Is it possible to down size a king 100% latex mattress to a queen by cutting the pieces?
If yes what tools would I need? Is a glue available? thanks D
Hi ldr3,
[quote]Is it possible to down size a king 100% latex mattress to a queen by cutting the pieces?
If yes what tools would I need? Is a glue available?[/quote]
As long as you aren’t making horizontal cuts to “slit” the foam into a different thickness which would generally need specialized equipment that you would normally find at a mattress manufacturer, a foam fabricator or supplier, or perhaps a fabric or upholstery store … it’s not difficult to cut foam to size using an electric knife and all you need is an electric carving knife and a straight edge for a guide and just go carefully and slowly and move the knife in one direction (not a sawing motion). The length of the blade should be longer than the thickness of the layer you are cutting. You can also see some pictures here of a home setup that was used to make some more complex cuts using an electric knife.
I don’t know what type of cover you have or whether it has a zipper but it would need to be removed as well and if you change the size of the foam layers in your mattress you would also need a new cover. Some of the better online sources for replacement covers I’m aware of are listed in the mattress component list here and there are also a couple of sources for spray glue that can be used to glue foam layers together if there isn’t an upholstery shop or a foam supplier near you that carries it. There is also some information in the mattress surgery topic here that may be helpful as well.
Phoenix
As Phoenix said, an electric carving knife will enable you to cut the latex fairly easily. The firmer layers are easier to cut than the softer layers. As I have cut quite a few pieces this way, I posted a “how to” tutorial here. For the forum’s sake, I will copy it here too.
SUPPLIES:
Electric Knife
Two Tables the same Height
Your Natural Latex Slab
TECHNIQUE:
The best tip I can give you is to use a slow, steady hand, not pulling the latex apart as you cut, but letting it sit still.
- Draw your cut on the latex with an extra fine tip permanent marker and a yardstick or an upside down tape measure. Make sure your line is straight as you will be watching it very closely when you are cutting. Do not draw your line according to the pinholes on the latex as they do not always line up vertically and horizontally to the edges of the latex. Rather measure from the actual edges of the latex.
- Place your two tables next to each order with a 5″ or so gap between them. Place the latex on the tables with the cut line in the space between the tables.
- An optional step, but perhaps beneficial step is lubricating your blades. If you have a silicone spray lubricant around, spray both sides of the blades to provide an easy cut.
- Position yourself in a comfortable position, accessible to the cut. Depending on how large your piece is, you may find it easiest to cut the latex if you crawl on top of it. If you do so, make sure your knees are not pulling on the area of latex around the cut.
- Position the cord of your knife so that it is not in your way as you move backward along the cut or in the cut’s way.
- Align your knife on the line, turn the blades on and very slowly, cut down your line. It is easiest to pull the knife toward you rather than to push it away from you. Keep your knife hand over the line so that you do not end up with a cut inches to the side of the line on the bottom of the piece. If you need to shift your position, turn the knife off first, adjust and resume. Do not stretch the latex when cutting. It is a very flexible foam and stretching or pulling it during your cutting will give you a wobbly cut line. The holes in the latex may give you a slightly wobbly drawn line; you may have to eyeball a straight line from each hole.
- Just like when you cut wood and leave behind sawdust, there will be a little shredded latex on the ground to sweep up.
Regarding glue, a low VOC glue that is does a great job and it commonly used in upholstery shops is ClearCo444. It is a little pricey, but it has a good range to its spray, adheres well and doesn’t stink.
A couple of tips for working with it:
- Spray both sides of the foam.
- Hold fresh glued pieces together and sing “Happy Birthday” or count to 30. Without the pressure on the seam, the bond will not be permanent.
- If repairing a small area such as a tear in the latex, cover up surrounding areas to protect from overspray. Sometimes a piece of paper laid over the tear and a small slit cut where the glue needs to go.
- If you overspray, wipe space down as soon as possible with white vinegar. It will mostly remove the stickiness without damaging your latex.
Happy DIYing.
Hi diynaturalbedding,
Thanks Deborah 
I’ve added your detailed cutting and gluing instructions to the mattress surgery reference post as well.
Phoenix
Phoenix
Isnt it possible to use a Hot Wire Foam Cutter? Or would the electic knife work better?
Amazon has the Hot Wire Foam Cutter. Here is a link. Amazon.com
[quote=“Bunny1999” post=55657]Phoenix
Isn’t it possible to use a Hot Wire Foam Cutter? Or would the electric knife work better?
[/quote]
Do NOT waste your time and wires trying to cut latex with a hot wire. It is very difficult to get a clean cut with such a flexible foam from a flexible wire. It is also very difficult to find the right temperature to cut latex with. Too high or too low you will break your wire. Too high and you will also scorch the latex, leaving it sticky, brown and terribly stinky.
All the reviews on those hot wire cutters are for poly or craft foams, not latex. They also are for small widths and can’t fit a mattress sized piece of foam in them, unless you use the 1" x 3" board method to cut just the edge off that one of mattress surgery users picture posted in Phoenix’s above links.
Thank you for the reply! Extremely valueable information. Will not try Hot Wire, best using Electris knife as Phoenix suggested, anf the link he left was excellent.