Scotchgarding a jacket?

[ThatReallyHurt]

Okay... I just got a front-zip jacket. I didn't mind my old one, except it was a little embarassing to have to keep asking people for help at tournaments.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any advice on using something like Scotchgard on a jacket... After giving it a bit of thought it seems like it may be a bit of overkill, but has anyone done this? Is it even legal or a good idea?

Or should I just quit being a sissy, get out there and get it dirty?

Thanks a lot!

[Mergs]

Legal, yes. but more importantly......why? It's not like someone is going to throw a cooler of icewater or somesuch over you when you win a bout, is it?

[JackOfHearts]

http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/sc...rotector.jhtml

Well, I guess it's possible...

[ThatReallyHurt]

I was just thinking more along the lines of trying to fend off rust marks from people hitting with dirty weapons, that sort of thing. I don't indend to wear it to a spaghetti dinner or something...

[Inquartata]

You could try parrying.

[JackOfHearts]

Hrm... well if this is a club mate leaving rust marks on your jacket you could try asking them to maintain their equipment. I mean, it's only common courtesy isn't it? Heck, I try to keep my weapons from rusting. Not only because they look better, and last longer, but they also won't stain my or my opponents clothing.

[remise]

Some people could care less, even if they are asked. We have clubmates who just can't be bothered. One of them has blades so brown from rust that some fencers won't fence him.

[Allen Evans]

I've been scotch-guarding my jackets for years. I usually just try to protect the collar, the cuffs, and the portion of the jacket where the mask bib runs too and fro. It does seem to help reduce the rate at which my jackets get dingy, especially during the periods when I fenceded every day with only one jack and didn't always have access to a washing machine.

[Inquartata]

Some people could care less, even if they are asked. We have clubmates who just can't be bothered. One of them has blades so brown from rust that some fencers won't fence him.

The phrase is you want is "couldn't care less". If they could care less, obviously they care somewhat.

This message brought to you by Pedants Exhorting Standard Terminology ( P.E.S.T. ).

[Fencergrl]

TRH: What about wearing your old jacket for practices and keeping your new one for tournaments?

I'm able to get rust stains out (and anything else) with a good degreaser. Then into the washer for a once again clean kit.