Rip Snorter Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 Have a felt Resistol my Wife bought me as a gift at least 18 years ago. It is my "work on the property" hat for two thirds of the year. I have had Randy at Law Dog Hats refurb it for me twice. It is getting ratty enough that I'd like to take a chance on DIY to get a couple more years out of it. Friendly and comfortable and broke in for sure. Any one with experience? It is black, so some of the the internet suggestions are a little scary. Corn starch? Hairspray? Experienced advice appreciated. (I have a bunch of hats and could chuck it, but I still like it, a friend of years.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Bear Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 I've stiffened my favourite old Akubra hat with ironing starch spray....really soaked it on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Man Graybeard Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 There is a stiffener for hats...check your local western wear stores Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 If you are going to go the starch route, don't use anything you buy at a grocery store, etc. Go to a quilting/fabric store and buy a quilt/fabric starch. Most of the generally available spray starches are made from FOOD, yes food, like potatoes. The problem with that is it will attract critters like weevils which will eat your hat. No kidding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted May 18, 2022 Author Share Posted May 18, 2022 6 minutes ago, Calamity Kris said: If you are going to go the starch route, don't use anything you buy at a grocery store, etc. Go to a quilting/fabric store and buy a quilt/fabric starch. Most of the generally available spray starches are made from FOOD, yes food, like potatoes. The problem with that is it will attract critters like weevils which will eat your hat. No kidding. Thanks very much, fortunately the Wife is a serious Quilter! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Sheridan Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 Shellac. It’s what was keeping it stuff originally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PowderRiverCowboy Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 Ahh , Hit up local western store pick up Hat stiffener, Too many years riding bulls , and sucks when your Black Gold gets trampled (yes I only wear Black Golds ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted May 18, 2022 Author Share Posted May 18, 2022 4 minutes ago, PowerRiverCowboy said: Ahh , Hit up local western store pick up Hat stiffener, Too many years riding bulls , and sucks when your Black Gold gets trampled (yes I only wear Black Golds ) Thanks! Nice, didn't know about them. I get mine hand made by Randy at Law Dog Hats in Billings for just a bit more money. There is something different about a really good hat. Last time I was on a bull, it was mechanical and decades ago. I stayed on despite serious operator efforts to throw me, but was bruised from ankle to ankle and everything between. Good times! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackwater 53393 Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 One part alcohol based shellac to eight parts denatured alcohol. Mix thoroughly and dispense out of a spray bottle. I think I may have done a couple thousand hats over the years with this recipe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted May 18, 2022 Author Share Posted May 18, 2022 38 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said: One part alcohol based shellac to eight parts denatured alcohol. Mix thoroughly and dispense out of a spray bottle. I think I may have done a couple thousand hats over the years with this recipe! Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 4 hours ago, Old Man Graybeard said: There is a stiffener for hats...check your local western wear stores Best choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mongo, SASS #61450 Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 David Johnson (D Bar J Hats) stiffened one of mine at Border Town, a few years back, with denatured alcohol in a spray bottle. He told me to let it sit in the sun for a while until it dried. It's still stiff today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted May 18, 2022 Author Share Posted May 18, 2022 Thanks for the ideas, it isn't quite a wreck yet, but I don't want to trouble the ever patient Randy with it. I'll buy or make some goop and give it a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 On 5/17/2022 at 10:29 PM, Blackwater 53393 said: One part alcohol based shellac to eight parts denatured alcohol. Mix thoroughly and dispense out of a spray bottle. I think I may have done a couple thousand hats over the years with this recipe! This one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 3 parts alcohol, 1 part water, and one Viagra pill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share Posted May 19, 2022 Nah, that just raises the crown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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