Making a glove

Silicone or latex. Both work. Here's how to do each.

Silicone vs. latex

Silicone gloves are simpler and quicker to make, a bit more flexible (good for growing hands) but perhaps less hard-wearing than latex. You also need a thicker silicone layer for the same protection.

Silicone glove

Two good YouTube videos cover this. They're from the US so some materials have different names (silicone caulk = decent bath sealant) but the steps are clear. Use a man-made fibre glove rather than cotton — it's less liable to rot.

Latex glove — what you need

Cotton, polyester or nylon exfoliating glove (cotton comes with Kevin Hyman's glove kit). Thin plastic glove (first aid kit). Pot of latex. Shallow dish for reinforcement strips. Scissors. Large bowl for drips. Spoon. Hair dryer. A hockey stick or similar size. Optional food colouring or poster paint — avoid bat or puck colours, they're banned in competitions.

Making the glove

• Cover your working area and change into rough clothes. Pour a thin latex layer into the dish and leave to dry.
• Do anything you need your playing hand for in the next hour.
• Put on the plastic glove, then the hockey glove. Pour latex over and work in with your fingers. Cotton glove? Dunk it first. Make a fist to avoid covering the palm of an exfoliating glove.
• Work the latex into the material and dry with a hair dryer. Cotton shrinks, so pull it down each finger. Grip a bat to form an ergonomic shape. Occasionally split fingers to stop them sticking.
• Cut the thin latex into strips and lay over the back of fingers and knuckles. Squash them in place using a hairdryer to speed up gluing.
• Coat the glove again over the strips for a smooth bond. Repeat layers to preference.
• When firm, carefully remove and allow to dry. Cut palm/fingers to improve grip if needed.

Photos

Got questions?

Email contact@guwh.co.uk or just turn up to a session.