covering aluminum sheild in canvas

Tarquin Bjornsson · Post by **Tarquin Bjornsson** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 6:01 pm

I plan on covering my aluminum shield with canvas and i was wodnering is it best to wet the canvas forst and stretch it out as tightly as possible (cover edgin to i am using rivets to hold it in place) also how should one stop fraying around the rivet holes?

Tarquin

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 6:18 pm

Well, I have only done this once, so take that for what it is worth. I used duct tape to hold the cloth tight at the edges and put in the rivets, then put on the edging. When the cloth pulled loose from some of the rivets, it flapped around a bit.

If I were going to fight in the SCA any more, I would use contact cement or something similar to hold the canvas to the shield. The rivets would be for extra security and good looks. Not having actually done this, I can't say it is the best way.

-Patrick

Xanthier · Post by **Xanthier** » Wed Sep 11, 2002 6:27 pm

Not quite what you're looking for but it was discussed recently on covering and painting.

Leave out the painting part and you should be set with some of the ideas mentioned here.

http://www.armourarchive.org/ubb/Forum2/HTML/001328.html

RedLeg · Post by **RedLeg** » Thu Sep 12, 2002 3:01 pm

I covered my aluminum shield with canvas and used contact cement to plaster it down. It didn't take very long before a section was ripped which I re-glued down. My knight used leather for his shield and it has lasted a long time. I am not sure what weight but it wasn't very thick. Hope this helps some.

Martin

Symon VanMoordrecht · Post by **Symon VanMoordrecht** » Thu Sep 12, 2002 4:24 pm

I have had great success with good old fashioned Elmers Wood Glue. I pour it onto the face of the shield and spread it out with a paper towel once the shield is covered sufficiently I lay the canvas overtop and work out any "bubbles" from the center to the edge. If you press down hard enough the glue will actually press through the weave of the fabric (Just a little) this helps the bond. It dries fairly quickly and is really easy to "peel" off when you want to change it. I have fought with this type of covering for 2 years without a tear or any king of problem. (Aside from scuffing)

Oh yeah, spray it down with some kind of sealer when you are finished. (I use a clear gloss spray paint)

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-Scott Thomas
Symon Fitz Gilbert, Squire to Sir Mitchell McBain