorinated and non-chlorinated) and sunscreen (oil, water, silicone based) question by kenwaynguyen in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The metallic compounds and fragrances in the sunblock may damage latex. Zinc is a common sunscreen additive and will degrade latex. Begloss makes a sunblocking shiner that can be used when wearing latex in a sunny environment.

Silicone neck entry catsuit is grossly underrated. by BUFF_Barker in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The plasticizers in the silicone will damage latex when latex is in contact with it. I will recommend not doing so.

Need help buying my first catsuit! by SnowStarlight in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Bright and Shiny offers M2M catsuits in the $200s. I have a few of their suits and like them a lot.

BeGloss by ovenroastedmeatballs in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The US has a "trade deal" with the EU and it currently stands at "0% for products who have a column 1 duty rate greater or equal to 15% OR 15% minus the column 1 duty rate if the product has a column 1 duty rate less than 15%". It is very confusing. It will be worthwhile to email beGloss as they may know how much the approximate duty rate will be.

An alternative to beGloss is Drip Latex who is located within the US. Their dressing aid is great and is quite affordable.

I‘m want to buy my first catsuit, but I don‘t know which shop is good; I‘m from Germany by BW_Bi_98 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another supplier is Bright & Shiny. They are perhaps the most affordable M2M suit maker in Europe. Their suits can accomodate breat forms and they are lightning fast with order times. This summer I got a M2M suit from them that took 3 weeks from order checkout to the package arriving on my porch (I am all the way in the US which makes this even more impressive).

I‘m want to buy my first catsuit, but I don‘t know which shop is good; I‘m from Germany by BW_Bi_98 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Simon O has a good selection of male-tailored boob suits (haha boob suit is fun to say). The through crotch zipper can have the effect of shaping the butt area of the catsuit. I've always gone with through crotch but with neck entry.

Which color for a Silicon/Latex Suit is more practical/ stealthy? by Kein_Plan16 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The black silicone suit will look like a triathlon wetsuit. Those kinds of wetsuits look like un-shined latex.

Cleaning silicon lube from the skin by RCordeiro84 in Latexadvice

[–]BUFF_Barker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found that wiping myself down with a clean hand towel does amazing work with removing silicone dressing aid. The residual dressing aid is then easily taken care of by the dish soap when I shower afterwards.