How to apply Blanco to British webbing

Here is an informal video on a technique to apply Blanco to British web equipment. Blanco was used by the British Army in WWI, WWII, and into the 1960's. It is used as a colorant for the canvas, to make the web gear uniform in coloration, and to aid in camouflage.
Items recommended to do this:
rubber gloves (otherwise the blanco becomes stuck around and under fingernails)
brush (semi-stiff bristle, 1/2 to 1" in bristle length - a nail brush for fingernails works well)
sponge (used to dampen webbing)
water
and of course, Blanco.
In order to not infringe upon marital bliss, I strongly recommend this be done outdoors, far away from wooden floors, carpet, or anything else which can become stained by the substance. You may want to use cardboard, if you don't want some temporary staining on a concrete driveway or sidewalk.
Once the blancoed webbing is dry, if the application appears uneven, then a repeat application will usually be all that is required for desired uniformity. It may take a little experimentation to develop application technique and a feel for the right water/blanco mix. This is only one method to apply Blanco. Other application methods exist, however this illustrated method I have found to be an easy and reliable option.

[@thumpersean]

I've only used the liquid once in the past. From what I remember, I applied it with a natural sponge. Liquid blanco is very similar to latex paint.

[@rickyspanish9002]

Great video!! Especially if you have Belgian gear you want to use for WW2!!

[@simonsignolet5632]

Thanks for this, Sean. I was brought up (1970s) to assign one day a week for personal admin tasks, such as shoe polishing and white blancoing plimsolls. I hated the bizarre idea of Blanco BEFORE I'd joined the military... I've a '08 Small Pack which I'm restoring - last stage will be Blancoing. I've a tin of Blanco but have never been able to open the tin without damaging it (it's collectable). The only stuff I'm able to acquire is liquid Blanco... Much as soldiers of my era seem to think they hate '58 webbing, it certainly had its advantages...

[@kevm3821]

If the RSM caught you applying Blanco that way he'd have your guts for a neck tie....yep, dampen the webbing...leave for 15 mins or so then apply a good mix of 50/50 Blanco and water (Condensed is best) with a stiff brush. Leave to dry until coating is dusty then brush off surplus in even strokes with a slightly stiff brush.

[@rickyspanish9002]

I appreciate this comment so much. As a side note its interesting to see the different applications and end product of blanco on original gear. Everything from what you're describing to what seems like they just rubbed the block of blanco directly on the webbing!!!

[@peterkeane7767]

Remember doing this ( in Blue) at Swinderby early Seventies.Still can't recall what it was supposed to do!

[@AverageJoe529]

Does the blanco harm the metal buckles? I'm going to attempt to blanco my gear for the first time. Great video, gives me a great idea on how to do it.

[@buzzsaw42productions63]

What colour is this once it has dried

[@Mrmemo4862]

I have some liquid blanco. can I use the same technique or is that different

[@usmcgrunt_1944]

Where did you get your Blanco from??

[@monsider]

How in the hell did this get 7000+ views?