Rock Hard Stiffener?

[Randalscott]

Hi Folks,

I'm new here, so my apologies for any mistakes. I am looking for any insight or suggestions for how to stiffen a wool felt hat to a virtual rock hardness. Seriously.

I've tried a few things, including the shellac method which didn't last long, and as soon as I got rained on, it was like it was never stiffened it at all.

Has anyone used anything that seriously stiffens a hat? I'm considering a wood hardener, even. Anything, as long as it's safe and does the job.

Thanks.

 

[belfastboy]

Hi Folks,

I'm new here, so my apologies for any mistakes. I am looking for any insight or suggestions for how to stiffen a wool felt hat to a virtual rock hardness. Seriously.

I've tried a few things, including the shellac method which didn't last long, and as soon as I got rained on, it was like it was never stiffened it at all.

Has anyone used anything that seriously stiffens a hat? I'm considering a wood hardener, even. Anything, as long as it's safe and does the job.

Thanks.

It is weird the shellac did not work. Perhaps your solution was not strong enough. Shellac should, in a strong solution, and will make the hat as hard as you want. Multiple applications might be needed but shellac is not affected by water....hence its use by woodworkers. Did you use a spray shellac? Never use that. Buy flakes and dilute in denatured alcohol. Mix thoroughly (it can take up to 24 hours to fully dissolve).

 

[Randalscott]

It is weird the shellac did not work. Perhaps your solution was not strong enough. Shellac should, in a strong solution, and will make the hat as hard as you want. Multiple applications might be needed but shellac is not affected by water....hence its use by woodworkers. Did you use a spray shellac? Never use that. Buy flakes and dilute in denatured alcohol. Mix thoroughly (it can take up to 24 hours to fully dissolve).

Its possible it wasn't strong enough...I dont know. I sure thought I used a lot. I didnt use flakes though; I used a store bought shellac. I certainly read, researched and listened to those with more knowledge & experience than I have (which is everyone). Also I brushed it on.

 

[belfastboy]

Its possible it wasn't strong enough...I dont know. I sure thought I used a lot. I didnt use flakes though; I used a store bought shellac. I certainly read, researched and listened to those with more knowledge & experience than I have (which is everyone). Also I brushed it on.

I use a very dilute amount as I never am looking to stiffen a felt very much. I use a tablespoon in a cup of denatured alcohol. A fellow hatter I know that makes very stiff crowns uses almost a 50/50 mixture of shellac to alcohol (by volume).

 

[Randalscott]

I use a very dilute amount as I never am looking to stiffen a felt very much. I use a tablespoon in a cup of denatured alcohol. A fellow hatter I know that makes very stiff crowns uses almost a 50/50 mixture of shellac to alcohol (by volume).

Do you think flakes vs Store bought makes a difference? Could you pass on your fellow hatters info so I could learn more? Thanks!

 

[belfastboy]

Its possible it wasn't strong enough...I dont know. I sure thought I used a lot. I didnt use flakes though; I used a store bought shellac. I certainly read, researched and listened to those with more knowledge & experience than I have (which is everyone). Also I brushed it on.

Often premixed shellac has wax in it which generally is a no no for a hatter. I only buy German made shellac flakes as they are the purest on the market. Then mix with 95% or higher denatured alcohol. It is THE time tested method for stiffening felts. You should be able to make the wool hat cardboard stiff with either a stronger solution or more applications.

 

[belfastboy]

Do you think flakes vs Store bought makes a difference? Could you pass on your fellow hatters info so I could learn more? Thanks!

I write a monthly column in HaTalk eMagazine. Each month I cover an aspect of hat making. Subscriptions are $5 a month and all articles are archived. It began Sept or Oct of 2023. Also, I have a video out for sale on Hatcourses.com. It is a 4 hour video walking through each step of the hatting process. Professionally shot and edited.

 

[Randalscott]

Often premixed shellac has wax in it which generally is a no no for a hatter.

I wonder if that was the problem, then?

ugh

 

[belfastboy]

I wonder if that was the problem, then?

ugh

Can't diagnose your problem. But I do know what works based on my experience. I make the occasional Bowler hat and stiffen the crowns to a very hard shell and my mix is still a dilute one......I just do multiple coats.

 

[Randalscott]

I wonder if that was the problem, then?

ugh

Is there a particular brand of flake you'd recommend? Or alcohol for that matter? Every bit of information helps!

 

[belfastboy]

Is there a particular brand of flake you'd recommend? Or alcohol for that matter? Every bit of information helps!

Brooklyn Tool & Craft sells flakes made in Germany. I buy from a Canadian company that sells German flakes. Mohawk Refinishers sells a Shellac Thinner (denatured alcohol) that is the purest I have found.

 

[Randalscott]

Brooklyn Tool & Craft sells flakes made in Germany. I buy from a Canadian company that sells German flakes. Mohawk Refinishers sells a Shellac Thinner (denatured alcohol) that is the purest I have found.

Thank you!

 

[shopkin]

The laboratory and food grade absolute ethanol used for extractions and such is said to be 200 proof.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

Be sure to get blonde dewaxed flakes. I have used a 10% shellac to 90% alcohol mix & that get's cowboy hat stiffness. Your hat being wool & with such a wide brim, you may have to up the shellac percentage.
Problem is though, the stuff you have already used may have had wax in it, which will prevent your hat from absorbing the new application correctly.

 

[belfastboy]

The laboratory and food grade absolute ethanol used for extractions and such is said to be 200 proof.

I have not been able to find high grade that so settle for the denatured alcohol which has about 5% methyl to prevent me from mixing cocktails while I work on hats. Tis a good thing!!!

 

[belfastboy]

Be sure to get blonde dewaxed flakes. I have used a 10% shellac to 90% alcohol mix & that get's cowboy hat stiffness. Your hat being wool & with such a wide brim, you may have to up the shellac percentage.
Problem is though, the stuff you have already used may have had wax in it, which will prevent your hat from absorbing the new application correctly.

There is a 'Clear' but hard to find. I have only ever used 'Super Blonde".....I love the name as it conjures up an image of Marilyn in a cape.

 

[Randalscott]

Be sure to get blonde dewaxed flakes. I have used a 10% shellac to 90% alcohol mix & that get's cowboy hat stiffness. Your hat being wool & with such a wide brim, you may have to up the shellac percentage.
Problem is though, the stuff you have already used may have had wax in it, which will prevent your hat from absorbing the new application correctly.

I suspect it wasn't dewaxed shellac, too. I've got a few wool felt samples I'll text on first and see how that goes.
Do you think the color matters for a black hat?

 

[RickP]

Just a thought... if the goal is a stiff hat... just be sure the hat is broken in / reblocked /or shaped to your head BEFORE copious stiffener is added...it can turn a snug hat into an uncomfortable hat pretty quick