Can I stiffen "Lite Felt"?

[MagicMan]

I have a Bailey Sperling that I really like, but it's made of "Lite Felt". Is there a way I can stiffen it up a bit so that it retains its crown shape?

 

[Sir Tom]

Shellac was traditionally used to stiffen hats. If you have a piece of felt or an old throw away hat I would try that before I did it to a good hat.

 

[belfastboy]

I have a Bailey Sperling that I really like, but it's made of "Lite Felt". Is there a way I can stiffen it up a bit so that it retains its crown shape?

Yes, probably the least expensive is to buy Clear or Ultra Blonde shellac flakes on Ebay, mix a really light solution the colour of very weak pee with denatured alcohol. It is so much better/controllable to do multiple coats of light shellac rather than one thick one. (I use it regularly in my hat making as I buy lighter millinery weight felts for women's hats and then use the shellac to stiffen.) I am making an outdoorsy hat from dress weight rather than western weight and stiffened the brim last night. Was not stiff enough so gave another coat this morning and now it is just about right. I apply with a brush in as even a hand as I can manage. If you use light shellac you can go over it in the spots that are not stiff enough and thus even it out.

 

[MagicMan]

Thanks, gentlemen.
Would this work:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser...raditional-Finish-and-Sealer-00304H/100203332

 

[suitedcboy]

I have used that a lot. I mix it 1 part shellac and 3 parts dentured alcohol. apply outside as the residue is sticky and not easy to get clean. If it leaves the felt feeling sticky then follow with a denatured alcohol only spritz to "wash" the shellac inward.

 

[belfastboy]

Thanks, gentlemen.
Would this work:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser...raditional-Finish-and-Sealer-00304H/100203332

No, the Zinzer is not a pure shellac product and I wouldn't risk it unless you can ascertain it is pure.