Chapter 3 - Prepping the Seams
Thinner, tension, and the fine art of letting glue do its job.
Once your pieces are cut, it’s time to prepare them for bonding — and that means giving them a clean, grippy surface.
Here’s how to treat your latex right before gluing them — and make seams that stay.
Here’s how to treat your latex right before gluing them — and make seams that stay.
What is "thinner"?
Thinner (also called latex cleaner, glue prep, or degreaser) is a solvent that:
- Removes natural oils and talc from the surface
- Slightly softens the top layer of latex
- Allows glue to chemically bond, not just stick
It evaporates quickly, leaves no residue, and is absolutely essential for strong seams
How to use it:
- Work in a well-ventilated space — open windows, good vibes only
- Use a cotton pad or lint-free cloth
- Wipe gently across the areas you plan to glue — no need to prep the whole piece
- Let it evaporate fully before applying glue (takes a few seconds)
- Do not touch prepped areas with your fingers — skin oils can break the bond
Think of it like scoring porcelain before joining it — you’re creating a surface that wants to hold.
Tips and Tricks
What NOT to do:
- Don’t soak the latex — one pass is enough
- Don’t use thinner on finished garments (it may dull shine)
- Don’t follow prep with talc — you’ll undo everything
Studio Tips
- Add position markers on both pieces before you glue — especially for curves, sleeves, or long seams. Latex stretches while joining, and it’s easy to misalign.
- Want to remove marker lines after gluing? A gentle swipe of thinner, or sometimes even water, will take most markings off (depending, what you used).
- Use a designated brush or cloth just for thinner. Also, paper towels, prepared in small little squares, work perfectly
- Pre-prep pieces right before gluing — not hours before.
Safety Notes:
- Ventilation is non-negotiable. Even if a thinner “smells mild,” that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always work with open windows, fans, or (best) active ventilation.
- Smell ≠ safety. Some of the most dangerous solvents (like methanol or hexane) smell relatively mild, while “stinky” ones like Nitro just warn you off faster. Don’t trust your nose. Professional products sometimes use different solvent blends — they may smell stronger or weaker, but neither means they’re safer.
- Some solvents are especially hazardous:
- n-Hexane – chronic exposure can damage peripheral nerves.
- Methanol – toxic to eyes and nervous system even in small amounts. Extra tricky because it has little to no smell.
- Toluene / Xylene – can cause headaches short-term and liver/kidney harm with long-term use.
Whenever possible, avoid these solvents and always check the safety information. All thinners carry risks!
Basic precautions
Protect your health and your surroundings: wear gloves to avoid skin contact, use a mask if you’re working indoors a lot, and store containers tightly closed, away from heat sources. All are highly flammable. Be extra cautious if children or pets are around.