HX-Ceco Powder Thickener

Ceco Powder is a filler for natural latex. It is a specialty blend of various powders and surfactants, which, when mixed into natural latex, thickens the coats applied after the first few coats of latex on a mould. It permits the mould maker to reach a desired thickness in far less time, with fewer coat applications.  It will also increase the strength of the rubber mould. When used in conjunction with natural latex, excellent tear strength is produced. Thickening Latex with Ceco Powder later coats of latex need to be thicker to fill in undercuts. The inside of the mould follows the detail of the model, but the outside of the latex should be smooth and rounded. To thicken the latex for this application, CECO powder has been developed. It mixes with the rubber and it does not have any negative side effects that harm the latex. Mix the CECO into the latex. Make it into a thin paste, or putty. Mix it thoroughly. When the mixture can be dragged up the side of the mixing bowl without sagging or dripping, it is the perfect thickness. This paste is going to be used to fill in undercuts. Also, the paste is used to thicken the lip along the base. (This thickness at the base helps prevent the mould from losing its shape.) Using a procedure of mixing and applying the paste, over a period of several sessions, build up the surface of the mould gradually. Do not apply it too thick, or it will not dry easily. Build up undercuts, and the base and the seam line, gradually. Progressively round out the surface of the mould. Use the paste to fill in undercuts that would become "hooks" if ignored. Any hooks or undercuts will become problems when removing the mother mould. Also, this builds a surface against which the mother mould can be built without gaps. The mother mould will be supporting the latex at every point, avoiding future problems.