Weathering Uniforms and Gear

[malegant]

"Your uniforms are too clean" -- this is probably one of the most iconic comments in the field of re-enactment, and one that I've been mulling over for quite a while.

The concept is tricky; it's a trade between really looking the part and preserving your more-often-than-not expensive gear. Of course, the ideal situation is to have two pairs: pristine and battle-damaged, but this is usually a pipe dream.

That said, I've finally decided to go ahead and weather my ATF jumpsuits. Yes, you heard that right. Just last Sunday, a fellow airsofter (I forgot his name) asked me if I regretted painting camouflage on my ATFs. I said of course not, it looks awesome.

So, in the spirit of awesomeness, let's dirty up this lot!

I found an article that details how best to go about it: ww2aa.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=impressions&action=print&thread=7466

They basically recommend that I should:
"use a die grinder with a light abrasive disk, and rough up the edges, and put some wear holes in them. I mix motor oil and finely shaven charcoal, and use that around the collar, and almost all the edges, and put lightly here and there all over the uniforms and gear. Then take them outside, and rub moist dirt, and mud lightly all over to get a good even "filthy" layer, then brush off excess. a little blood here and there for my PTO uniforms, and not so much for my ETO stuff."

Considering the results, it sounds good:




Another member also posted his own method.

What are your thoughts on weathering? Any techniques that you may want to recommend? I'm actually interested to hear what the model makers have to say about this.

[jimmiroquai]

If you want the look without the damage/actual dirt...spray paint, chalk pastels, dull coat spray, and light bleach go a long way. Some of these reenactors don't even wash the uniforms for the "realism". I'd go for the more hygenic option.

[labrador]

chalk pastels are a modeler's standby, are great and i believe are hollywood standard. if you overdo it wash, rinse and repeat! Nothing can simulate "edge fade" than normal regular use, wear and washing. Make sure the position of the oil stains you create makes sense. apply to arms, lap, butt, lower legs. Personally though, i believe soldiers tried to keep their uniforms as clean as possible though this was virtually impossible in combat.

[gman88]

just keep using, they'll wear naturally.

[jnmodeller]

Well as simple as wash and wear and some pastel as labrador mentioned,
i use some of my uniform at home or as pajamas ;D until it reaches my desire look,

[hughdotoh]

Oct 25, 2011 15:43:54 GMT 8 gman88 said:

just keep using, they'll wear naturally.

True. Cold wash without soap, air-dry, and launder only after every 15th game (that's maybe roughly 15 weekends of mud, dirt, and crud).

[gman88]

by that time the uniform'll be crawling on its own hahaha

[labrador]

do remember that washing in itself helps weather the clothes. general fading and edge fade as well as wear on the edges of sleeves and pockets.

[Waffen Ryan]

Weathering is just simply washing, the dirt comes naturally in the surroundings. It would be funny if the weathering will not blend with the surroundings, you're all chalked up with pastel and the area is damp. Mud, soil ,and dust is enough for me. Then wash it again when you go home, hang it dry in the sun (if you want to fade it faster)...or not wash it to get that really stinky impression. Hehehe.

Same thing goes with the field gears. Wash your helmet covers if you want a weathered feel, sun dried to fade a little, dirt it up in the field. Shoes, pouches, straps can get a little sanding if you think it really looks new, then use it in the field as if you're in an actual combat field. Just make sure they're all attached to you tightly...that modern airsofter will just pack up and go with your gear.

Use paint and pastels in the studio or film set.

[labrador]

that's the huge advantage of playing in a field like alpadi. all my pouches and field gear are heavily weathered and my uniforms are getting there. in fact a few got there a bit too fast.

[jnmodeller]

Look at this "happy and weathered" ;D

[gman88]

That pic, for some reason, calls to mind the Sound of Music...

[Waffen Ryan]

Oct 27, 2011 19:45:18 GMT 8 jnmodeller said:

Look at this "happy and weathered" ;D

I agree...natural weathering and happy doing it.