SUN FADED FELT? (NEED ADVICE)

[HarpPlayerGene]

One of my recent acquisitions (Stetson Stetsonian - photos to follow) has what appears to be sun fade. The hat is an amazing shade of light ice-blue-grey but the upper most portion of the bashed crown is lighter and pinkish. Must have spent a long time in a store window.

Isn't there something called ponce or pounce, a powder color application, that can be done to restore this otherwise perfect hat?

Can I obtain this material and do it?

Source?

Other DIY technique(s)?

Is sending to Optimo the best bet?

Or to Art Fawcett?

Or to Major Moore?

OR....?

 

[metropd]

I had the same problem about two years ago on two hats. Must likely the pink is where the dye has come out of the hat. If that is the case there is nothing you can do. If you look on the inside and their is no pink or fading Optimo can put the felt inside out and it should look brand new(very costly).I am so sorry for you if there is no option. Hopefully you can have it fixed.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Thanks, Met' - good to hear from you.

That inside-out bit is a great trick and one I'd forgotten about. The only other unfortunate thing is this hat has brim edge trim which is wider on top and quite narrow on the bottom with the stitching line next to it coming through from above. So that would look strange. BUT - now that I think of it, it IS possible, I suppose, for that to be removed and reinstalled. (??) Maybe, oh maybe...

 

[duggap]

HPG, I think I remember reading that they would reinstall the brim treatment. Also, if they are still available, there were some threads on dying hats with Ritz dye. That could also be an answer.

 

[metropd]

Take it from me. Don't use ritz dye.

 

[jimmy the lid]

Gene -- any chance you could post a photo or two so we can see what you're referring to?

Cheers,
JtL

 

[cooncatbob]

I was attempting to re block a sun faded hat and I tore the brim right off.
The sun can not only leach out the color but can weaken the fibers.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I appreciate all advice - I also believe that dye won't work here since we are dealing with such a light color.

Photos to come but might be a few days. To get accurate color & details I use sunlight, which has been in short supply lately...

G