Waterproofing a fedora.

[Captain Ron Solo]

Is spraying a fedora down with Camp Dry or other water repellent sufficient to keep rain from speeding up the tapering process of a fedora? Is it harmful to the felt in any way?

JKL
Ron

[Bufflehead Jones]

No. That is why Scout makes a "Felt Hat Rain and Stain Protector" that is available at most hat shops and online at just about any western wear website. I would be careful as to which spray I put on my hat, though.

[Michaelson]

Camp Dry contains silicone. You do NOT want to use any silicone based product on felt.

Regards! Michaelson

[Bufflehead Jones]

I don't know anything about Camp Dry. That is why I said to be careful about which spray you use. That is also why I stick to the ones that are made for felt hats.

My first post may seem to be a little contradictory and confusing. I should have explained myself a little more thoroughly. When was the last time that I was too brief and didn't explain something in great detail?

I have used Scout's on all of my hats, and I haven't had one that needed to be reblocked, yet. Knock on wood.

Of course, I never purposely wear my hats out in the rain. If it is raining, or expected to rain, I wear something specificly made for the rain. Of course, I am not trying to be an "adventurer". I have had too many adventures already. I am just trying to stay dry. I always take very good care of my things. I am much more of a Felix Unger, than an Oscar Madison.

[Captain Ron Solo]

Thanks for the info, as always, guys. I'll take a look around.

JKL
Ron

[Michaelson]

In my case, Buff, it all depends. I have dress hats that never go out in inclimate weather. Otherwise, my hats are tools, and I use them as head covering regardless of the weather.

Once done, I bring them back to the best condition I can after they've dried or what ever weather or sitation I've had them in.

I do know Camp Dry when I was originally looking for the same type product back years ago. Even before I knew the likes of Steve Delk and Marc, I knew not to spray silicone on felt, as it works as a water proofer, but ruins the hat from that point on should reblocking be required.

Scouts, on the other hand, is MADE for the use on hats, and I totally agree with Buff on that suggestion.

Regards! Michaelson

[Dr.Seuss]

Is spraying a fedora down with Camp Dry or other water repellent sufficient to keep rain from speeding up the tapering process of a fedora? Ron

Solo:

Accept the inevitability of the process.

However, with your own hat block, you will never fear using your hat as a true weather shield. If caught in the rain/snow/sleet/hail/sprinker, etc., once wet, pull the hat over the block, let it dry (naturally), and remove. The result, an untapered hat, ready for a rebash.

Thanks again, Fedora, for the block.

Sincerely,

[Captain Ron Solo]

I've seen the threads on making a block, but it seems like a lot of trouble. It is something that I would like to have, though. Maybe I'll give it a shot. What exactly do the hatters do to the felt to make it more pliable / stretchable when they reblock a hat? I presume it is more than just wetting it, right?

Ron

[Dr.Seuss]

I've seen the threads on making a block, but it seems like a lot of trouble. Ron

Solo:

Agreed. Those who make their own blocks are far more industrious than myself. You can, however, purchase the "same" block that Fedora is using, from Richard Lamode (hat block maker). A search of the threads will give you all the 411 you will need.

I am not a "reblocker," but a "keep the shape, and taper away" person. From my experience, water, by itself, is likely all you will ever need to "noodleize" your felt.

"She's the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy."

Sincerely,

[Captain Ron Solo]

Thanks again for the info, Dr. Seuss.

JKL
Ron