Maintenance and After-sales Service
Traditional Maintenance Methods for Ancient Armour
1.Removing Sediment and Rust
After military drills, use stiff-bristle brushes and dry linen cloths to wipe off sand and bloodstains on the armour surface. For light surface rust, rub repeatedly with linen mixed with clean fine sand and talcum powder to grind away superficial rust spots. It is difficult to repairarmour with deep-seated rust, normally one can only do what is possible to stop further deterioration. Since water trapped in the gaps of armour readily causes rust after washing, the armour would never be rinsed heavily with water.
2.Applying Protective Grease (Core Anti-Rust Measure)
The ancients commonly used animal fats such as lard and beef tallow. Once heated, these fats were spread evenly over the entire inner and outer surfaces of the iron armour, including the gaps between plates, using cloths or brushes.The grease formed an oil film on metal to block air and moisture for rust prevention. Walnut oil was also adopted in some regions. Re greasing was required every autumn-winter and rainy season.
3.Air-Drying for Deodorisation, Dehumidification and Sterilisation
Once worn, the armour absorbed sweat odour and dampness. It is necessary to be aired in well-ventilated shaded areas or under mild sunlight.
Note: Avoid prolonged exposure to scorching sun! Excessive sun will embrittle and fracture leather laces and thongs. Air-drying mainly evaporates sweat-laden moisture trapped between plates, reducing sweat odour and mould growth. Beat dust off fabric and leather components after airing.
4.Storage
The armour need to hanging in dry attics; avoid direct contact with the floor, as ground surfaces draw up dampness. Dry hay and charcoal sachets should be placed nearby to absorb moisture during storage. Inspect leather laces regularly and replace aged ones in time.
Supplement: For cotton-padded and fabric-faced armour, beat and air fabric parts regularly to dispel dampness and resist mould and pests.
Key Summary of Traditional Maintenance
I. Metal Components (Steel / Iron Plates)
1.Basic Cleaning
After every display wearing, remove surface dust and sweat salts (sweat is the top cause of rust!) with soft dry brushes and lint-free cloths, as well as sand lodged in plate gaps. Avoid direct water rinsing; dry the armour completely at once if damp.
2.Anti-Rust Oiling (Motor Oil / Special-Purpose Metal Anti-Rust Lubricant) Take a small amount of anti-rust lubricant. Do not apply thick heavy coats, for excess oil traps dust and turns sticky. Use a soft brush to spread a thin even layer over inner and outer plate surfaces and all crevices to build a protective film. If light surface rust appears, gently grind it off with fine sandpaper before oiling. Ordinary motor oil has a strong odour. For display-performance armour, odour-free anti-rust oil is preferred. Motor oil is unsuitable for gilded and electroplated finishes, for it may corrode plating layers.
II. Sweat-Odour Removal (Aromatherapy / Scent Sachet Method)
Do not spray large amounts of perfume directly onto metal plates. Perfume contains alcohol, whose residual chemical compounds after evaporation accelerate metal rusting.
Correct practice: Place armour in a ventilated spot with aromatherapy accessories or scented sachets nearby, or use an aroma diffuser for indirect deodorisation. Neutralise sweat odour via ambient fragrance only. Aviod sparying perfume onto armour surfaces.
III. Cords, Leather Parts and Textiles (Armour Laces, Linings, Fabric Facings)
Treat leather fittings with leather conditioner on a regular basis to prevent cracking. Wash detachable linings separately. Ventilate and air-dry non-removable linings frequently. Beat dust off fabric-faced armour and dry in shade. Avoid harsh sunlight that causes fading and material degradation.
IV. Storage
Hang armour on dedicated racks in dry surroundings. Place desiccant sachets nearby in humid weather. Keep away from rain-exposed windows and air-conditioning condensation.
Maintenance of Ancient Iron Armour
1.Dust & Rust Removal: Wipe away sand with linen and stiff brushes after wearing; abrade light surface rust with fine sand. No water washing.
2.Anti-Rust Greasing: Coat plates and gaps thoroughly with heated lard, beef tallow or other animal fats to repel moisture and prevent rust.
3.Dehumidification & Deodorisation: Moderately air-dry in ventilated areas to evaporate sweat moisture, eliminate odour and inhibit mould. Avoid sun exposure to prevent leather thongs from turning brittling and cracking.
4.Storage: Hang in dry locations; use charcoal for moisture absorption and replace aged leather lacing as needed.
Maintenance for Modern Recreated Armour
1.Cleaning: After wear, clear dust and sweat salts with soft brushes and dry cloths; pay attention to plate gaps. Aviod water contact; dry immediately if the armour gets wet.
2.Rust Prevention: Apply anti-rust lubricant thinly over inner and outer plates with brushes for protection. Caution with motor oil: strong smell and harmful to plating. Grind off surface rust before oiling.
3.Sweat-Odour Removal: Ventilate armour and use nearby aromatherapy sachets for indirect deodorisation. Avoid spraying perfume directly on armour as alcohol speeds up corrosion.
4.Storage: Suspend on armour racks with desiccants for moisture control. Maintain separate care for leather and fabric linings against ageing and mildew.