How to dirty down clothes
Ageing sprays demonstration – ageing a jacket
This demonstration shows ageing sprays applied to a mans jacket to show how to dirty down costumes. The main colours used were Mid Brown, Dark Brown, Black and Ash Blonde ageing spray. For demonstration purposes we have made the ageing effect very visible; just apply a little less for a more subtle effect. The colours will often change under the stage or set lights and most of the time look less dramatic.
Wear gloves and an apron and work on a well ventilated area. Our ageing sprays are water soluble. The spray may be smeared by re-wetting with water and then dabbing or rubbing with a damp or wet cloth. Keep water and a cloth near to blur and smudge the colours when necessary. The effects of spraying will be lost by washing in water, but there may still be staining. Do not use sprayed fabrics outside in wet weather.
With thanks to Rosa Fernandez Day for ageing this jacket.
- Use ageing spray sparingly; apply several fine coats rather than one heavy coat. The shade will darken with each coat applied.
- When spraying larger areas, hold can upright 30cm (1 foot) away from the fabric and spray across in one smooth sweep, keeping the nozzle fully depressed.
- Hold the can a little closer to the fabric when spraying the collar, lapels, pockets and cuffs.
- For very dark patches, spray close to the surface.
- For small patches, spray through holes cut in a sheet of paper.
To see other demonstrations click on a link below or on right hand menu:
How to dirty down Captain Jack Sparrow costume
How to dirty down props and fabrics
Model buildings weathered using dirty down
Step by step – Ageing a Jacket
The main colours used were Mid Brown, Dark Brown, Black and Ash Blonde ageing spray.
Clean Jacket. Before applying ageing sprays its best to distress the jacket fabric. Wet or machine wash the jacket, then crumple up and leave to dry. Create the appearance of wear on the collar, lapels, pockets, cuffs and elbows by rubbing the fabric with sand paper. Use a wire brush to snag and tear the fabric and fray edges.
Spray the edges of the collar. Place spare fabric or plastic under the collar to protect the fabric underneath from being sprayed. Wrap your tailors dummy in cling film to protect it from spray.
Spray pocket edges. Spray closer in places for darker patches. Place spare fabric or plastic under the pocket flap to protect the fabric behind from being sprayed.
Spray other pocket edges. Spray closer in places for darker patches. Place spare fabric inside the pocket to protect the fabric behind from being sprayed. Then spray inside the pocket.
Spray cuff edges and inside of cuffs. This image also shows how we distressed the jacket by removing button and leaving loose threads. See the frayed/worn edges.
Spray less visible parts, such as behind lapels.
Spray over seams & under collar. Hold the spray can closer to the fabric when spraying seams.
Spray button holes and other areas when dirt might gather. Spray closer in places for darker patches. Also spray under arms.
Finish by spraying lightly over the rest of the jacket.
