Dying Swiss Alpenflage

[neoptolemus]

I have gotten myself a nice pair of Alpenflage pants (after many tries) which has a nice buff background and no free floating white spots (the tell tale sign of alpenflage).

the below photograph shows a nice computer enhancement of the camouflage to what might be it's state in January 1945. Most photos of swatches from original uniforms are near useless since they were worn in POW camps for long periods of time exposing them to a substantial amount of wear.



The next photograph shows a good comparison between Leibermuster (top) and Alpenflage (bottom).

You will notice that the most notable differences are the existence of free floating white splotches (as opposed to connected) in the Alpenflage as well as the presence of red splotches.

Since my set has connected white splotches (different printing technique), how would I proceed if I wanted to eliminate the red?

I have never modified the color of clothing (only done things like removing pockets, modifying fasteners, etc...) so any help is greatly appreciated (also be specific if you can with colors, I am legally colorblind )

Would it be better to paint over the red or try to dye it?

[mauser98k]

Images did not work??

[neoptolemus]

which one? I can see both fine!

[Rock of the Marne]

yea i cant see the images either

[Jager.Drü]

I can't see them aswell

[neoptolemus]

last one is just a nicer image of original

[Ripper]

Maybe it's just me, but those two patterns don't look anything alike. Removing/recoloring the red isn't going to change the fact that the black on the Alpenflage is nothing like the black on the Leibermuster .

[neoptolemus]

I admit the comparison is bad, but the Alpenflage does have the large horizontal amoeba shapes. If you take a look at a larger swatch of the Swiss stuff, you'll see that the patterns are nearly identical, it's just the colors that aren't.

[odinfish]

Personally I would let it be. I have a bit of experience with dying and bleaching items in order get the so-called "right" shade/color and I gotta say that it's always 33 1/3: you're either gonna smurf it up, consider it to be "ok" to use for something else, or it'll be spot on. Sometimes I'll get the combinations correct, then the bleach or peroxide reacts very oddly...same with dyes, especially if there are a few colors involved like you're project. Good luck tho'.

Mike