Transforming the mundane: Costume Base Frock to Screen Jackurate

[HIGH5orDIE]

I tried dying this using RIT and the wash machine technique listed on the directions but all I ended up with was a purple film in my wash machine.
I need suggestions...

1. Technique- What is the material on this coat and whats the best way to get dye to take? ie salt, vinegar, water temp
2. Color- The jacket is a weird brown color. Would using black dye in stages be smart or should I get a charcoal color dye?
3. SA buttons on the cheap?
Anything else that comes to mind

Appreciate any input or ideas. I've never dyed anything before so this is totally new turf for me.

▼I removed the incorrect buttons and un-cuffed the sleeves exposing the incorrect lining▼

[Mondas42]

Well they say it's made from Linen but when I had one I was doubtful on that. It felt far too light to be a cotton linen, more a man made fibre. The phrase linen actually means a fabric made from the flax plant but it is also used to describe any fabric made using a 'linen weave'. If it is a polyester type material then most dyes will not work. You will need a disperse dye for this to work.

E,g, http://www.rainbowsilks.co.uk/ProductDetails.cfm?Code=JACIDP

As to the colouring guess this depend on how you want it to look. As you know the real coat is a 'weird' colour, somewhere between dark grey with hints of brown and sometimes a blue look. I'm not sure if the CB coat could be made to look like the real one but I guess a dark grey or antique grey to start would be good with maybe a black wash to darken. You could also darken with dirty down spray.

Buttons..... Well I would get some from Simon Newton but if you don't want to I have a load of spares from my Halloweencostumes coat from when I upgraded mine. I'll sell you em if you want them.

[FleetStreetNightmare]

When did you buy this coat? It looks different from the CB coat which is currently offered, looks a lot better actually than what they currently offer.

Don't have any advice on dyeing though unfortunately, I just have lots of questions haha

[Mojo Turbo]

SA buttons on the cheap? Truthfully "SA" and "cheap" never go in the same sentence.... i'd just browse close enoughs in a large garment store and then save your pennies

here are 5 for $8 http://jas-townsend.com/brass-buttons-large-p-1121.html

French Marine buttons: http://www.woodedhamlet.com/buttons_clasps/brassgermansilver.htm .95 cents each

[Mondas42]

When did you buy this coat? It looks different from the CB coat which is currently offered, looks a lot better actually than what they currently offer.

Don't have any advice on dyeing though unfortunately, I just have lots of questions haha

Yeah gotta agree with Fleet, the button braiding is totally different to the current CB one. And the material looks different.

[HIGH5orDIE]

@Mondas Yeah I agree it definitely doesn't seem like a typical linen and of course there is no tag. It didn't take to the dye at all and I read cotton is supposed to be really easy to dye so I am also assuming synthetic... I mean it's China is anything ever whats it's claimed to be?

@FleetStreet Totally different then the one they sell now. Actually when I bought it 3 years ago they had the same photos on the listing. When I got it I remember thinking "this is nice but it's not what I ordered...color is different buttons are different "button holes" are different wtf..." emailed them and got a partial refund.

@Mojo I know, I know... I figured I'd get a couple of laughs out of that one. Wishful thinking I suppose. I can probably manage a discount on EW buttons but haven't compared them to my screen-caps, are they as SA as Buttonit?

[Button It]

I try to make mine as cheap as possible really at £0.80 each (although the exchange rate can vary the prices to America) - By the time you get 48 odd buttons of anything you're going to spend a fair amount.  

I'm happy to supply a set of 46 if you really want to save a few pennies, but you'll end up spending more on postage to get another 1 or 2 sent out when one invariably falls off, which is why I provide a couple of spares in my sets as standard.

I think the EW buttons are way too domed from memory, but I might be thinking of a different button.

[FleetStreetNightmare]

Ah, okay
The button trim on this one looks much better than what they show in photos
Looks like this coat actually has the extra material for pleating too, which the current CB coat doesn't have as far as I remember

[HIGH5orDIE]

@Buttonit I know, of all the things to bicker about over price, they're the least expensive thing involved in this costume. Some call it cheap I call it frugal  Although I would prefer yours, I'll probably end up buying them from EW to save on shipping if the difference in appearance is that minuscule.

