The Green Stain

[Mug]

Hi all. I'm a long time lurker, this is my first time posting. I really like this place and it's been great reading through everything.

I'm sure everybody who owns vintage hats has seen the start of oxidation on the little wire in the back of the hat, turning it green just above the sweatband. I've got 3 hats with some degree of this, but none have penetrated through the felt...yet. What I'd like to know is, what can I do to prevent this? I know I probably can't stop it from greening, aside from having the whole thing replaced, but what can I do to keep it away from the felt?

My best thought so far is to put little pieces of tin foil between the wire and felt. I'm not so sure if that's a good idea, though...

 

[deanglen]

Welcome to the Lounge, Mug! It occurs to me that you could take clear nail polish and carefully coat the wire with a fine brush, making sure you let it dry before letting it touch the felt. I got the idea from my wife who said some women did that to costume jewelry to stop it from oxidizing when they wore it. Maybe other Loungers have better ideas, or reason to not do this. Glad you've stopped in!

dean

 

[Tango Yankee]

Mug,

Welcome aboard! When I first read the title of your thread I knew instantly what you were talking about, but my brain also thought "that sounds kind of sinister" and started coming up with titles for books and short stories: Sherlock Holmes and the Curse of The Green Stain lol

I digress. I've seen this problem myself but have not yet addressed it. The first thing that popped into my mind has already been posted by our own Dean of the Wool Hats (like that ribbon on that hat, Dean! Looks good!) and I think it's the easiest and most likely to help. You'll want to keep an eye on it to reapply as necessary.

I've also used clear nail polish for things like keeping the little screws that hold the temple piece onto your glasses from backing out--a little dab on the top does that.

Does anyone else have a better method of dealing with the wire? Inquiring minds want to know! lol

Cheers,
Tom

 

[deanglen]

by our own Dean of the Wool Hats (like that ribbon on that hat, Dean! Looks good!) Tom

Thanks, Tom! Dean of the Wool Hats I like it, Tom. It fits!

dean

 

[Mug]

Thanks a lot. I never would have thought about using that.[huh] I'll give it a try.

 

[Ande1963]

I think of him as Dean of the Ever-Changing Avatar!

Anj

PS- Dean... I am finally about ready to try one of the sweat bands you sent me!

 

[deanglen]

****** about time, Anj!lol I'll be praying for you! Putting one of those things in is an exercise in patience, persistence, and use of a thimble, that I wouldn't want to repeat. Sewing a brim binding is more fun. Avatars are for changing. I have AADHD. Google it.


dean

 

[nulty]

Yes..the Green Stain..sounds like some 1930's radio drama

or rather yet....what is figuratively left behind in my wallet after a Saturday of hunting for hats and other accoutrement's...

Anyway..isn't that green just an acidic reaction..?

The nail polish is probably the most practical option but I'm wondering if there something that would neutralize or even dissipate it....?

 

[Dinerman]

You may want to try to scrape as much of the corrosion off before you paint over it with whatever you choose.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Is that what it is? I've seen it on two or three hats (One really bad). Since it was always in the center back, I thought it was a mark used in manufacture, to align the sweatband seam. lol