Oilcloth information sought...

[ZouaveCapt]

Hello, I am looking for a reliable source for oilcloth, and have been unable to find any vendors that carry it either reliably, or in colors suitable for my purposes. Thus, I am arriving at the conclusion that I may have to make it myself. I am aware of how to make small sheets, but does anyone have information on how it would have been manufactured during the Civil War, or any companies that did so at the time? Further, any vendors that you know that might carry it would be greatly appreciated. I've already visited Periodfabrics.com, and was disappointed in their selection. Are there any other sources that you folks are aware of that I'm missing? I'm having quite a bit of trouble tracking this down. Thank you.

[Dan Munson]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

Didn't see you "signature" on your post. AC rules, I believe require all posts to have a signature. You can set up an automatic signature and stylize it, or just type you name at the end of every post.

If you want the name of a reputable vendor who can make you a cracker-jack period oil cloth or painted blanket, email me directly (dan.munson@mto.com). If you are just looking for how to "paint" your own oil cloth or painted blanket, I can help with that.

I see you hail from Sacramento. Oil cloths and/or painted blankets are of great interest to myself and few others in California and AZ who do a lot of "California Volunteer" impressions out here in the West. The Feds initially issued no rain gear to the California volunteers of 1861-62. Men went without, trusting to luck and the generally dry climate, or else bought what they could via private purchase.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

http://www.geocities.com/union_guard/oilcloth_and_painted_accoutermen.htm

[fedhead]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

I have used the period paint recipe above many times but i can,t stop it soaking the cloth, does anybody know if thickeners were used for this reason ie chalk,alum.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

I have used the period paint recipe above many times but i can,t stop it soaking the cloth, does anybody know if thickeners were used for this reason ie chalk,alum.

Try starching the cloth heavily before painting. This was a practice that was common to the Federal depots for knapsacks, as I have a reference to the practice on pre-war knapsacks. The starch fills the pores of the material, allowing for a more even coating and glossier finish. The starch that was used then was similiar to the powdered starch that you can find in some grocery stores today. I've used it mixed one part boiling water to one part powder and sprayed it on the cloth and allowed to dry. You may need to experiment with some test cloth first, as too much starch will also allow the paint to flake off prematurely.

[fahtz]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

We use starch (Argo Starch) all the time in covering theatrical flats with canvas, it stretches the fabric drum tight (sizing). Be careful not to account for shrinkage of your cloth.

[fedhead]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

i have used cornstarch but that never worked, i will follow your advice Ross.

But has anybody heard of adding a thickener to the paint like chalk is this period?

[Jam3853]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

Ross do you mind sharing your reference on this thread?

[gilham]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

removed by me

[lukegilly13]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

I've used the starch method with the recipe on the above posted website. It works. But be careful on the amount of starch you use.....if it clumps, the paint becomes almost brittle. I've made several different variations....it's a fun project but time consuming...don't get in a hurry.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

I worked with this a great deal today. I cannot get the mixture to stop soaking through either. I tried the starch...one time too heavy and the paint chipped/cracked. Today, I used less starch to water.....don't think there will be a problem with flaking, but the paint went through the fabric like toilet paper. Would more linseed oil and less thinner help this or simply make it take much longer to dry? I'd like to add that painting drill is not a problem...I can keep it from soaking...it's duck cotton that is troubling me.
Ross, I would like to try your suggested mixture above...is the original substance closer to cooking starch(corn starch) or laundry starch (or are these the same???)?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

I worked with this a great deal today. I cannot get the mixture to stop soaking through either. I tried the starch...one time too heavy and the paint chipped/cracked. Today, I used less starch to water.....don't think there will be a problem with flaking, but the paint went through the fabric like toilet paper. Would more linseed oil and less thinner help this or simply make it take much longer to dry? I'd like to add that painting drill is not a problem...I can keep it from soaking...it's duck cotton that is troubling me.
Ross, I would like to try your suggested mixture above...is the original substance closer to cooking starch(corn starch) or laundry starch (or are these the same???)?

More like laundry starch as described in the period report from the QM report on knapsacks in the 1840's. I've had good results with boiled Argo laundry starch in the box or Sta Flo in the bottle (about half and half). I just found another period receipt from "Shaker Textile Arts" by Beverly Gordon (Univ. Press of New England, 1980) . "To make oil cloth. 1 pint of wheat flour and 1 quart of water, 2 teaspoons alum and scald but not boil. Add 1 gallon soft soap and 1/2 pint boiled oil with some kind of paint, about 2 TBs. Spread with a brush on the cloth you intend to paint and smooth with hot flat irons until it is dry. Then it is fit to spread paint upon which should be mix(ed) with boiled oil without spirit" Source: Journal of Irena Bates, unidentified community

[lukegilly13]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

Thanks Ross! I just purchased some Sta Flo today...I plan to experiment some tomorrow!

[Charles Kaiser]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

I use the corm starch too. I put the starch on the cloth, and than wait until it has nearly dryed. Then I used a flat-iron. so you get a verly plain cloth surface. it is like our ancestors starch their shir collars foe example.

[3rdUSRedleg]

Re: Oilcloth information sought...

Add more lamp black powder untill the consistency is rather thick.
Ratio: 1 pound of Lamp (carbon) Black to 1.5 quarts of liquid mixture.
Bleeding will be severely reduced.