@Fleetstreet Agreed the button trim is better but not correct although I can overlook that. What I can't overlook is the color, buttons, cuff lining and pleating. So hopefully I can address all these issues over the next month or so.
I plan to visit one of the local alteration joints next week for an estimate. I will definitely keep this post updated as to my progress.

Appreciate all the input guys! I am taking notes and will give a brief summary of them to the seamstress along with this reference photo I borrowed from http://jacksparrowcostuming.wikispaces.com/ I'm sure that coupled with my frugal attitude will make me her favorite customer of the day   

[Button It]

@Buttonit I know, of all the things to bicker about over price, they're the least expensive thing involved in this costume. Some call it cheap I call it frugal  Although I would prefer yours, I'll probably end up buying them from EW to save on shipping if the difference in appearance is that minuscule.

@Fleetstreet Agreed the button trim is better but not correct although I can overlook that. What I can't overlook is the color, buttons, cuff lining and pleating. So hopefully I can address all these issues over the next month or so.
I plan to visit one of the local alteration joints next week for an estimate. I will definitely keep this post updated as to my progress.

Appreciate all the input guys! I am taking notes and will give a brief summary of them to the seamstress along with this reference photo I borrowed from http://jacksparrowcostuming.wikispaces.com/ I'm sure that coupled with my frugal attitude will make me her favorite customer of the day   

Just seen the Empire ones on ebay - are they the ones you mean? THey're about double the height of the actual ones. You can't tell so much from the head on shot he uses, but it's immediately obvious from the side.

Shipping is the killer I know - they've just increased costs again so it's about £7.50 to post them out to America (it used to be only £4 a couple of years ago), but I think my set inc shipping should still be cheaper than his without?

[Bilge Rat]

Save up your Doubloons and buy from Simon!  You'll save money in the long run, because I guarantee if you are striving for SA and feel the need to have a perfect looking costume you will most definitely upgrade the Empire Buttons to Simon's anyways!~
I don't think that coat will take to the dye either, if its a polyester blended fabric it will not absorb into the fibers.  

[Mojo Turbo]

wait did you just coin the phrase "Screen Jackurate" - CHANGE APPROVED!

[HIGH5orDIE]

Coat is at the alteration shop to get the sleeves, cuff lining, pleats and buttons done...  

[FleetStreetNightmare]

Ooooh... I'm interested to see the results

[HIGH5orDIE]

Simon Newton weathered buttons ordered!

[Blade Savvy]

Simon Newton weathered buttons ordered!

The best call my friend! You will not be disappointed.

[HIGH5orDIE]

Simon Newton weathered buttons ordered!

The best call my friend!  You will not be disappointed.

Yeah after closer examination of my screenshots, Simon is totally right. The EW buttons are a little to tall and after all... Simon is a TBC member... you know I gotta keep to the code   

[Banditxx1]

Yeah, I did the same. I ordered the weathered buttons from Simon and today they arrived. Looking great. Now the coat needs a lot tailoring work for getting the slim-fit-style.

[Button It]

You can see mine (in my original brass finish) next to a screen used one here.    My latest finish is copper brass with an aged finish.    The aged finish can actually be peeled away in places to give a similar result.    



it'll be slightly shiny to start with but a bath in some ammonia fumes will dull the finish slightly again.

[HIGH5orDIE]

@Buttonit- Fine work. Those will definitely get me closer to the screen accurate look I'm aiming for!


Going back in for a few more measurements today to make sure they can take it in AND add the two curved seams that lead to the pleats on the back in the same go.... fingers crossed

[HIGH5orDIE]

Got my buttons. Thanks Simon!

[FleetStreetNightmare]

Just checking on this thread again... did you ever get your coat back from the person who was modifying it? I don't think you ever showed pics. Would love to see how your CB coat was modified

[fernandosegurajack]

yes i want see the CB coat modified¡¡   

[HIGH5orDIE]

UPDATE:
Simon's buttons are on and they look great!
Sleeves are slimmed down and fit closer to my bicep.
Pleats were in the works last time I was there but I'm told they will be done Friday
Holding off on the cuff lining until after I dye it (Going to experiment with some spray upholstery dye....  )
And I have a plan for the fake button hole material but still making sure it's possible.
Bought a house and moving in on Sat so probably wont update with pics till were settled in.

[FleetStreetNightmare]

Ah alright sounds good
Thanks for the update!
They've taken a while to do the alterations on your coat. Is it normal for them to take that long?

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