How do color differences occur in latex rubber sheets?

Latex is colored with pigment. This applies to latex made by factory machines as well as latex that is made by hand, such as our own exclusive latex.

If you order a red latex sheet today, it may be that the next order of a red latex sheet, you will receive a different color red. Because the latex is from a new / different batch and therefore a possible color difference. That is inevitable. Compare it with the purchase of wallpaper. There you should also always be careful that you buy all rolls from the same batch to avoid color difference.

What is Pigment?

According to Wikipedia:
Some pigments are found in nature or in the soil. Other pigments are made artificially. Organic pigments are extracted from animals and plants, while inorganic pigments are extracted as minerals.

Pigments derive their color effect from the absorption of certain wavelengths of visible light. A pigment that absorbs all wavelengths has a black color, a pigment that reflects all wavelengths is white. A pigment that mainly absorbs red, orange and yellow wavelengths will show a green-blue color. The pigment thus shows the color of the light that reflects on it.

Contrary to dyes, pigments generally do not adhere well to the object to be colored, usually a binding agent is required. Pigments are also, as a rule, not dissolved like dyes, but dispersed. Pigments then persist as small granules. The grain size also partly determines the color.

In most cases, a pigment is a water-insoluble powder. There are both natural and synthetic pigments. Natural pigments can have an organic origin, but are also often extracted as a mineral. To be suitable as a pigment for the stated applications, it must be a stable compound that is unaffected by binders or other pigments. Nor should the pigment oxidize under the influence of the oxygen in the air. Finally, the color must be lightfast and not fade under the influence of sunlight. Most pigments have some limitations, the ideal pigment does not exist, certainly not in all colors. Pigments are used in paints for painting, paper making and all other production processes where materials get a color.

Latex rubber sheets and pigment

All latex sheets are made of natural latex and colored with pigment. This is done fully automatically in the factory. With handmade latex, mixing the pigments with the liquid latex is done by hand. Because latex itself is neither transparent nor crystal clear, it is very difficult to determine the end result. Liquid latex is creamy white, when it is dry and then creamy white / cream colored transparent.

If we make latex sheets ourselves, we must therefore take the color of the latex itself into account. For example, if a customer wants transparent baby pink latex, that is almost impossible for us. Because light yellow + baby pink = light orange! And latex in wet form has a different color than dry latex.

So those are all kinds of factors that make it very difficult to determine in advance what the end result will be.

Latex rubber sheets can 'bleed'

Because the latex is colored with pigment, the latex can also release. Latex with red and purple pigments is especially sensitive to this. They can bleed with light colored latex such as white, baby pink, pink latex and yellow latex, but also with light blue latex etc. This applies to both latex from the factory. Latex that is made by hand will shed or bleed even more because the concentration of the pigments can vary every time. You also notice it when you clean latex with thinner. Often the latex gives off on the cloth. So use plenty of clean wipes so that you do not release the latex on a different color latex yourself.

And also pay attention if you store latex clothing or sheets. Do not put red latex clothing or sheets on white latex clothing or sheets!