Getting hats to shine

[evderev]

Does anyone know how to get the super shiny effect on fur felt hats like numerous ones by Gunner Foxx? I’ve looked up mercurized fur but can’t find anything. Could it possibly be a sprayed on acrylic or wax? Thank you.

 

[BobHufford]

Looking at their gallery I would say it is sprayed. This one is most likely wax...

 

[johnnycanuck]

I was originally going to point out the shiny long fir hats some companys offer until I looked at Gunner Foxx web page. That is an artificial aging process. Made to look like its been handled by greasy hands and been worn my someone working in a smelting factory for years. Now I know if you go farther back (in time) sailors wearing their tricorn hats would tar and grease their hats to make them waterproof and last longer. Think Captain Jack Sparrow but its not leather its greased felt. If you were going to do that effect yourself I would imagine its the same process as Waxing Canvas.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-wax-your-own-clothing-and-gear/
You don't have your country of origin listed so I will just give an amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_asi...ax&keywords=canvas+wax&ie=UTF8&qid=1531493157
Hope that helps some?
Just going for the look? Are you in a really wet environment that this would be helpful?
Johnny

 

[Winston Carter]

Except the one that is drip waxed in their gallery the others just look super dirty. Some axle grease on your hands rubbed on a new hat ought to work.

 

[evderev]

I was originally going to point out the shiny long fir hats some companys offer until I looked at Gunner Foxx web page. That is an artificial aging process. Made to look like its been handled by greasy hands and been worn my someone working in a smelting factory for years. Now I know if you go farther back (in time) sailors wearing their tricorn hats would tar and grease their hats to make them waterproof and last longer. Think Captain Jack Sparrow but its not leather its greased felt. If you were going to do that effect yourself I would imagine its the same process as Waxing Canvas.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-wax-your-own-clothing-and-gear/
You don't have your country of origin listed so I will just give an amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_asi_1?rh=i:fashion,k:canvas+wax&keywords=canvas+wax&ie=UTF8&qid=1531493157
Hope that helps some?
Just going for the look? Are you in a really wet environment that this would be helpful?
Johnny

I tried that exact Otter wax but all it did was make the black duller. Also it was very pasty and rubbed off easily. I would think grease would also rub off on everything so it must be something that stays on and is also flexible. I think some type of varnish might work, but as soon the hat is flexed it would crack.

 

[Frunobulax]

Looking at their gallery I would say it is sprayed. This one is most likely wax...

View attachment 126801

Ah, the Makers Mark treatment.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[jlee562]

There were oil(s) that were used (probably still are by some) on lower quality long hair felts to make them look like higher quality long hair felts.

maybe the ol' Scientific Hat Finishing and Renovating guide knows?

https://archive.org/details/scientifichatfin00erma​

 

[mayserwegener]

This is real gloss/shine. Finest Wild Hare + Manual Hot Wet Brushing.

 

[evderev]

Yes. Thats the look I’m trying to get similar to the ones Foxx makes for Jason Mamoa

 

[mayserwegener]

The shine / gloss of the felt of the hat I posted is from the Hare Fur and manual or machine Hot Wet Brushing. There isn't anything sprayed on the felt. This hat was made in the 1930s.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Yes. Thats the look I’m trying to get similar to the ones Foxx makes for Jason Mamoa

Those hats are...er...something. It’s cool that you like them, but I don’t think many of the folks here on the Lounge will know much about the process; at least I’m not seeing such hats being posted here. I guess we can’t convince you to buy at 70 year old hat that is already distressed and greasy?

Several hat makers are into artificial distressing, and to each their own. You might try a search here. There have been others who have contributed on similar techniques in the past.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[johnnycanuck]

I tried that exact Otter wax but all it did was make the black duller. Also it was very pasty and rubbed off easily. I would think grease would also rub off on everything so it must be something that stays on and is also flexible. I think some type of varnish might work, but as soon the hat is flexed it would crack.

Have a look at the oil/wax treatment section on this page. It may be what you are going for. Possible reach out to him and see if he is willing to divulge any secrets.
http://www.captjackspiratehats.com/hat-treatment

Johnny

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

Sorry; those pix just hurt my heart ...

 

[evderev]

I believe he makes them from scratch and doesn’t destroy actual vintage ones.

 

[johnnycanuck]

only thing i can think of is try some proper mink oil. Red Wing produces some nice natural stuff made of mink oil, bees wax and lanolin oil. Maybe try the ones with silicone, could last longer and not dry up as quickly. Heck if all else fails try some heavy oil based pomade. It is hair after all.
So is it the look you are going for? Special event you are going to where you want a certain look? I am not as much a puritan as some. I have known people here who get the dirty distressed look done to brand new custom hats. If its what you love, then go for it and rock it.
Johnny

 

[evderev]

only thing i can think of is try some proper mink oil. Red Wing produces some nice natural stuff made of mink oil, bees wax and lanolin oil. Maybe try the ones with silicone, could last longer and not dry up as quickly. Heck if all else fails try some heavy oil based pomade. It is hair after all.
So is it the look you are going for? Special event you are going to where you want a certain look? I am not as much a puritan as some. I have known people here who get the dirty distressed look done to brand new custom hats. If its what you love, then go for it and rock it.
Johnny

Thank you, I'll give it a try. From my research it is looking like the answer will be a wax/oil hybrid. No special event, I just like the look Mamoa rocks and wanted something different to hit the town with.

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

I believe he makes them from scratch and doesn’t destroy actual vintage ones.

Glad to hear that at least. Reminds me of Nick F-head (or whatever his name is) on steroids!!

 

[johnnycanuck]

Thank you, I'll give it a try. From my research it is looking like the answer will be a wax/oil hybrid. No special event, I just like the look Mamoa rocks and wanted something different to hit the town with.

Loving the show Frontier. I have seen him in interviews, he has a very distinctive style and rocks it with out hesitation. Got to admire that.
Johnny

 

[Redfokker]

There were oil(s) that were used (probably still are by some) on lower quality long hair felts to make them look like higher quality long hair felts.

maybe the ol' Scientific Hat Finishing and Renovating guide knows?

https://archive.org/details/scientifichatfin00erma​

+1 Should be required reading anyway...

 

[Redfokker]

This is real gloss/shine. Finest Wild Hare + Manual Hot Wet Brushing.

Not even in the same universe, this is an example of WHAT to do.