Author Topic: Camo and UV brighteners (Read 888 times)

donedidit · « **on:** July 30, 2004, 01:18:43 PM »

Well I just sent back my second set of camo this week because they containted UV brighteners. I called both manufacturers before I ordered each set of camo to verify and both both manufactures denied that their systems contained any UV brightners whatsoever. After a couple of seconds with a black light it was easy to tell.

What camo do you guys wear?

dukkillr · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2004, 01:21:48 PM »

i use army surplus pants unless it's cold, then i use old goose down bibs... i wear several shirts depending on how warm it is. I've always believed that a lot of that camo talk is hype. I've never had a deer walk past someone in "realtree" and then see me in army camo. I do always wear something on my face and hands though...

Scottyluck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2004, 02:41:13 PM »

Quote from: donedidit

Well I just sent back my second set of camo this week because they containted UV brighteners.

Why not just wash them in a UV killer?

JeffG · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2004, 03:09:14 PM »

I always wash my new camo in a combination of 20 Muleteam Borax powder and baking soda.Both are salts or earths, depending on how you look at it. This also kills UV. If they become badly soiled, I use Murphy's Oil soap, a natural glycerine based soap with no UV and is a scent free soap. Line dry.

donedidit · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2004, 04:01:12 PM »

Scottyluck - I experimented with UV Killer from Atsko some years ago on other UV brightened camo that I owned at the time with poor results under a black light. While there is some reduction, it is not dramatic. Maybe its personal preference, Id just rather that the brighteners not be in the actual garment in the first place.

Dukkllr is right on with his military camo. Genuine military camo is UV neutral and will not glow under a black light. But I have found the military ripstop fabric to be noisy compared to the softer, quieter fabrics of commercial designs.

Jeff G I havent heard of 20 Muleteam Borax. I this something readily available at WalMart or the grocery store? Is it scent free?

JeffG · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2004, 05:05:52 AM »

20 Muleteam borax is a powder that comes in a faded turquoise box. I usually find it in the laundry soap section. Wal Mart carries it for sure. It's scent free, and it cleans by means of a ph change, like alkali, but it's made for clothes. Gets out blood, sweat,... the whole ticket. Keep the box you are using for hunting in a zip-lock bag to keep it from absorbing unwanted odors. Great for salting small hides too. Murphy's is a furniture soap that is made for wood, has a very faint wood smell.