Gummiband

Colour discolouration sensitivity

Latex colours vary in how readily they pick up marks in normal use. Contact with metals (copper and brass especially), oils, perfumes and sometimes even skin salts can leave localised discolouration — lighter and translucent colours show this more than dark, opaque ones.

Low — hard-wearing colours: marking is rare in normal use, and any marks tend to be very low-contrast.
Medium — lighter colours: avoid prolonged contact with metals, oils and strong dyes.
High — the most delicate colours (pale and translucent shades): marks can contrast strongly with the base colour, so handle and store with extra care.

To reduce the risk: store items separately, keep them away from copper and brass (jewellery, coins, fittings), and dress with clean, dry hands. Latex is at its most sensitive when freshly washed and not yet re-shined — a silicone shine layer protects the surface, so regular cleaning and shining helps.

If a mark does appear, it is often not permanent — patches frequently fade and resolve over time, though this can take several weeks or months.

Read the full latex colour notice »