Help identify spots on dress
- Thread starter regan
- Start date
cotmyey
VFG Member
I've always called that - foxing... am just nowlooking it up on the www. found a pdf from
BISHOP MUSEUM - Art Conservation Handout - To Bleach or not to bleach. Interesting reading...
http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/pdfs/cnsv-bleach.pdf
BISHOP MUSEUM - Art Conservation Handout - To Bleach or not to bleach. Interesting reading...
http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/pdfs/cnsv-bleach.pdf
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
It might be a result of mildew or mold, and the dress was laundered and treated to remove and kill the mold, but it left stains behind. I have encountered this on antique linens and cottons.
Another possibility is that someone sprayed the dress with spray starch and then stored it for a long time and the starch decomposed or aged, and left the stains.
It is a lovely colored toile, too bad about the staining.
Another possibility is that someone sprayed the dress with spray starch and then stored it for a long time and the starch decomposed or aged, and left the stains.
It is a lovely colored toile, too bad about the staining.
Circa Vintage Clothing
Alumni
Regan, I recommend that you take it back to the shop - they have a responsibility to point out flaws to you like this.
I agree with the others that it is likely foxing, and caused by changes of temperature and the fabric not being able to dry out properly. It's common on older garments sadly - because it's cotton you may be able to get it out by soaking in an oxy cleaner but there is a risk the colour will run or you'll damage it in some way. If you can reach a happy solution with the seller it will help. A garment with foxing should be very inexpensive, especially if the stains won't come out (which is always a possibility).
It irks me when sellers sell items that have flaws: I certainly expect better from a vintage shop, but due to the darkness it's possible they didn't realise so if you give them the chance to make it right, hopefully they will.
I agree with the others that it is likely foxing, and caused by changes of temperature and the fabric not being able to dry out properly. It's common on older garments sadly - because it's cotton you may be able to get it out by soaking in an oxy cleaner but there is a risk the colour will run or you'll damage it in some way. If you can reach a happy solution with the seller it will help. A garment with foxing should be very inexpensive, especially if the stains won't come out (which is always a possibility).
It irks me when sellers sell items that have flaws: I certainly expect better from a vintage shop, but due to the darkness it's possible they didn't realise so if you give them the chance to make it right, hopefully they will.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
I'd try Vintage Textile Soak. If it's cotton, it should be fine. I've never had it make colors run, and unless it's silk, it shouldn't disintegrate the fabric, only lift the stains. No guarantees, of course. Just relating my own experience. YMMV.