Lace dissolves with distilled water!

Elaine Higgins

Elaine Higgins

Registered Guest
I just bought a vintage 1940s wedding dress with a cathedral length tulle train with lace trim. There are large dark yellow/orange spots on parts of the lace. I thought for sure it would be safe to spray distilled water on it and blot it. Wrong! The lace dissolved! What happened?
 

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Is anyone else thinking casein?

Elaine, I'm so sorry! UGH! I'm not sure, but we've had a few discussions about a milk protein fiber used during WWII called (among other things) casein. It has a tendency to dissolve into a sort of gelatinous state in water. I've never heard of lace made of it, but...
 
denisebrain said:
Is anyone else thinking casein?

Elaine, I'm so sorry! UGH! I'm not sure, but we've had a few discussions about a milk protein fiber used during WWII called (among other things) casein. It has a tendency to dissolve into a sort of gelatinous state in water. I've never heard of lace made of it, but...
Click to expand...

Oh, well. It looks like the tulle itself is in pretty good condition. I think the bodice lace is okay, too. I refuse to let the dress go, so I am now in the process of removing approximately twelve yards of lace trim. I will either replace it, or leave the tulle plain. Thanks so much for your input. This site is great!
 
I had the same thought as Mary Jane - that the lace was very, very dry and dissolved when the water touched it. Good luck with your restoration, and welcome to the VFG Forums.
 
At least the dress is not a complete write off Elaine! Still gorgeous!

I just found a beautiful 1960's wedding dress that looked unworn, but guess what the clerk at the thrift store did? Punched a hole with a price tag right through center of the front bodice! :duh2: You can bet I had a word with the store manager, I was not impressed.
 
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