The Care and Maintenance of Personal Body Armour

Taking good care

Some ballistic materials suffer degradation when wet. However, it will normally regain full capability when dry. Our body armour panels are ultrasonically sealed in a waterproof envelope, which also provides protection from ultra violet light.

The other danger is from neglect. Body armour is not only valuable, it can save your life. It really does pay to look after it.

There are a few basic steps which can make your body armour last for a long time:

When the armour is not being worn, remove the soft and hard ballistic panels and lay them flat, in a cool, dark, dry place. Lay or hang the vest carrier when not in use. The vest carrier and the soft and hard ballistic panels should never be stored when wet.

Hard ballistic plates should be wiped with a damp sponge, using a mild detergent. Soft armour inserts are normally enclosed in a waterproof envelope. This envelope can be sponged, using a mild detergent. The envelope should be repaired if it becomes damaged, to ensure that it continues to be waterproof. Cotton carriers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, after the ballistic material has been removed, but hand washing is preferable. Nylon or Cordura carriers should be sponged, using a mild detergent.
You should inspect the vest garment and the ballistic material and or ballistic plate on a regular basis.

If you are concerned or uncertain of the condition of your body armour, contact us at Craig International Ballistics for an assessment.