Checkerboard square

[BigDuke634]

And no, I'm not talking Ralston Purina here. I am considering painting a checkerboard on my gum blanket. Which side would be better to paint it on? I know you all have preferances, so I'll go with the majority rule.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

And no, I'm not talking Ralston Purina here. I am considering painting a checkerboard on my gum blanket. Which side would be better to paint it on? I know you all have preferances, so I'll go with the majority rule.

Rick,

If your'e talking of a Federal Issue Gum Blanket...I would be inclined to put the checkerboard on the white-side of the blanket, as it will be less prone to wear.

If your'e talking of a Painted Cloth/Oil Cloth Federal or Confederate...I don't see that it would really matter which side the checkerboard was painted on.

Paul

[paul hadley]

Well, in museums (I think there's an example on Lookout Mountain?) I've seen a couple checkers/chess boards on the non-treated sides of gum blankets. Seems to make sense in that to play the game, you "probably" would lay your gum blanket on the ground with the vulcanized/black side down to keep off moisture from grass, &tc.

Not that I would consider this, wink, wink, but if you drew a chuck-a-luck diagram or other markings for a "game of chance" on your gum blanket, better be sure it's not frowned on by your officer or NCO or else try to hide it somewhat -- which would be on the white side so it wasn't as obvious when the bum blanket was being used to repel rain or as the end piece of a shebang. That "probably" doesn't apply for a checker board pattern, but you never know -- I'd recommend putting it on the "white" side of the blanket.

Just something to consider.
Your mileage may vary.
Paul

[Doug Cooper]

If you can figure out a way to paint something on the rubber side of a federal issue gum blanket that will last more than a day, and that you can see to play (white squares?), more power to ya!!

Seriously, use the non-rubber side. Its what the soldiers did, at least based on the few surviving examples marked with names and such.

[RJSamp]

If you can figure out a way to paint something on the rubber side of a federal issue gum blanket that will last more than a day, and that you can see to play (white squares?), more power to ya!!

Seriously, use the non-rubber side. Its what the soldiers did, at least based on the few surviving examples marked with names and such.

hmmm, how about milk paint in a white hue? wonder if it's flexible enough to not crack once dry on the vulcanized rubber......

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

hmmm, how about milk paint in a white hue? wonder if it's flexible enough to not crack once dry on the vulcanized rubber......

RJ,

Problem is since the black side of a Federal Gum Blanket is the side that goes face down in the dirt/branches/rocks, it's the side more succeptable to wearing.

Oil-based paint, will also have desired non-cracking properties (often when cracking is seen, it's the result of the sizing on the canvas).

Paul

[Spinster]

hmmm, how about milk paint in a white hue? wonder if it's flexible enough to not crack once dry on the vulcanized rubber......

Nope. You're going to have an adherence problem too.

Voice of Experience,

[jda3rd]

Back during the 125th series, I saw a magnificent, almost life size nude painted on the inside of a gum blanket. The fellows that had it claimed it was copied from a surviving original.
If your ambitions extend no further than a game board, stick with the checker board.

Frank

[REBfrmNY]

I would like to paint a chuck-a-luck board on my oilcloth the non treated side,and I'm a little unsure of what type of paint to use I want something period, durable and easy to make or find locally if that is possible. I see Paul mentioned oil based paint maybe someone could elaborate. The only things I have been able to find are recipes to waterproof material. Any advice will be appreciated
Thanks,
Daniel Harhangi

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

I would like to paint a chuck-a-luck board on my oilcloth the non treated side,and I'm a little unsure of what type of paint to use I want something period, durable and easy to make or find locally if that is possible. I see Paul mentioned oil based paint maybe someone could elaborate. The only things I have been able to find are recipes to waterproof material. Any advice will be appreciated
Thanks,
Daniel Harhangi

Daniel,

If you have a local craft store around you (Michaels, Joann Fabrics, even Walmart) try the artists section...and look for Wilton Oil Based Paints...they typically come in tubes and have a very good range in colors. Price per tube depends on size and also what's on sale (typically $6-12).

Would you mind sharing your information on Chuck-a-luck boards?

Paul B.

[GaWildcat]

Hmm WHen I did my rubber blanket, I simply marked the board out on the untreated white side in Pencil and then filled in the black squares with the same pencil. Has lasted about six years now, and thats with some pretty heavy soakings even on the untreated side.

[REBfrmNY]

Thank you for your response, I assume Wilton is a brand of paint but a quick google search didn't turn up anything. Assuming I can find Wilton oil based paint how period correct is it and how will it hold up to the elements? I found a lot of good information at the 33rd Wisconsin research articles page http://www.33wis.com/articles/articles.htm also I combed the internet for more elaborate instructions on playing

Daniel Harhangi

[mmescher]

If you want to put a chuck-a-luck "board" on the inside of your gum blanket, just take a piece of charcoal and draw six large boxes and then number them sequentially. This will suffice until it wears a bit but can be renewed easily with another piece of charcoal.

You can also scratch 6 boxes in the dirt. It works just as well and won't get you in trouble with any officer.

Michael Mescher

[jademonkey]

One option would be to wait until your next event and draw the checker-board during some down time. Not only is it what they would have done, but it may provide an interesting LH opportunity for spectators. Just a thought.