Distressing a web belt

[Indiana Croft]

I just recived a Raiders brown web belt from a fellow gear head (ij1936) and well heck it's brand new. Whats the best way other than wearing it to soften it up and maybe fading it a little. Want it to look like I've been wearing it on many an adventure.

I was thinking of ritt dye remover, just a quick in and out.
A little steel wool on the buckle to dull it up some.

So what other ideas are there for this kinda project.
Croft

And yes I did do some searching.

[Mulceber]

Oh I wouldn't want to change the color, it's perfect as it is. Maybe take some sandpaper to the buckle. That's about all I'd do. :junior: -M

[Bullitt]

I agree with Mulceber, though I think steel wool will work out great as well.
I suggest making the rest of the belt look dirty with some Fuller's Earth or just... dirt. That way you are able to remove it.

[IndyFrench]

Sometimes natural distressing is the best medicine....If you're willing to wait!

[Scandinavia Jones]

Be careful with sanding the buckle, unless it's a solid brass one. If it's plated, the plating may rub off real quick if you're blasting away with that sandpaper. As you can see on IndyFrench's pic, the NH buckle is plated... and distressed to a near-silver-y look. (Very ToD-accurate though...)The top buckle in the pic is solid brass though, and IMO they do look best if you let them age and oxidize over time.

[IndyWannaBee]

Is the belt cotton or nylon material? Distressing the belt would be easy as rubbing some Nye charcoal into the belt.

As far as the buckle and tip I would remove the protective coating from the metal and soak it in some vinegar vapor for about 5 minutes. That will put a nice dull finish on the buckle. This will only work though if it is really truly brass!

[Indiana Croft]

Thanks for the ideas, I think I'll leave the belt alone, well maybe I'll watch TV and just roll it up and un-roll it, to break it in. As far as the belt buckle, steel wool only, just to dull it up some.

Thanks again, Croft

[PyramidBlaster]

I just picked up a new web belt and solid brass buckle at my local Surplus store (which is an adventure in itself--that place is like a maze of coolness!)...And solid brass buckle. One thing I might add to those picking similar items up...Pretty much ALL of the brass items I've picked up (buckles, hardware, etc.) have had a protective film applied over them...This is undoubtedly done to keep up appearance (like I NEED to be able to signal aircraft with my Indy web belt!), but will inhibit aging. It will also look like cr@p over the years if the coating gets scratched and then ages---I've had this happen. So, I took a polisher to the parts of the buckle that show, and sanded it to a satin sheen with 600-grit sandpaper.

Let the natural aging begin!

[whipwarrior]

I like your avatar, Pyramid Blaster - Indiana Bones!!!

[Holt]

the original web belt was just distressed with some sandpaper on the buckle.that's all

bests
Holt

[lantzn]

Antiquing brass and other metals;
http://www.architecturalclassics.com/bl ... age-brass/
http://www.whitechapel-ltd.com/tech/antique_brass.shtml

Solutions
http://antiquesupply.com/products/BRASS ... 0-541.html
http://houseofantiquehardware.com/Brass ... 8Ta38Qc3f0

http://www.thefurnitureconnoisseur.com/ ... etail&p=34

Hardware Antiquing Fluid (hardware antiquing solution):
Hardware Antiquing Fluid from R. Richardson Ltd. is a unique brush-on antiquing fluid concentrate perfect for aging brass, copper and bronze hardware. Ideal for restoring antique hardware or to match new hardware to old. Easy to apply, fast acting and very effective in reproducing an antique patina on hardware. Final antiquing effect and reaction time are controlled by diluting with water. Once that the final antiquing effect has been achieved, it may be enhanced by the application of a clear coat finish, wax or oil. Made in America.

* Recommended replacement product for Liberon Antiquing Fluid, which unfortunately is no longer available from Liberon.

Preparation:
Insure that the surface to be antiqued is thoroughly cleaned. Remove all grease, oil and fingerprints with R. Richardson Ltd. All Natural Citrus Solvent and a clean soft cloth. If metal surface is extremely dirty, using No. 5 Premium Steel Wool in place of the cloth will expedite the cleaning process. However, the final cleaning should be with RRLTD. All Natural Citrus Solvent and a clean soft cloth. If the surface has a lacquer finish, it will need to be removed with a paint stripper and thoroughly cleaned (before) applying the antiquing solution.

Important:
Always test antiquing fluid on a spare surface or inconspicuous area for color, compatibility and end result.

Precautions:
Do not touch the bare surface before treating as skin perspiration or finger oil will affect the final result.

Creating & Restoring Antique Copper Patina:
Copper creates a beautiful and much sought-after antique patina. The natural beauty of this mineral is excentuate when it begins to oxidize. This dynamic natural effect is known as a living finish, and can easily be recreated using R. Richardson Ltd. Antiquing Solution. Whether you are wanting to antique an entire copper piece or simply touch up a small damaged area, RRLTD. Antiquing Solution will make it easy! This product is easy to apply, fast acting and very effective in reproducing an antique copper patina. It simply accelerates the aging process to produce a beautiful antique copper patina.

3 Easy Steps to Reproduce an Antique Copper Finish:

1. CLEAN surface to be antiqued thoroughly, removing all grease, oil and fingerprints with R. Richardson Ltd. All Natural Citrus Solvent and a clean soft cloth. If copper surface is extremely dirty, using No. 5 Premium Steel Wool in place of the cloth will expedite the cleaning process. However, the final cleaning should be with RRLTD. All Natural Citrus Solvent and a clean soft cloth. If the copper surface has a lacquer finish, it will need to be removed with a paint stripper and thoroughly cleaned (before) applying the antiquing solution.

2. APPLY ANTIQUING FLUID with a saturated swab, cotton cloth or brush and watch for desired effect. When desired color tone is achieved, wipe rinse or spray immediately with cold water and wipe dry. Or as an alternative method, immerse item in a solution of antiquing fluid and 20-25 percent clean water. Once that the copper surface is dry, the resulting patina can be highlighted or distressed with No. 5 Premium Steel Wool.

3. PROTECT and maintain the patina of your copper sinks and tubs with The Furniture Butler Table Top Wax and Patina Protector. Table Top Wax has proven to be the safest and most durable paste wax for copper sinks and tubs. It is easy to apply and produces a durable, long lasting shine.

In Addition:
The Furniture Butler Patina Protector is a very unique Eco-Friendly spray polish that is recommended for maintaining copper sinks and tubs on a regular basis. Patina Protector may be used alone or as a compliment to improve the performance and durability of ALL waxed surfaces, without the risk of removing the wax. Patina Protector is the perfect maintenance polish and will very gently clean, maintain and preserve the valuable antique copper patina. It is environmentally safe and contains no solvent, toxins or silicone. This polish has a clean, fresh scent. Simply spray on and wipe off...it couldn’t be easier or safer!

Related Items:
• Premium No. 5 Steel Wool
• Patina Protector
• Paste Wax Protection
• Brass/ Copper Cleaner
• Brass Lacquer