08-13-2003, 11:50 AM
The only culture to paint their armour that I know of off hand, was the japanese samurai. They would use lacquer from trees to paint either metal, or the water buffalo hide.<br>
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I don't think the Romans "polished" their armor per se. I think I have heard somewhere, that they used olive oil and pumus to keep the metal clean...thus giving it a shiny but satin finish. I don't think there's been any painting or frescoes showing "dark" armor either. It's usually all painted light yellows, light greys, white, etc.<br>
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Connol brings up a good point about the hinges....and I'd like to mention the fact that they tinned, and silvered much of their equipment. That is very shiny, and easy to maintain. Besides, it's a soldier's job to look after his kit. When in garrison, they likely had plenty of time to do this, and even while on campaign, there would have been time alotted. <p>Magnus/Matt<br>
Legio XXX "Ulpia Victrix" Coh I<br>
<br>
"I know I was born, and I know that I'll die. But the in between is mine."<br>
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- Number of posts: current +1248</p><i></i>
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I don't think the Romans "polished" their armor per se. I think I have heard somewhere, that they used olive oil and pumus to keep the metal clean...thus giving it a shiny but satin finish. I don't think there's been any painting or frescoes showing "dark" armor either. It's usually all painted light yellows, light greys, white, etc.<br>
<br>
Connol brings up a good point about the hinges....and I'd like to mention the fact that they tinned, and silvered much of their equipment. That is very shiny, and easy to maintain. Besides, it's a soldier's job to look after his kit. When in garrison, they likely had plenty of time to do this, and even while on campaign, there would have been time alotted. <p>Magnus/Matt<br>
Legio XXX "Ulpia Victrix" Coh I<br>
<br>
"I know I was born, and I know that I'll die. But the in between is mine."<br>
<br>
- Number of posts: current +1248</p><i></i>