Forum

[Greybeard]

New on the forum but wondering what experience anyone has of Sunstuff clothing.  I bought a jacket two years ago and by and, apart from the belt being far too long, have been very pleased with its performance.  The jacket has now started to fade quite badly from the original black to a rather dull brown - particularly across the back and shoulders.  Has anyone else suffered this and if so, how have you overcome it?  The manufacturer - Sunstuff Classics - have stated that this sort of fading is entirely normal and have suggested that I simply re-proof the jacket (although they haven't answered the question as to whether this will restore the colour or not).  Whilst fading might be a reality it rather contradicts the advertisement that the fabric has excellent colourfast properties!  In all my years with Belstaff and Barbour I've never experienced this sort of fading before.


If you've experienced a similar situation with your Sunstuff clothing I'd be delighted to hear how you've overcome it.

[Chris [Stockport]]

, oil-soaked oilskins provide the protective properties required to brave the worst of weathers. This oil-treating method originates from Australian oilskin, the original material from which seamen�s traditional oilskins are made.

Sunstuff clothing becomes more attractive with age, the older it is the more attractive it becomes. The classic patina is every motorcyclist�s pride and joy, as each one can tell the tale of a motorcyclist�s long motorcycling life.


This is what I've copied from Hitchcocks.... I'm waiting for patina on mine! Maybe not been enough sun yet! I find the belt ok but arms a bit long.... whatever that says about me....


Generally pleased with it.  I would personally just re- waterproof it when needed and be pleased with "patina"


 Might not suit everyone, though


Regards, Chris

[Paul M H]

I agree with Chris mines a bit faded with age but it looks better for it I say.


I just reproof mine with Barbour thornproof dressing as below it adds a bit of color back but don't completely recolor the fabric keeps it waterproof though.


http://www.bestinthecountry.co.uk/count ... 756_p.html

[Chris Tindal]

Yep I agree also, faded brown looks good

[John Turner]

My jacket is ok. Had it for about 3 years but not used all the time (In the wet I have some full wet gear). I try to give it a brush down occasionally and have re-proofed it every a year. JT

[Greybeard]

Many thanks for the replies - very much appreciated.


Seems like this material does fade then.  I only wish it faded all over and not just on the shoulders and upper back as I now have a black and brown jacket.  Not sure that this really qualifies as patina!


Personally I have found that my Barbour gear - some of which is nearly 20 years old - dries out (so looks a bit lighter) and looks worn but does not really fade in the same way.  A quick (or not in my case!) re-wax restores the waterproofness and removes the dried out look.  I'm not convinced that the colour will be restored to an even shade with the Sunstuff jacket I have.


Question:


As the Sunstuff is oilskin rather than waxed cotton are there any drawbacks to using wax to re-proof rather than the re-proofing spray that Hitchcocks sell? (I have no idea what the spray consists of).  As ever, all advice gratefully received.


 


 

[John D]

Why not give it a light rub of a black polish brush and rub in some colour