Care Instructions: How to Look After and Maintain Your Gear

LARP Equipment Maintenance & Protection: Tips for Long-Lasting Gear

After purchasing your LARP gear, it’s easy to forget about maintenance once the excitement of the event fades. However, taking proper care of your equipment can extend its lifespan and keep it looking great for future battles. Each brand and product may have specific care needs, but here are some general tips for maintaining the items we stock and sell.

Canvas, Cotton, and Fabrics

The care for fabric-based gear such as costumes, cloaks, and other accessories requires special attention.

• First Wash: Always hand wash your garment the first time, especially if it’s a new item. If hand washing is not possible, wash with other garments of similar colors.
• Subsequent Washes: For future washes, a cold machine wash is recommended.
• Delicates Protection: If your garment features tassels, buckles, straps, or hooks, use a delicate garment bag to prevent damage during the wash cycle.
• Drying and Storage: Air dry your fabric garments away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and always store them in a dry, moisture-free environment.

Gambesons

Gambesons, often made with leather strapping or other attachments, require more delicate care.

• Spot Cleaning: For cleaning, especially to remove odors or mild mold, use vinegar or vodka in a spray bottle, diluted with water. This helps clean and neutralize odors effectively.
• Machine Wash: If your gambeson has removable fastenings or no straps, a cold machine wash with similar colors is fine.
• Drying and Storage: Hang your gambeson away from sunlight, ensuring it is fully dry before storing it in a moisture-free environment.

Leather Care

Leather requires specific maintenance, with different types needing different treatments.

• General Leather Care (excludes suede):

  • If your leather gear feels dry, stiff, or loses its shine: Use Gold Quality Leather Grease to restore moisture and pliability.
  • To clean your leather: Use a designated leather soap to remove dirt, followed by the application of leather grease to moisturize.
  • For moldy leather: Scrub with vinegar and a brush to remove mold, then dry your gear in direct sunlight to kill any remaining spores. Afterward, apply leather grease to replenish moisture.

• Suede Maintenance: Suede requires special care with suede-specific products for cleaning and waterproofing. Avoid using standard leather care products.

Maille (Chainmail)

Maille, whether made of steel or aluminum, requires unique care to maintain its integrity.

• Steel Chainmail: Store your steel chainmail in a sack and apply a metal lubricant such as Ballistol. Chainmail rusts quickly, so it’s important to store it in a lubricated sack when not in use.
• Aluminum Chainmail: No regular maintenance is required for aluminum chainmail, though it should still be stored properly to avoid damage.

Metal Armor

To avoid rusting and damage, metal armor must be regularly maintained.

• Lubrication: Use Ballistol or Lanox MX4 as metal lubricants. These will protect your metal armor without harming leather straps. Avoid other lubricants that might damage the leather.
• Cleaning: After each use, especially if the armor has come in contact with sweat or moisture, spray it with lubricant to prevent rust. Always do this in a well-ventilated area.
• Storage: Store metal armor away from humidity and direct sunlight, and ensure it is properly cleaned and lubricated before storage.

LARP Weapons

Caring for your LARP weapons, whether foam, latex, or polyurethane, is crucial to keeping them in good working condition.

• Latex Weapons (shiny, foam-coated): Apply a silicone maintenance spray (like Epic Armoury Protection Gel) every 2-4 weeks, or more frequently if used often. Spray the weapon and gently rub it in with a soft cloth or disposable gloves. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes before use. This helps to prevent cracking, drying, and UV damage. Avoid sprays not designed for LARP gear, as they may discolor the latex.

• Polyurethane / Latex-Free Weapons: These weapons require little to no maintenance. Silicone spray can be used, but it’s not necessary. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Proper care of your LARP equipment ensures that it remains in great condition for years to come. Whether you’re maintaining fabric, leather, or metal gear, following these simple tips can protect your investment and keep you ready for your next adventure.