A J Ludlow Collector's "Blanco" Blue Grey

Product Description and Uses

A J Ludlow Collector's "Blanco" Blue Grey is a water-soluble powdered paint, which has been designed to replicate the bluish grey colour of personal webbing equipment used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), during the interwar period, through the Second World War (1939 - 1945) and afterwards. Originally, webbing issued by the Air Ministry (AM) prior to 1941 (1925 Pattern) and from 1941 onwards (1937 Pattern) was dyed, but during the post-war period, webbing issued to the RAF was uncoloured and so, needed to be coated with a Blue Grey webbing renovator, similar to the “Quippy” one (made by Carr & Day & Martin Ltd) shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Tin of Blue Grey "Quippy" Web Equipment Renovator from Andrew's militaria collection

Because the original AM issued webbing was dyed, much of it has faded and so, Collector's "Blanco" Blue Grey is ideal for standardising the colour of a webbing set, especially if it is slightly soiled or lightly coloured from previous web cleaners (as in the case of the post-war “Quippy” and “Pickering’s” web renovators based on a waxy cream).

A J Ludlow Collector's "Blanco" has been formulated to be washable, unlike the original material so that it can be easily removed and not be a permanent coating. Authenticity and attention to detail have been a priority in the development of this product and so the colour has been matched to the bluish grey shade of clean and unfaded colour, found under the flap of a 1925 Pattern pistol holster (figure 2).

Figure 2 A RAF 1925 Pattern Holster showing an area of untouched Blue Grey Webbing Cleaner, which was used to match A J Ludlow Collector's "Blanco" Blue Grey

Collector’s “Blanco” is ideal for adult collectors of militaria, military historians and museums, living history participants, etc, including those involved in theatre and film, who are looking to have flexibility and not have their collection of webbing equipment permanently coloured. This product is supplied as a free flowing powder.

Collector's “Blanco" is not a toy and is not recommended for use by persons under the age of 14 years.

Instructions for Use

• Brush off all loose dirt and old cleaner from the article to be cleaned.
• Damp the surface of the article with clean water. Then sprinkle the Collector's "Blanco" powder on, spread evenly with a wet brush, sponge or cloth and rub well into the fabric.
• When dry, wipe over lightly with a cloth to remove loose particles.
• DO NOT APPLY POWDER TOO FREELY.
• In the case of very dirty equipment where warm water and soap have been used, the webbing articles should be well rinsed with clean water before applying the Collector's "Blanco".
• DIRTY EQUIPMENT SHOULD NOT BE SCRUBBED WITH A HARD BRUSH.

Precautions

Collector’s “Blanco” is supplied in the form of a fine powder. Be careful when removing the powder from the pack and avoid spilling; cover work surfaces and floors in the area as a precaution and avoid using near carpets and other soft furnishing. Surface spills of dry powder should be dealt with promptly, avoiding the use of water if possible. Splashes, can be removed from clothing, by first allowing to dry and then brushing or vacuuming.

Although Collector’s “Blanco” presents no health hazard, every effort should be made to avoid generating dust and breathing it in. If contact with skin occurs, gently wash off with soap and water.

In the unlikely event of an allergic reaction, stop using immediately and seek medical attention.