10-20-2003, 08:54 AM
NO!
and
NO!
It is not always safe to send uniforms, even 1980s ones to dry cleaning.
Different shops (and countries) use different procedures. The biggest danger is heat. I sent a 1980s Lt-General's great coat through and it cleaned up nicely, no damage to boards, but the plastic button to fasten the inside pocket was melted into a blob. Remember that some Soviet plastic was very cheap with a low melting point formula used.
If you want to do dry cleaning don't just go to your corner shop. Find one that specializes. Find who your local theatre or opera company uses for their costumes. Find one that dry cleans furs (which need a lower temperature). Ask them to do it in the lowest temperature option even if you have to bring it in later when they are doing such a batch.
Second, unless you are dealing with a $25 uniform for the dress-up box NEVER take off things like tha are sewn on. Yes, shoulder boards that untie or unbutton and awards should cme off but sewn on boards and tabs should not. Don't unpick and later re-do sewing. It will decrease the sell-ability and therefore value.
Shawn
and
NO!
It is not always safe to send uniforms, even 1980s ones to dry cleaning.
Different shops (and countries) use different procedures. The biggest danger is heat. I sent a 1980s Lt-General's great coat through and it cleaned up nicely, no damage to boards, but the plastic button to fasten the inside pocket was melted into a blob. Remember that some Soviet plastic was very cheap with a low melting point formula used.
If you want to do dry cleaning don't just go to your corner shop. Find one that specializes. Find who your local theatre or opera company uses for their costumes. Find one that dry cleans furs (which need a lower temperature). Ask them to do it in the lowest temperature option even if you have to bring it in later when they are doing such a batch.
Second, unless you are dealing with a $25 uniform for the dress-up box NEVER take off things like tha are sewn on. Yes, shoulder boards that untie or unbutton and awards should cme off but sewn on boards and tabs should not. Don't unpick and later re-do sewing. It will decrease the sell-ability and therefore value.
Shawn
