11-03-2008, 10:45 PM
Final note--at least until I install a bronze edge in the spring.
So far, the aspis has now endured seven hours of mock combat. I count all the hours, as I have one of the first three shields in my group and it has been on someone's arm every fight!
There's never been any damage that went past the paint. After the application of a very inauthentic (but invisible) varnish from tri-art 'Top Coat Hard" [url:39cnb0wl]http://tri-art.ca/en/products/finestquality/mediums/[/url] which leaves an attractive finish that is, so far, impermeable to damage. It's not cheap--$60 a bottle US--but a bottle will do at least ten aspides and if you plan to smack your shield around, or into another aspis in the phalanx, I recommend this product.
Final note--a caveat. The product says that paints under it must be fully cured. They aren't kidding! When this stuff dries, it will pull uncured paint right off the medium. Beware!
Aside from that, it's great.
So far, the aspis has now endured seven hours of mock combat. I count all the hours, as I have one of the first three shields in my group and it has been on someone's arm every fight!
There's never been any damage that went past the paint. After the application of a very inauthentic (but invisible) varnish from tri-art 'Top Coat Hard" [url:39cnb0wl]http://tri-art.ca/en/products/finestquality/mediums/[/url] which leaves an attractive finish that is, so far, impermeable to damage. It's not cheap--$60 a bottle US--but a bottle will do at least ten aspides and if you plan to smack your shield around, or into another aspis in the phalanx, I recommend this product.
Final note--a caveat. The product says that paints under it must be fully cured. They aren't kidding! When this stuff dries, it will pull uncured paint right off the medium. Beware!
Aside from that, it's great.
Qui plus fait, miex vault.
