hobbs49

My first time to post in this forum. Be gentle

I've got some bone hairpipe on an old northern traditional breastplate that I've been using for nearly 30 years. The bone was new and shiny white when I originally put the thing together. I'm thinking of repurposing those hairpipe into maybe some straight dance bandoliers. As I've pondered this, I've really noticed that the hairpipe have yellowed over time from sweat and being in proximity to other materials in my suitcase. I did not artificially "age" the hairpipe what has happened is totally a function of time and environment I believe. Well, if I'm going to use them for some straight clothes, they really need to be looking new and pretty again.

Any idea on how to clean the bone hairpipe without damaging them? I've considered the following, maybe you have tried one or the other or maybe you have a different method.

Soap and water
Formula 409
Efferdent
Clorox
Vinagar

I know that it may be easier to just buy new, but I'd really like to use what I have if I can. First off, I've had some really times wearing them, secondly they were a gift to me when I got them and lastly it just seems wasteful to not try to use them.

Thanks for any suggestions!

wardancer

real bone ??? Prolly be easier to use a super fine grit sandpaper ! Or steel wool...just buff them clean. I'd try that before getting them wet. Sometimes I do that....I use an 800 or 1000 grit automotive sandpaper....good luck !

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SheTurtle

Hairpipe will yellow naturally as it absorbs your body oils and perspiration. It is naturally porous and sucks up body oils like a sponge.

If you want everything clean and white, you might want to try plastic or just buy new hairpipe.

wyo_rose

If they're a funny yellow, maybe stain them with tea to get a nice aged look.

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hobbs49

Yeah, real bone. Didn't even think that they might absorb the liquid, but I guess they can. So maybe anything involving a good dunking is out. Thanks!


Yeah, that's what it is just the natural yellowing from years of use Could go with plastic but really hate to. Maybe I'm a snob in that regard. Maybe I'll buy new one's. Thanks!

No they're not a funny yellow, actually in some ways they're just starting to look good. They're finally distinguishable from plastic hairpipe. (There's that snob again) I've actually been teetering on just using them. I just don't want anyone thinking that I'm not taking care of my dance clothes. So I thought if someone had a good and easy way to clean them I would go ahead and do that, otherwise, I'll probably use them as is. Thanks!

This is great, post a problem and get three replies the same morning! Thanks everyone! If anyone else has something to say on the topic, I'm all ears (oh wait, those are wings)

SheTurtle

I've got chokers that have aged nicely over the years, and I think they look good. I wouldn't do a thing to change them.

Do you mean straight as in straight dance, or straight as in street clothes? Just curious...

k9soldier

I personally wouldn't do a thing.... to show one's age has a purpose, and to know that they came by it honestly(sweat and time) only makes them more meaningful.
just my humble opinion, at least that;s how I try and explain my greying hair and wrinkled eyes :)

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hobbs49

Straight Dance Clothes. Sorry about the confusion, just a shortcut I take when I talk I guess.

subeeds

If it were me, I would use them as they are-gracefully aged.

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spottedeagle

Hobbs send them to me and buy yourself some nice shiny new ones!!! I love that aged look! Gives them character. If you do decide to buy some new ones I got mine from Moscow Hide and Fur. Here's a link directly to the hair pipe. I was really please when I bought mine from them.

Beads : BONE PIPE (7855) : hideandfur.com

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hobbs49

OK, point taken everyone! I'll just use them as is. It's good to have some folks like you guys around to set me straight! One of these days I'll get these dance clothes done and maybe we can meet in the arena