Hello
I have had this flying helmet for many years and although the rubber around the face mask was quite hard when I bought it, the rubber is now very brittle indeed. I mentioned it to the flight gear guys at last weeks Cockpitfest and they suggested that baby oil or the like, could possible help. Anybody else had any success with or has suggestions of how to deal with this problem on old rubber items or is it a matter of leaving well alone?
Cheers
Simon.
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By: bec958 - 7th July 2013 at 04:47
Hello. I have a similar helmet although not in as “brittle” condition. My example suffered several cracks around the face plate during shipping (to tightly packed) so I could see this was just the start of the deterioration. I applied a liberal coating of silicone over all the rubber surface. The idea being to apply natural latex over this and paint it with matt model paint similar to original green rubber finish. The latex did not take and had to be removed but the paint DID adhere to the silicone. The result looks fairly good compared to the alternative. I also pursued the rubber treatment question both with the Smithsonian Institute and our own BC Royal Museum. There is no method of preserving old rubber items other than storing them in a vacuum. I even contacted the makers of Armourall regarding the formulation of their product and its effect on old rubber items. Although they say it does not contain Formalin (formaldahyde) , it does contain water. I know some use and some don’t.
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st June 2013 at 09:01
I believe that rubber deterioration is irreversible, the only course of action would be to stop it getting any worse.
The oil may melt the rubber – then again it might not. I would suggest a rubber lubricant or even try silicone lubricant. These may seal the pores and make the rubber air tight and prevent any further deterioration. Best to try this on a small hidden part or another similar item first, though, just in case of any adverse reaction of the rubber.
We had a pair of old war time goggles the rubber of which began to break down and melt. It became horribly sticky and adhered to everything it came into contact with far too well. We got matters under control by applying large amounts of plain talcum powder, which seemed to stop the deterioration but, of course, didn’t repair the damage that had already occurred. This test flying mask appears to have dried out so you may have more of a chance.
Anon.
By: Deskpilot - 21st June 2013 at 06:04
Hey Simon, please change your font. That bold print is so much like shouting. We’re not deaf ya’no. 😀
By: Arabella-Cox - 20th June 2013 at 17:04
Hello
I have just put an email over to the Imperial War Museum as you have suggested and see if they get back to me.
Regards
Simon
By: JDH1976 - 20th June 2013 at 16:38
I think sadly rubber items will eventully perish and one has to accept that. One way to arrest the deteriotion is to exlude its contact with the air, however this invloves sealing it in a container with an inert gas, downside you will not be able to display it. I would shy away from using any sort of oil on an item like this, as I assume it is a rare piece, once you have put it on there is no going back. Have you considered seeking professional advice from say the Imperial War Museum? They have conservitors that must have to deal with items similar to this in their own collections.
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June 20, 2013 at 4:14 pm