Yes, spirit gum can go bad, but how it's stored greatly impacts its longevity.
Spirit gum, a common adhesive used for attaching prosthetics, wigs, and other costume elements, can degrade over time. However, the term "go bad" can have a few different meanings in this context. Let's explore the factors involved:
How Spirit Gum Degrades
Spirit gum doesn't necessarily "expire" with a specific date, but its quality can deteriorate, affecting its performance. Key indicators of spirit gum degradation include:
- Thickening/Drying Out: The solvent in the spirit gum can evaporate, leading to a thicker consistency, making it difficult to apply smoothly.
- Reduced Adhesion: Old spirit gum may not adhere as strongly as fresh spirit gum.
- Changes in Appearance: The color and clarity of the spirit gum might change.
- Separation: The components of the spirit gum might separate.
Factors Affecting Spirit Gum Longevity
Several factors influence how long spirit gum remains usable:
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Storage: Proper storage is paramount.
- Airtight Seal: The most critical factor is ensuring the bottle is kept tightly sealed. According to one reference, spirit gum stored in a tightly sealed bottle can last for years.
- Temperature: Store spirit gum in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Contamination: Make sure the applicator is clean before inserting it into the bottle to prevent contamination.
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Usage: Frequent opening and closing of the bottle exposes the spirit gum to air, accelerating solvent evaporation.
Usability of Old Spirit Gum
Even if spirit gum isn't in perfect condition, it might still be usable for certain applications.
- Practice and Low-Budget Projects: A reference mentions that spirit gum that is 5 years old can still be suitable for practice, ultra-low-budget projects, or background work where strong adhesion isn't crucial.
- Thinning: Sometimes, adding a small amount of spirit gum remover or solvent can restore the desired consistency, but this may also affect adhesion.
Summary Table: Spirit Gum Degradation
| Factor | Impact on Spirit Gum |
|---|---|
| Airtight Seal | Prevents solvent evaporation and maintains consistency. |
| Temperature | Extreme temperatures can degrade the adhesive properties. |
| Contamination | Introduces impurities, potentially altering the spirit gum's composition. |
| Age | Over time, adhesion weakens, and separation may occur. |
