leather strecthing lotion for sweatbands

[Bruce Wayne]

A few weeks ago someone posted the name of a lotion that they used to help them stretch the sweatband of a hat. Does anyone remember the name of the product or who posted it or where it is posted?
Thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[Feraud]

Lexol?

 

[jonbuilder]

A few weeks ago someone posted the name of a lotion that they used to help them stretch the sweatband of a hat. Does anyone remember the name of the product or who posted it or where it is posted?
Thanx!!!
Charlie

do a ebay search for shoe stretcher

 

[Wolfmanjack]

A lot of us use Lexol when stretching a sweat.

You can get it here.

However, you should be aware that there have been some disasters from using Lexol that have been reported here.

I guess the jury is still out on whether Lexol is absolutely safe to use on a valuable vintage hat.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

I just used it on a Richman Steins(1960) and it worked just wonderful....

 

[RobFedoraField]

types of lexol

I've used regular lexol and it's worked well, but there are a couple different kinds. one is a neetsfoot oil blend that is only supposed to be used on modern chrome tanned leather. I can't really say what it would do on more vintage leathers. but if you use the original stuff, you should be fine. but it's just like house paint, several thin coats are much better than one thick one

http://www.lexol.com/

 

[Bruce Wayne]

OF all the things that i could have used, I ended up choosing rubbing alcohol. Most, if not all the products I was looking at online used that as their main ingredient. IT took two passes with the second application going much deeper into the leather, but it fits fine now.

I tried Lexol in the past, but it didn't help the leather stretch any.

Thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[CliffG]

I know neets foot oil will allow leather to stretch, but it may bleed through to the felt if you were not careful.
I made a leather rifle sling and over oiled it and have had trouble with it stretching.
just my two cents worth

 

[frussell]

Different types of Lexol

I used to do a lot of leather work and after some bad experiences, have shied away from Lexol completely. Like one poster said above, there are several types of Lexol. The one most commonly used ends up having a "shellac" effect, which can prevent other treatments from ever sinking in. I personally think this also keeps the leather from being "breathable," and would never use it on a sweatband just for comfort's sake. Then again, I live in the desert, where that is more important. Many of the other leather oils can be just that, very oily, and can over penetrate, making the leather too pliable, and eventually rotting any stitching. One product I always had good luck with is Willams' Saddle Dressing, an Australian product, I believe. It should be used sparingly, and the leather will only soak up what it needs, and the excess can be wiped away. It's not cheap though, and a bit hard to find. Good luck, Frank.

 

[Ed13]

I use Emu shoe stretch. It seems to work fine.

 

[cptjeff]

I used to do a lot of leather work and after some bad experiences, have shied away from Lexol completely. Like one poster said above, there are several types of Lexol. The one most commonly used ends up having a "shellac" effect, which can prevent other treatments from ever sinking in. I personally think this also keeps the leather from being "breathable," and would never use it on a sweatband just for comfort's sake. Then again, I live in the desert, where that is more important. Many of the other leather oils can be just that, very oily, and can over penetrate, making the leather too pliable, and eventually rotting any stitching. One product I always had good luck with is Willams' Saddle Dressing, an Australian product, I believe. It should be used sparingly, and the leather will only soak up what it needs, and the excess can be wiped away. It's not cheap though, and a bit hard to find. Good luck, Frank.

I use kiwi saddle soap for most leather treatment, probably pretty similar to the one you use.

 

[frussell]

Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is usually a pretty good old standby. I would avoid anything with much wax content. The stuff I'm talking about (Williams) is actually very much like the old leather dressings folks used to use, with animal tallow in it. I believe it's still available from Big Bend Saddlery in Texas. I've used it on everything from hat sweats to chaps and antique gunbelts and saddles. Saddle soap is usually a pretty safe bet, as it's not too oily, and is economical. I've seen people over-use neatsfoot on just about everything made of leather, to disastrous effect. Plus, like someone else posted, those kinds of oils can seep through and discolor the felt. If you own anything else you want to condition that's made of good leather, Williams Saddle Dressing is still my favorite, as it won't ever oversaturate. Frank

 

[Scott Wood]

Stretching a hat

I have read this thread with great interest because yesterday my father gave me a hat of his that I have always hoped I would get. The hat is a 57 and I am a 59 so I am going to use the answers here in an attempt to get it to fit.
I do have one further question: is it unrealistic to expect success in stretching this much?
The hat is a soft Akubra Stockman if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance,
Scooter

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I have read this thread with great interest because yesterday my father gave me a hat of his that I have always hoped I would get. The hat is a 57 and I am a 59 so I am going to use the answers here in an attempt to get it to fit.
I do have one further question: is it unrealistic to expect success in stretching this much?
The hat is a soft Akubra Stockman if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance,
Scooter

It depends on the condition of the sweatband & if you mind taper or not. Got any pics of the sweat?

Thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[Scott Wood]

It depends on the condition of the sweatband & if you mind taper or not. Got any pics of the sweat?

Thanx!!!
Charlie

Will have pics very soon but the hat has been worn one or two times, the sweat is like new and I don't think taper would be a huge prob...

Gracias,
Scooter