british forces Olive green bergen

[RichUK]

Hi All,

I've got a current issue british forces olive green bergen & its got a number of previous owners names writen on. Is it possible to re-dye these's bags i.e. "black" to cover the names, if so which dye do you use ?

Many Thanks

 

[NickBristol]

Not sure if it possible on the fabric in a bergen as I've never tried it...but I have tried to cover over names / patterns / toddlers 'artwork' written in permanent marker with dye before on other fabrics with mixed success. Some brands of black marker seem to turn quite a bright purple when dyed, making them stand out even on a black or dark navy blue fabric.

Maybe sticking a patch of olive green cordura over the top might work? Depends on the quality of the glue used as to the long-term success I guess, would work better if stitched too...

Someone will know better than me anyway

 

[spamel]

Before DPM versions were available, and during the first (or legal!) Gulf War, Bill Oddies used to paint their bergens in an attempt to make them more invisible. I understand that most people here don't like wearing DPM, nor do I and I am a serving soldier!! Maybe you could paint the names out, but this may look odd if you only do a patch.

An alternative is to add pouches to the affected area. I know somebody who put mess tin size pouches on his bergen so that he had easy access to his water and rations, and you should be able to buy pouches in olive green.

I hope this helps.

Spamel

 

[marcja]

Try running a search I seem to remember quite a lengthy thread on here a while ago covering the same subject. I remember it so well because I have a DPM bergen that I would like tranformed into olive green and I to thought of painting it. It covered all the various types of dye available that might work.

Marc

 

[Spacemonkey]

The only place I have found OG PLCE pouches is Silvermans. Is there anywhere else that is cheaper? I find them quite useful but don't really like DPM either.

 

[RichUK]

Thanks for all your replies, I've been searching the forum that post on dyeing bergans but I can't find it

 

[Brixton]

Hi All,

I've got a current issue british forces olive green bergen & its got a number of previous owners names writen on. Is it possible to re-dye these's bags i.e. "black" to cover the names, if so which dye do you use ?

Many Thanks

Or...
Get everyone you know to write their name on it in Black felt pen (a la plaster cast). Then on a wet drab day you'll have all your mates with you and after a while there'll be so much writing on it it'll be it's own unique disruptive pattern

 

[marcja]

Took a while but found it eventually.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=4695&highlight=paint

Hope it helps.

Marc

 

[jayuk]

I've sucessfully used a mild caustic soda solution to get some oil based paints off an olive green bergan which was totally covered.

I had to leave it soak for a few hours and scrub it with a hard bristled brush. I was a bit apprehensive about weakening the stitching and cordura material, but it seems to be fine.

Caustic soda is harmfull, so you should handle it with care, use eye protection etc....

 

[zackerty]

Acetone might just do the trick

 

[Justin Time]

The only place I have found OG PLCE pouches is Silvermans. Is there anywhere else that is cheaper? I find them quite useful but don't really like DPM either.

you can get them on eBay very regularly.

 

[RichUK]

Thanks for the link Marc, what I may do is when I'm out walking & camping, I shall ask everyone I meet to sign my bag LOL Not realy I'm going to buy some cleaner then try a bit at a time.

 

[flibb]

This may sound odd but brasso is renowned for getting marker pen ink off photos. Might not owrk but could be worth a try.

 

[Goose]

Not sure if it will work on a bergen, but I used to find the easiest way to get permenant marker off whiteboards is to go over it with permenant marker and wipe it before it dries, obviously try a bit at a time!