Painting Wedge Tents (1 Viewer)

[jomartvr]

Hi Ken,
I have a number of wedge tents that need to be painted. I would like to paint them in a manner that is accurate for the British Army from the period of the French and Indian war through the American Revolution. Aside from painting them white, is there anything else that should do?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks very much.
Benjamin

 

[jomartvr]

P.S.
Ken,
A suggestion for a building facade would be an 18th century powder magazine.
Benjamin

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Hi there! These would be made from Linen or Hemp cloth and probably not be pure white, even with sun bleaching. Humbrol made colors in both linen and hemp, and I liked something in between for the sheeting and the straight hemp color for the ropes.
To be honest it would be more likely that they would also exhibit some mold or mildew from use and storage. This damage and staining will usually appear as splotches in various sizes in a grey range, from light to dark depending on how advance the damage could be.
If they were made of Hemp cloth, they would probably have less discoloration. The reason hemp was the material of choice for items like rope and sailcloth was it's resistance to rot and mildew.
You should also consider painting on a 'GR' below a Broad Arrow marking to show government ownership. This would be placed in some conspicuous place on the article of equipment to minimize the item 'going missing'. The Broad Arrow 'GR' would also appear on blankets, haversacks, bell of arms and other equipment. This was stamped in an ink made of an oxide...so a dark charcoal grey or black would do.
Sometime in the mid nineteenth century this marking would be changed to the BO under a Broad Arrow as a Board of Ordinance marking. You can occasionally see this on Crimean War British equipment in both period images and on surviving equipment.
Hope this helps!
Ken

 

[Alexdakar]

Ken,

Sometimes I think your brain is an encyclopedia.

 

[desk11desk12]

Ken,

Sometimes I think your brain is an encyclopedia.

LOL, No he's just stuck in time a little deeper than the rest of us. Just kidding.

Carlos

 

[jomartvr]

Hi Ken,
THanks so much for the information!
Talk about a font of knowledge!
Benjamin