HELP: Limp brim on Milan straw

[Fletch]

I wet down my Stetson Milan straw to reshape the crown and get some creases out of the brim. Now it's no longer al dente - just a wet noodle.

Before - waaay before

After

I've got the flange and an iron, but what sort of stiffening agent do I use to get it back to a crisp snap? Spray starch any good? Or do I need a specialized product?

 

[Miss Neecerie]

I have no advice...

But the second shot -must- become your new avatar picture...its simultanously funny and adorable.

:eusa_clap

 

[Dinerman]

I don't see any problem with the way it looks now

Haven't people used hairspray with good results?

 

[scotrace]

I keep coming back to this and trying to think of advice!

Try ironing it out with steam first I think. Maybe it wouldn't need any goop.

Poor chap. What a sorry outcome!

 

[jamespowers]

Try viagra.

 

[ScionPI2005]

Try viagra.

Bad-dump-ba! CHHH!!!!

Awww....

 

[Cicero]

Maybe if you wet it again and try to reshape it better this time?

 

[bolthead]

you're joking.....

I don't see any problem with the way it looks now

Haven't people used hairspray with good results?

....right?

 

[Dinerman]

....right?

of course I'm joking. It's looks terrible.

 

[dhermann1]

I have no advice...
But the second shot -must- become your new avatar picture...its simultanously funny and adorable.
:eusa_clap

You mean Fedorable?
Fletch, you got a problem, man. Maybe wet it and use a blowdryer to shrink it up a little?
BTW, I love the evocative knick knacks behind you. "The Hudson River Line" always reminds me of "Thanks for the Memories".

 

[bolthead]

Fedorable.....

That's pretty good.

 

[Kilroy]

Use Google to find Felt Hat Stiffener. It works.

 

[Dinerman]

does it work on straw hats?

 

[DanielJones]

Ooh, that's a bummer!

It appears that the straw is similar to my Peter Bros. Indy Straw. If that is the case water is a huge enemy of that because of the lacquer that is used to stiffen the hat. I had used a little steam to reshape mine and I do mean little. It didn't take much to soften the lacquer an leave the straw very soft and super pliable, also the hat will smell of the lacquer when wet. If you immersed the hat you may have washed away some of that lacquer.
I've even found that going on some of the water rides at Disneyland that are fairly humid will wilt the brim by the end of the ride if enough water splashes on it.
So if at all possible, try to find a spray on straw lacquer, or for that matter, a hat maker/refurbisher that can put a little snap back into the lid. See if Art or maybe the folks over at Optimo can either offer some advice or be able to reshape it for you. That's all I can think of with my limited experience through my hat. Sorry I'm not a load of help.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[SHARPETOYS]

I have used this before to stiffen my brims on straw hats with great results... I use the satin finish its only $5.99 a can...Less is more...

 

[Kilroy]

Yes, the felt hat stiffener will work on straw but, you might try Sharpetoys method. It looks like a winner to me.

Spray it on one light coat at a time till you get the hang of it. Better yet, try it on a beater first.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Anyone know if Scotch guard stiffens up a panama?
Johnny

 

[RBH]

Anyone know if Scotch guard stiffens up a panama?
Johnny

Johnny is 1\2 right, after a bottle of scotch you dont notice the brim is wavy. lol
After the 2nd bottle you dont notice the hat.

 

[Snrbfshn]

Check out Bickmore products...

They make a straw hat stiffener; cleaner, as well.