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The horrors of DDR "vinyl"

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    The horrors of DDR "vinyl"

    I'm sure we've all had the same problem with DDR produced items made of the DDR's version of vinyl...Think about the rubberized canvas work suits, briefcases, suit valets and the like...I've experienced two different tragedies with these pieces and am almost ready to eliminate them from my collection entirely.
    They will either get gummy, start to deterioate and stick to themselves, or become very dried out whereby the rubberized coating flakes off...
    As for the gummy-problem, I believe to have found a solution...but have only recently tried it out. There is a non-toxic degreaser on the market sold under the brand name "Holy cow." I know, it sounds strange...but it seems to have somewhat of a rejuvenating effect on the material. It seems to cut the gummy-ness. I've not tried simple green, but since the "Holy cow" brand is very similar, it might work as well.

    As for the other type of "pleather" as seen in the black vinyl work-caps and the trim of FDJ, NVA-female berets, I have found no cure. These types seem to flake off and shed their surface coatings like snakeskin. There is a bit of a gummy residue left over, but the reaction between the two synthetic materials seems to be the culprit here. If anyone has had the experience of two different types of plastic come into contact with each other for a long period of time, the will melt into each other, or burn into eeach other. This seems to be the opposite effect.
    Anyone else have this?

    #2
    I've experenced this same type of deteriation. I've used talcum powder which seems to do the trick on the first items you mentioned. And it's reversable, it can be washed off. My black vinyal work caps and trim for NVA female berets just flake off plastic and are generally unsalvagable.

    I've also had the elastic in pants deteriate. I believe I've had all of these problems since over the years they have been exposed to extremes in heat and cold over 20 years as I've moved in the military.

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      #3
      Yup, these items all self destruct in a counter-revolutionary way. I believe the MfS have the names of the designers and the factory staff responsible and that they have all been arrested for their crimes

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        #4
        Genossen, It is a Cross we all bear....


        Genosse grossmacht's work to find an answer, is receiving Admiring Glances from Moscow Centre.



        Last edited by Viktor; 06-06-2009, 07:10 AM.

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