Rust Stains of WSS Tropical Tunic

[Horrido!]

Hey gents, after doing a little research on old threads here and on the internet, I decided to tackle the nasty rust stains that marred an excellent condition WSS tropical tunic. The tunic would have been practically brand new, save for the rust stains and a few fabrics runs. I used a rust removal product I picked up at the local grocery store; the rust busting solution is called Whink. I tested a small area first to make sure there would be no adverse reactions, and then just followed the directions right on the bottle. Afterward, I washed the tunic in the bathtub in lukewarm water and Woolite. I made sure to rise the tunic thoroughly and then laid it flat on a towel to dry over night. Well, I may have committed a collecting faux pas to many, but I could care less, as I am very pleased with the results. IMO, well worth the risk. The Whink got rid of all the nasty rust stains the the gentle hand washing has brought great character back to the tunic. Of course, no phosphates and no harsh chemicals......just Woolite and lukewarm water. So, here she is.....what do ya think?

BEFORE:







AFTER:

[afrikasandman]

It is a very nice looking tunic, i think removing the rust was a good thing. Many will argue that it was part of the history, but is it really?? More likely it wasnt well cared for at first hence the rust stains. You did a good thing i would say. Matt

[Horrido!]

Thanks for the comments mate. Yeah, I really wasn't concerned that the rust stains were part of the history of the piece. If I had proof that the stains were made when the soldat jumped out of his SdKfz in northern Italy during the fighting around Bologna or something, then I would leave it alone. As it was, it was just a nice tunic with nasty stains, and no story behind it. I know pieces should be left in original condition, but why not take care of them the way a soldier would have? I mean soldiers washed their uniforms as often as they could.......did they destroy the history of their pieces? I think not.

I think this tunic looks better now, and I highly recommend Whink for rust stain on uniforms and gear. Just be sure to test a small area first to make sure there's no bad juju going on, and then use as directed. I would say the worst of the rust stains disappeared in about 30 minutes. I just dumped some Whink into a small cup and applied it to the stains with cotton swabs.

Alex

[besslein]

I never wash(I mean colection stuff ) my item I think your tunic lost for sure some from the original color

[Horrido!]

I can see how it looks like it has lost some colour, but I assure you it's just the camera. The first pictures are from the original seller and the last are mine, taken at night in my room with the camera flash on. The tunic is made of smooth Italian cotton, so it looks lighter and shines with the flash......kind of like Drillich tunics. I would have immediately taken the tunic out of the water if colour started to leach from it. The water was pretty clean. Also, the Whink rust remover is damaging to non-colourfast fabrics.

Alex

[besslein]

I can see how it looks like it has lost some colour, but I assure you it's just the camera. The first pictures are from the original seller and the last are mine, taken at night in my room with the camera flash on. The tunic is made of smooth Italian cotton, so it looks lighter and shines with the flash......kind of like Drillich tunics. I would have immediately taken the tunic out of the water if colour started to leach from it. The water was pretty clean. Also, the Whink rust remover is damaging to non-colourfast fabrics.

Alex

I hope,I hope .........I know a idividual that have washed hes super nice SS Palm camo smock after was 30% off original camo gone