I just posted a similar question over about the Fedora but I realized how different the leather jacket is so I wanted to ask for advice and help in dirtying up the jacket and making it look dusty!
My son and I ordered a budget Indiana Jones Raiders jacket. We are trying to make the jacket look "dirty/dusty" like the Raiders Cario look. I've seen other people do this to the jacket but it looks like white baby powder and that looks off to me. I don't know how to make the leather jacket look dusty and dirty?
Before we get started trying to replicate this look, has anyone else successfully found the best way to re-create this dirty Raiders look on their leather jacket? Yes, LOL, I realize we can play in the dirt.
I was hopeful you all might have some prop replicating advice before we started! Thank you!
Yep, generally fuller's earth is the way to go. Remember that in the movies they can reapply between scenes so in real life the effect will brush off.
Uncolored/unscented cat litter or oil spill absorbers are usually fuller's earth. Double check the label to make sure it is nothing but 100% fuller's earth and you can buy pounds of the stuff for pennies on the dollar compared to buying a few ounce bottle sold for costuming.
If you go the litter/absorbant route, it will come in larger clumps that will need to be ground down into a fine powder. Best way to apply is load some in a sock and pounce the jacket or hat. The key is to strive to be random in the application (the oxymoron is not lost on me). Humans are notoriously bad at doing anything random.
Thank you for this. I was unfamiliar with this so we'll order some and try it out and see how it looks. This is a fun project for me and my son.
Thanks for the tip!!!
~Chuck
Tibor wrote: ↑Sun Oct 06, 2024 2:15 pm
Fuller’s Earth is what Hollywood uses. Todd’s Costumes used to carry it, but I don’t see it on his website anymore. This place has it:
Jeff, yes I think this may be the answer. I ordered some but don't know when it will arrive. I'll post up photos and keep you all in the loop.
I've seen some other folks dirty up their jackets but it looks like white baby powder! I want to avoid that look.
~Chuck
Indiana Jeff wrote: ↑Sun Oct 06, 2024 3:24 pm
Yep, generally fuller's earth is the way to go. Remember that in the movies they can reapply between scenes so in real life the effect will brush off.
Uncolored/unscented cat litter or oil spill absorbers are usually fuller's earth. Double check the label to make sure it is nothing but 100% fuller's earth and you can buy pounds of the stuff for pennies on the dollar compared to buying a few ounce bottle sold for costuming.
If you go the litter/absorbant route, it will come in larger clumps that will need to be ground down into a fine powder. Best way to apply is load some in a sock and pounce the jacket or hat. The key is to strive to be random in the application (the oxymoron is not lost on me). Humans are notoriously bad at doing anything random.
The thing to remember, tho, is that fuller's earth is extremely absorbent and it WILL dry the leather with time -- it was originally used for pulling the lanolin out of wool, which is what "fulling" is. So my advice would be to make sure that leather is in good shape and give it a good conditioning BEFORE putting it on and not to excess and keep an eye on the leather over time. Using it on film wardrobes etc is one thing, but on a piece you intend on keeping you have to be careful. Especially something like leather.
I would honestly consider using something like crushed sidewalk chalk, which is mostly gypsum. Get some orange and yellow with some white and a little red and it works great. And add a little ground pencil lead for fun.
Thank you for the advice. My son and I will try your sidewalk chalk idea. THATS not bad andvice at all actually! My son is at that age where this kind of stuff is a lotta fun, and it feels like we're about to make our own Indiana Jones movie!!!
Best,
~Chuck
Illinois_Jones wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 1:34 am
The thing to remember, tho, is that fuller's earth is extremely absorbent and it WILL dry the leather with time -- it was originally used for pulling the lanolin out of wool, which is what "fulling" is. So my advice would be to make sure that leather is in good shape and give it a good conditioning BEFORE putting it on and not to excess and keep an eye on the leather over time. Using it on film wardrobes etc is one thing, but on a piece you intend on keeping you have to be careful. Especially something like leather.
I would honestly consider using something like crushed sidewalk chalk, which is mostly gypsum. Get some orange and yellow with some white and a little red and it works great. And add a little ground pencil lead for fun.
Jeff, I have not heard of aging powders. Can you tell me what exactly I need to research for that info, please sir? I've not heard that term before. Thank you!
Kind regards,
~Chuck
Indiana Jeff wrote: ↑Thu Oct 10, 2024 12:54 pm
The other tip from Adam Savage, always use at least three colors when aging/weathering props.
It starts getting expensive, but searching for theater supplies you can find different shades of aging powders.
Thanks for your advice. Right now I'm still waiting on some items I ordered to arrive. Well hopefully be trying to dirty up the parts soon and posting photos!!!
