I really like my old camo jacket and bibs.It is about the right weight for our temps and is quiet in the woods. But, it has faded pretty bad. Any ideas on how to bring back some color? Seems like years ago someone suggested some black clothing dye, but I can't remember if it was full strength or diluted. Got ant other ideas? Jim

Another IA guy, great. Don't know how to help, only prevent. Wash only in cold water and NEVER dry in a machine. Hang dry only.

Dont know how it works but somewhere I saw a camo restorer that you can buy. Maybe someone here know alittle about it?????

Jay

There is a cure. It's called MONEY. Buy new stuff you tight wad. That said, I don't think it would work with cotton, but maybe. In dry cleaning silks often loose their brightness. A bright red would appear to have a haze on it. What happens is all the oils are removed by the cleaning fluid. I used to make up a batch of two gallons of water and 6 to 8 ounces of mineral oil from the drug store. just rinsed them, wring out and drip dry. Just like new with no haze. It might help with camo colors. But now that I think of it..... try the money.[8D][8D]

LOL

davidmil - Have we met? Everyone that knows me knows I'm a tightwad! Shoot, I even stop to pick up pennies. That said, I really like my camo and I would rather try to get some color back in it than buy new.Besides there is a goose call I want and more feeders and ......... Get the point?

hardcorehunter - I have never washed any of my camo in even warm water, let alone tossed them in the dryer. I'm even careful about hanging them in the sun to dry. Remember I'm a tightwad and want to make my stuff last. And you are right,good to see a fellow Iowan here!

Thanks guys, Jim

If you use full strength black dye your camo will come out.... BLACK! [:-]Great camo for the urban ninja though.I don't know how much to dilute it, but it'd have to be thinned down some.

I've still got some of the original, grey Trebark camo that I might try that trick on. Might get another 20 years out of it.

I'm trying to get my camo to fade.....! And I thought I was tightwad?

I agree with Davemil,buy some new camo.Of coarse,if you want,you can sit down with some magic markers and "re-color" your camo.
Sorry,I forgot,you would have to buy the magic markers,so I guess thats out of the question.
All kidding aside,if you stay away from natural fibers in your better($,high-end camo),the better off you are.Natural fabrics WILL fade,where as synthetics are LESS apted to fade,and the servicability is much greater.
If you keep this simple rule in mind,your camo and wallet will stay intact a lot longer...Bob

When the color is gone....it's gone. It bleeds out in the wash. bummer, but true. It's just like the gas in your fuel tank...when it's gone....it's gone. You have to replace it. I know that's not the ideal situation, but I'm afraid it's the only cure. Get some new camo.