Hat protection?

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 12:55 am

Hello,

Well my HJ is on the way... Woo Hoo! (I know, I know... I am planning on an AB at some point but I have always wanted an origonal, or close as, before I even knew there was one available). Anyway, I just ordered some Hat Stiffener, thinking not only would it help preserve the shape, but that it would also protect from water as well. I now believe that I have to get that seperately? Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I should get and from where? Also, how much protection does it really provide against water, snow, etc? I am planning on using this hat strictly for show, conversation piece, and to wear when I know the weather will be permitting as a dress hat, but just in case I find myself wearing it more than I thought I was hoping for some info.

Thank you very much!

Michael B

raindog · Post by **raindog** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:32 am

I'm no expert Michaelb, but I think that the stiffener doesn't give a lot of protection against water. I gather from various sources that a water repellent spray (like Scothguard makes) is the best thing.
I could be wrong. I'm assuming that stiffener doesn't give a lot of protection because when you spray your hat to reshape it simple cold water softens the stiffener massively.

Jeff.

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 9:33 am

Jeff is absolutely right.
Though there are many more here that know far more than I do, but stiffener loosens right up with water. Scotchgaurd is the direction you want to go.

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:01 am

Excellent! Thank you very much! Scotchguard it is!

Michael B

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 3:37 pm

Boy, I'm leery of scotchguarding a nice hat...I've got a Beaver AB, and really don't want to much with it.

But I DID get SOAKED through so bad about a week ago that I had water ON MY HEAD...bleah...

Has anyone Scotchguarded an AB Beaver? Is it a bad idea? If it's just zapping the inside of the crown, I'd feel better about it, but I get the feeling that waterproofing would really only work if you sprayed the OUTSIDE of the crown, hence my hesitation.

Thanks,
J

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 3:41 pm

Right after I posted I realized this MUST have been talked about before. Not only did I get my answer (Fedora does it, so it's okay), but more and BETTER info about hat protection here:
viewtopic.php?t=12382&highlight=scotchguard+ab

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 7:06 pm

Don't plan on getting that HJ to soaked to many times, or to much. Remember, it's rabbit felt, and unlike beaver felt, nothing is going to make it totally protected from water. It's just the nature of the material.

Regards! Michaelson

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 7:21 pm

Which is exactly why we've got rabbits running around with their skin too small for them!

Use that other thread... looks good to me.

In Christ,
Shane