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]

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]

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

[fedhead]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Ross do you mind sharing your reference on this thread?

[gilham]

removed by me

[lukegilly13]

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.