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Pre-bashed Federation from Hats Direct - how easy to reshape?

MattJH

One Too Many
Messages
1,388
Is it just a matter of steam, or are they fairly "set," so to speak?

I searched previous threads but didn't see anything about this. Thanks!
 

Hemingway Jones

I'll Lock Up
Bartender
Messages
6,099
Location
Acton, Massachusetts
They are definitely easy to reshape with steam, but try it first without. From my experience, steam is not your friend with Federations, and they may be styled dry quite well unless you've gone and creased it a la Indiana Jones. ;)
 

MattJH

One Too Many
Messages
1,388
Let's say it's pre-bashed like Indiana Jones with that tight, front crease. Will it require steam to get that front crease out? I basically want to restore it to it's original open crown and put in my own bash.
 

Hemingway Jones

I'll Lock Up
Bartender
Messages
6,099
Location
Acton, Massachusetts
Dumbjaw said:
Let's say it's pre-bashed like Indiana Jones with that tight, front crease. Will it require steam to get that front crease out? I basically want to restore it to it's original open crown and put in my own bash.
For that, it may, but I would try some cold water along the crease first, wait for it to dry, then style to your heart's content. I had one that shrivelled like a raisin in the sun after about a minute of steam!
 

Lonn

Familiar Face
Messages
78
Location
On the ground again in Seattle
Bashing

Hi,
I just re-bashed an Akubra "Down Under." I sprayed it down with cold filtered water and got real patient. I bought a $6 Resistol at a thrift store to practice on.

practice bash

practice_bash-01.jpg


and

practice_bash-02.jpg


and the "Down Under"

akubra_bash-01.jpg


akubra_bash-02.jpg
 

Not-Bogart13

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,501
Location
NE Pennsylvania
Skip the steam, for sure. Use cool water that you trust (filtered, distilled, etc.). You don't have to soak it, but don't be shy about getting it wet at the creases. Work it out with you hands. When it's dry, gently go over the areas that show a crease line with a hat brush or lint brush. If it's not perfect, you new bash will probably disguise things fairly well. And don't panic. You'd be surprised what you can coax out of a Federation!
NB
 

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