Armour Treatise I - Maintenance

[_RoyalCrafter_ 3366]

 

 

Authored by Ser Sterling Percy Amador

Published by Blue Orchid Publishing

 

Introduction
The importance of armour is self-evident, however, what is not is how to maintain it. Many people lack the knowledge on how to properly care for their armour, and through wear and tear their armour becomes less effective. In a matter of life or death, every advantage counts.

 

This volume will cover Plate, Chainmail, Leather and Gambeson.

 

 

Maintenance - Metal
Plate
The key to preventing the degradation of armour is to reduce its exposure to wetness. Thus whenever your armour becomes wet or damp always dry it off, and never store it in a moist place. Keep it protected with special armour oils and wax, in order to prevent rust. Milking grease, a fine mineral oil, is particularly effective in protecting against rust.

In the case of rust, it is not advised to use vinegar or other acidic substances. They have a strong effect on rust that is true, but they also eat away at your metal, creating weak spots. You can use a whetstone of low grit for surface-level rust, or higher grit for deeper rust. Olive oil may also be used with care upon rust, but be sure to remove it quickly. For grime, dirt and other similar messes, it is sufficient to wipe them down with a rag.

 

Chainmail
Much of the same that was said about plate can be said about chainmail. Keep your mail clear from wetness moisture and humidity. Using mineral oils to wax and lubricate is also useful. Also, avoid acidic treatments.

 

To treat it from corrosion by rust, one must place the chainmail in a barrel and add gravel and sand. After which the barrel should be spun and agitated in order for the rust to be pelted off by the materials inside. This process normally takes around an hour to perform. However, you should rarely need to do this, since the rings of mail tend to rub off the rust from each other if in frequent use.

 

 

Maintenance - Textiles

Leather
Leather goods and equipment suffer the same weakness to humidity and moisture as metal. Only instead of rust, leather becomes afflicted with mould. Thus, store your leather gear in dry areas, and be sure to apply protective oil to it.

Should there be any mould, first try wiping it off with cloth. If the mould is deeper then soak it in vinegar. However, keep vinegar clear from metal items. For grime, you may simply rub it off with an oily rag. Don't apply to much force at the risk of damaging the leather fibres.

 

Gambeson
When cleaning a gambeson, it is important to use cold water as to not shrink it. It is best done by hand and gently too for the same reasons as leather. It is best to dry a gambeson in the shade as well, and not in front of fire.

 

Gambesons will become coated by oil and gain a patina due to normally being worn under oiled up armour. This is not necessary to wash. You need only clean your gambeson in case of foul smelling stains.
 

 

Edited June 6, 2023 by _RoyalCrafter_
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