Can I iron the MKVII bag??

Spaniard · Post by **Spaniard** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 2:45 am

Yesterday I received the bag from What Price Glory. The bag is very nice but
is too wrinkled. Can I iron it??

Regards

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 3:06 am

The bag is all cotton canvas so I don't see why not really. You might want to wait for someone who has actually tried it on the forum though... Interesting topic.

Regards,
Swindiana

Flash Gordon · Post by **Flash Gordon** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 3:08 pm

I've washed AND ironed my WPG bag. It came out fine.

It's a little tricky to iron, that's all...because of the pockets and things. But it won't hurt it.

Now, if I could just find a way to replace the stamps on my REAL MK VIIs...

Farnham54 · Post by **Farnham54** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 3:34 pm

I don't know if this is blasphemy or not, but it strikes me that you should be able to either use T-Shirt transfers and iron on scans of the original labels and markings, or get a silk screener to do it for you.

But that may substantially devalue the bag; I really don't know. Swindiana. what do you think?

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 5:51 pm

You might find these threads interesteing:

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... ight=stamp

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... ight=stamp

I'd myself never put a reproduction stamp on my real bag but I see no harm in it if you want it for personal purposes. If you have a nice shot of what the stamp used to look like then I'd say go ahaed as long as the company, design and production years are right for the specific bag. It will devalue the bag although not that much that you can't take it. Like mentioned, the bags are still out there and can be found for a decent prize. A new stamp would be like adding or replacing parts of the bag and it wouldn't be all original in case you'd want to sell it later on, sell it as a WWII gas mask bag with new parts.

Those are just my thoughts on the topic. Chime in?
To sum it up: If your bag is a keeper and you have got the stamp down, go ahead.

Regards,
Swindiana

Paulcrastination · Post by **Paulcrastination** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 10:01 pm

If you want the wrinkles gone, simply soak it with water and let it dry with some wood blocks inside. This way as it dries it'll be sure to retain that shape you want.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 9:26 am

Yup, the wood blocks method rocks. Nice to see someone else who has discovered it.

I've done a few washings and it always works for me.

Regards,
Swindy

Paulcrastination · Post by **Paulcrastination** » Wed Oct 15, 2003 10:00 pm

Yeah Swindy, it works way better (and safer) than ironing. You don't even have to use wood blocks, just pack it full with something and it will be all good. Makes the fabric a little stiffer initially too, kind of like towels off the clothes line... except you shouldn't press the bag against your wet skin. Of course you could, if you're into that kind of thing.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Thu Oct 16, 2003 1:23 am

I love these bags, don't get me wrong, but...

Regards,
Swindy

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Thu Oct 16, 2003 11:05 pm

Flash Gordon wrote:I've washed AND ironed my WPG bag. It came out fine.

So, did the washing affect the color at all?

Flash Gordon · Post by **Flash Gordon** » Fri Oct 17, 2003 10:12 am

Nope.

I actually WANTED it to affect the color, to make it look more faded, but it looked just the same.

Paulcrastination · Post by **Paulcrastination** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 2:29 pm

I find the best way to get that distressed broken in around the edges look is too redye your bag. This is of course, if your are displeased with a tan or light green MkVII. While I've only ever done it once, the results where fantastic. Once you dye the bag that just right shade green run it through the washing machine on the gentle cycle. This will remove the remaining dye that didn't take to the fabric, giving it that lightly distressed look. I'll be attempting this experiment again next weekend, with a tan bag I just bought from Colt. I'll post a tutuorial with pictures when I'm finished.

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Mon Oct 20, 2003 4:58 am

I always think these bags look best when thet ARE a little creased, discoloured and worn.

The WPG bag does 'distress' well after a short period of practical use. I use mine every day to carry my kit around in, and I am glad to say it has now attained that 'Indyesque' look with very little effort on my part.

Always a good thing.....

Al