Weathering a black flight suit?

[Buck Navillus]

I'm using a black flight suit for a custom Mando but wondering how to weather it? I've washed it twice but it is holding up very well. I wondered about getting it dirty or greasy but I'm not sure it would show. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[tubachris85x]

I'm using a black flight suit for a custom Mando but wondering how to weather it? I've washed it twice but it is holding up very well. I wondered about getting it dirty or greasy but I'm not sure it would show. Any ideas?

Thanks!

I imagine you can use colors such as light or dark brown, like dirst, grease etc. Im sure any color lighter then black will work. I know even something like a dark red or clay colors will show.

-tubachris

 

[Kimelius]

Check the fabric type - if its 65%Polyester 35%Cotton, chances are your suit will hold its colours for quite some time. BDU's certainly do.

For a temporary fix, talcum powder works well for that dusty look. Don't bleach unless you want that try-hard vintage denim look!

Also look at the obvious wear points - knees & seat and raised seams.

 

[Wildabeast]

spray paint at 5 feet...fine mist some earth tones over the suit, just don't spry directly on it.....OR just go play in the mud..

 

[CombatBaby]

leave different parts of it exposed in the sun, and once you've faded the joints mist it with spray cans to dirty it up

 

[Buck Navillus]

Thanks for the suggestions everybody. Yes, it is 65% polyester and 35% cotton so I think it stay black for awhile.

I got some lighter gray paint and two shades of brown. I may dab on some gray paint on the flex points to simulate wear and browns on contact points for dirt. I'll see how the black I have looks on it for grease.

I just got an airbrush but haven't had a chance to use it yet. Probably want to practice some before using it on this to add an overall dirty-ness.

Thanks again!

 

[Southern hunter]

I would definitely play around with the airbrush on some old shirts or cardboard. Experiment with the different settings for the nozzle and distances from what you're painting. When it comes to paint, it's always easier to spray more onto something than it is to take it off. You probably know this, and there are more experienced painters out there than me, but remember several light coats is better than one thick coat.

As far as wear, you may want to put the suit on, notice where the high spots are when you bend and move and then lighten them with either paint or sandpaper. What I have used as a highlight color for black is charcoal gray or light gray. Be patient, persistent and please post pix.

 

[JangoJax]

Just loan it to a mechanic for a day. Trust me :cheers

 

[Buck Navillus]

All great ideas. What I actually ended up doing is using a $2 pumice stone from the health and beauty dept of Walmart. It worked great at wearing down the keys places well and giving it a great worn look. It also left an over all scuffed look to the fabric. I also used it on the new canvass ammo built with good effect.