Beaver Fur Felt Fedora Restoration ?

[acewmr]

This is my first attempt at restoring a fur felt hat. Paid $1 for it at a yard sale over the weekend. I managed to get it straightened back out and the vast majority of the grease and grime off of it. However, the felt has a very fuzzy appearance with hairs sticking out everywhere. Is there anything that can be done to fix this, is it normal, or is this hat shot? Also, I do WWII reenacting and occasionally need civis, would this particular piece fit the bill?

 

[jlee562]

Looks like it's a long hair felt of some sort.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Yes, it looks to be a long hair felt. You can sand it but I wouldn't do it... but it's because I like long hair felt hats and I think it's stupid to turn a long hair into a "normal" hat.

 

[RJR]

I agree,looks like you've made a nice save of a rather unique hat.

 

[rogerstg]

Yes, it looks to be a long hair felt. You can sand it but I wouldn't do it... but it's because I like long hair felt hats and I think it's stupid to turn a long hair into a "normal" hat.

+1. And if you want to make it look a little neater, you can brush it counter clockwise with a cleaning sponge, following up with brush (also counter clockwise). It'll orient the nap in one direction.

 

[acewmr]

Thank you all for the responses. I was afraid it was an issue with the material. Glad to know it is fine. Now to replace the ribbon.

 

[acewmr]

One other thing, the felt is very soft and flexible. Is there a way to stiffen it up a bit? Is it advisable?

 

[jlee562]

Kahls makes a felt hat stiffener that's pretty easy to find on the interwebs through various outlets.

E.g. (no endorsement, no affiliation): http://www.villagehatshop.com/product/cleaning/451139-79628/kahl-felt-hat-stiffener-spray.html

Stiffness is a personal preference. If you've already tried steaming the hat, and the stiffener in the felt already didn't reactivate; sure, give it a try.

 

[coble]

If you live in Houston or visiting. I can clean it in the Hat store, we will use a heavy duty powder spray that pulls the grease and sweat. Then we will brush it clean, iron curl the brim then iron the brim which will make the brim stronger. Then hand shape the crown. We do have stiffener if needed.

 

[acewmr]

Wish I lived near Houston. I appreciate you letting me know about your shop. I'll have to look you up if I find myself in that part of Texas.