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!