Fabric covering for a shield. Which fabric is strongest?

InsaneIrish · Post by **InsaneIrish** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 3:27 pm

Yeah I know, I asked this question before, but the thread was quickly derailed with quips about Marx/Linen/Stalin, blah, blah.

Anyway I am posting again to see if I can get some good answers to which fabric I should use to cover a shield?

I am not opposed to spending more money for higher quality fabric if it results in a much longer lasting covering.

So, which fabric has the best abrasion, tearing resistance properties?

Linen
Hemp canvas
Duck Cloth
Kevlar
Something else?

Specifically, I am looking to cover a shield that has slightly raised charges on it. I'd really like something that will last and that I can paint on.

Suggestions?

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:33 pm

Canvas or duck, then, since you want something that will take prep and painting. Heavyweight fabric. Take due note of the gluing hints from other threads.

AFAIK, kevlar fiber does not hold paint, being a sort of super nylon, and just about that absorbent.

Rasper77 · Post by **Rasper77** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:36 pm

Ive made several shields where I glued on canvas with Tightbond Three then soaked the face with water'd down Tightbond Three and the shield
Failed befor the canvas did.
Paint stays on really well too.

GvR · Post by **GvR** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 8:09 pm

As per the tutorial that Griffenclaw just finished, we are using painters canvas dropcloths fo cover our shields. It's been working like a charm.

Greenshield · Post by **Greenshield** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:03 pm

Save yourself a lot of money and use burlap. $1+ a yard at Hancock Fabrics.

Use Titebond weather resistant glue (Blue Label). Apply a generous amount to the face of the shield then lay the burlap down. With a scraper or putty spreader smooth the fabric out. The glue will seep through the porous burlap. Do your best to get it even and make sure all the canvas has sufficient glue to hold it in place. Allow to dry then add another coat of glue over that. Spread as before and don't be stingy with the glue. Let this dry and you are good to go. If the surface looks too textured to you add a few more layers of glue then hit it with a sander to smooth things out.

Takes paint well and acts like fiberglass.

Greenshield

mattmaus · Post by **mattmaus** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 9:34 pm

Spin steel wool into yarn and knit a cover.

Gryffinclaw · Post by **Gryffinclaw** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 8:30 am

+1 Rasper
+1 GVR

Having made several durable shields, I now use 10 oz painters canvas from home improvement stores or Walmart. Its cheap and durable. Only one layer needed.

regards