LARP Chainmail Maintenance, Storage and Repairs

If you’re thinking about buying chainmail, you’ve got some that’s in desperate need of TLC or you’re just interested in reading guides - this article runs through some of the basics of chainmail ownership. So, let’s get started….

Brief History of Chainmail

The term ‘chainmail’ is a relatively recent invention, throughout history this type of armour was more commonly referred to as ‘mail’. Chainmail was used to defend against the blows of piercing weapons and has existed for over 3000 years. As mail evolved, different areas of the globe adopted diverse methods of construction. 

Aluminium or Steel

In LARP, two modern materials prevail – aluminium and steel. On average, steel chainmail weighs somewhere between 7-15 Kgs. If you hold it in your hands its VERY heavy but, when distributed across your body, the weight is far more manageable. Steel chainmail is more durable than aluminium but is prone to rust. Steel is much cheaper than Aluminium armour, coming in between £70-£200. Aluminium chainmail generally costs between £150-£400; but it is significantly lighter and, as a result, more flexible in many ways. The metal usually stays cleaner but links in the aluminium chainmail are more prone to breakage.

Butted, Rivetted or Welded

The rings that form chainmail are squeezed closed in an interlocking pattern in order to create a suit. Steel is strong, so generally that completes the process. ‘Butted’ refers to the two sections of the ring that are squeezed, or butted, against one another. For extra strength, the two ends of the loop can be overlapped and riveted together; this massively increases the durability of the chainmail but also raises the price significantly.  Aluminium rings are too weak to retain their shape when butted; they pull apart if any weight is applied. As such, they must always be rivetted, so the workmanship and, subsequently, the price is more. Welded chainmail, like riveting, requires more workmanship so the price is higher to achieve this level of strength.

System Rules

Within LARP, many systems consider the materials of chainmail when specifying their effectiveness in the game. Several systems offer bonus armour points for players who wear steel chainmail, whilst others consider aluminium ineffective. It’s worth checking these rules out if you’re considering buying chainmail for particular player skills.

Safety Checks

Most systems will want to safety check your chainmail. They are looking for loose rings, sharp edges, missing rivets and anything that might be a danger to you or someone else. Checkers usually run the back of their hands over the armour slowly, feeling for these imperfections. I’d always check my chainmail myself before heading to an event, because issues are easier to fix when you have tools on hand.

Cleaning Chainmail

The cleaning method varies greatly on the materials used to make your chainmail. Aluminium can be cleaned effectively with a cloth and warm, soapy water. However, any marks from oxidation may need more thorough removal. One way of removing oxidised flakes or rust is by rubbing the chainmail against itself gently and then shaking it. Sand can also be used. Place the chainmail in a bucket of sand and use the grainy substance to rub against all areas of the mail and clean away inmperfections. If your chainmail is stainless steel it can be cleaned thoroughly in water, or even the dishwasher. Any way you clean it, chainmail should be lubricated with oil (WD40 is good) to prevent further damage and coat the chainmail against oxidisation. Chainmail that remains well lubricated usually doesn’t tarnish or oxidise.

Oil

New chainmail from Larp Inn can be VERY oily. This is necessary. They are stored in a warehouse which is freezing 90% of the year. It's not unusual for there to be ice on the floor in the winter months and for staff to be able to see their breath for most seasons. With a damp and cool environment, we want to maintain high standards for our metal products. This means your chainmail will likely be lathered in thick oil.

We advise cleaning the chainmail in the same way as listed above. Ideally, pop it in a tub, bath, shower or sink and lather it with warm, soapy water. Once finished, dry thoroughly. If you want to try your chainmail on before cleaning it, try using one of those cheap disposable rainmacs often seen at theme parks to protect your skin and clothing.

Putting Chainmail On

If you look after chainmail well, it’ll still be very oily. Dark coloured chainmails are the worst and will stain other materials. Think about the clothing your wearing when you put chainmail on. Do they offer enough padding? Do you mind if they get dirty? Do they cover any bare skin? If you have long hair, you should tie it back and cover your head with a hat just to be safe. Put your arms in first, take the back of the neck hole and pull it over your head and then, if well fitted, the chainmail should just drop into place.

Taking Chainmail Off

To take your chainmail off, cover your hair again. Lift up the chainmail until its half way up your torso. Touch your toes and it should just slide over your head and fall to the ground.