Latex LARP Weapon Maintenance, Storage & Repairs

No matter how awesome your LARP weapon is, it is still constructed from foam, latex and fibreglass. If you mistreat it, you will damage it. The first step of weapon maintenance is avoiding being stupid - don't trap them in the door, drive over them with a car or go beat up a tree! If you take care of your shield, sword, mace, axe, spear or dagger, they will last you for many battles to come.

It’s your job to maintain the safety of your weapon. Many LARP systems will check all your weapons, shields and armour to ensure it’s safe to use at their events. However, it’s possible for items to become damaged during play or for hazards to slip through weapons checks. That’s why it’s always vital to look after your kit and check it regularly.

A weapons checker won’t be looking at the aesthetics of the item or the quality of the latex, but the structure. Peeling latex and tears can be unsightly, but they’re unlikely to hurt anyone. Damage to the foam, core or handle could cause harm.

If you’re new to safety checks, check out our article on  LARP Weapon Safety here.

All latex-coated weapons need a certain degree of maintenance to keep the outer coat smooth and blemish free. For this we recommend using 100% pure and acid-free maintenance silicone. We sell 'Larp Inn Weapon Lube - Silicone Spray' which is an easy-to-use liquid silicone in aerosol form. Always follow the instructions on the silicone, but the basics involve spraying outside in a well-ventilated area and avoid spraying on other surfaces or skin. There is little harm that can be done by applying too much, and excess can be wiped away with an old cloth.

We recommend using a light coating of maintenance silicone before every LARP event. The silicone will help prevent water damage from rain or damp, stave off wear in use and reduce rubbing in scabbards or loops.

Spray you weapon liberally with silicone spray before storing in-between events. This will maintain flexibility and prevent the latex from drying out or being affected too harshly by temperature.

Ideally, store your weapons flat on an even surface, so pressure is distributed evenly. Some weapons, like maces, are better stored up right on their pommel to avoid bending the foam in their flanges. NEVER rest or store a LARP weapon on its tip. This can cause the foam to bend and weaken, revealing the fibreglass core inside and rendering the weapon unsafe.

Use a silicone coated sheet to prevent it from touching other surfaces. Over time, the latex can adhere to fabric materials or nearby objects if untreated.

Keep your weapons in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

Sometimes a weapon has surpassed the need for a little silicone and TLC. If your weapon needs repairs or no longer passes safety there are still a few options. Here at Larp Inn we repair lots of damaged LARP weapons and shields. We can smooth, re-latex and reseal areas where the paint work has peeled or worn away. We can change or refresh the colouring on a LARP weapon, armour or shield. We can fix minor damage to foam work.

Please bear in mind, sometimes your LARP kit may have reached the end of its life. Occasionally, the safety of an item has been compromised past our capability to fix it. Alternatively, an item could be repaired, but doing so requires so much time and attention that the exercise would be more costly than purchasing a replacement.

Every repair project is dealt with on an individual basis because we need to properly assess the time and materials required to do the work. Ideally, we like to see the weapon in person to gain an accurate understanding of the work needed and the overall cost. If you can, we suggest dropping in to our showroom or coming to see us at a show or LARP event where we're trading. If visiting is not possible, we'll need comprehensive photographs so we can give you an estimated quote. However, the final quote won't be assigned until we have evaluated the item in person.

Using the email subject ‘Larp Weapon & Shield Repair Quote’, send an email to Harriett@LarpInn.co.uk. Include photos, description and any details that we may need to know. Images should be a maximum of 2000 x 2000px. We should get back to you in 7 working days. Once we’ve received your request, we’ll be able to inform you whether the repair is feasible or not. Please understand, you have NOT placed an order with us until you have paid a deposit or the total of the custom order.

Once we’ve discussed the details of you LARP weapon & shield repair, we’ll provide you with an estimated completion date and an estimated cost price. Your quote will be valid for 30 days and you are under no obligation to place an order. However, the original quote is only valid for 30 days. Once you’ve confirmed you wish to place an order, we’ll generate an invoice and send it across for payment. Your invoice will include an additional postage and packing cost for our ‘Tracked & Signed for Shipping option.’

Orders for repairs, once paid for, cannot be cancelled or returned and estimated delivery dates cannot be guaranteed. This is in line with the ‘Distance Selling Regulations’ pertaining to custom made goods. Please also be aware that PayPal buyer protection does not cover item repairs.