Softbox Degredation, internal latex flaking off...?

Dear Apug Members,

I have several softboxes ranging in size from 2'x3' to Large 3'x5' and have been noticing that the white reflective material used to line or coat the inside of the softbox has deteriorated to the point where the white latex material? is peeling off like a cheap coat of paint. These boxes are made by Lawson/Chimera/ and Photoflex. I think they all make great gear so this is not to bash any vendor, however the product has limited use when the interior of the softbox is now almost black....
The interior baffles look perfect, the front screens perfect, the rods and speedrings perfect, but what ever paint they use on the interior is in my eyes......Suspect. I called one vendor, there response was "purchase a new one". Thanks...

a) Has anybody experienced this?
b) If so, is there a patch or fix, or do I donate to Goodwill?
c) The 293 series is the worst offender
d) The Chimera box is still usable but smells like "Really Aged Parmesan Cheese" add a hot modeling light=stinky.
e) These lighting modifiers have had a studio existence only, not left in damp trunk, hauled out on location etc.
f) Maybe its time to have a car wash/bake sale and purchase a profoto one, I don't see how certain softboxes
can be that much better than the other, if they all use the same materials?
g) I have thought of turning the softbox inside out and spray painting the walls a bright white, any suggestions?
h) just don't want to spend extra $$$ before the holidays if I can avoid it.
I) Not impressed with warranty on these products, and based on telephone response from Photoflex will not
be purchasing anything but umbrellas from them.
j) One vendor, told me to wash "delicate cycle" the soft box, only to explain to wife that the bright white shards
of paint on her sweater were nothing to worry about....>>aka DogHouse.

Appreciate your feedback and personal experiences on this..
What is the life of a softbox from a major manufacturer, I would think 5-10 years???
What say you...


Harlequin

I recently unrolled some soft boxes with silver insides that had been unused for a few years and found that all the silver material was stuck to itself and when I forced it open the silver stuff peeled off. My brand is Lightdome and I just checked one of the white interior types and indeed the white is stuck and coming off as well. The ones I have in regular use and are not rolled up are fine. So I guess they need some air to stay good.

Clean the gunk away and sew some space blankets and seal in the rest, maybe that will give the some new useable life. Give it to some seamstress to do for you if you are unable to do so yourself.

I'd take a whack at removing as much residue as you can & go the paint route. Another option is to
get an opaque cloth and glue it in place OR some spray on water proofing. It's available in white & if it
doesn't work you can build a boat out of screen doors.

Seamstresses are around but I don't believe they're that common on the ground. Lots of dry cleaners
have someone doing alterations but if it's not waist or length adjustments there may not be many volunteers.

I have some 20 year old photoflex boxes where the white is flaking off, I just assume it's age.

If you glue anything inside there, keep in mind it gets pretty hot inside those things, and a flap of fabric falling on a modeling light or flash tube may not work out too well. Saw that happen at a shoot once, some interior baffle came loose and it was like the world's priciest tiki torch.

I've gone to the fabric store to find "sewing ladies", they usually have a binder of business cards - I've had studio drapes and westscott-style fabrics duplicated and saved a bundle on actual screm jim panels. But a softbox is a little more complex than that.