Fuller's earth

Indiana Jake · Post by **Indiana Jake** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:58 pm

How does one apply Fuller's earth as you might need in our hobby? I have three different colors left over from a project from long ago. Any advice would be great, or please point to a thread.

Thanks,

Indiana Jake

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:06 pm

I put mine in an old sock and beat the heck out of my gear. If you apply too much, just brush it off with your hand. As far as the fedora is concerned, just have a hat brush handy incase you over do it. Everybody loved that I looked dusty at my Halloween party. They said it looked very authentic and not costumey. I love Fuller's Earth!

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:57 am

I put some in a small bowl, and get a paintbrush and brush it on. At first it will be too clumped together, but if you keep brushing, it will look great.

NatiJones · Post by **NatiJones** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:45 am

also placing a small amount on your hand and "blowing" it on tends to keep it from clumping...

IdahoJones · Post by **IdahoJones** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:48 am

Put on your gear and crawl around Dalex's basement and attic.

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:51 am

I'm thinking of trying this on friday:

Small paintbrush to brush more Fuller's onto the seams (instead of using sandpaper), and then a bigger brush for the rest of the jacket.

I'm also doing the shoes and the hat with the bigger brush.

I might try Nati's trick of blowing the jacket a kiss to reapply during the evening.

Chevalier Krak · Post by **Chevalier Krak** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 10:55 pm

The only reason I hesitate to use it on shoes or jackets: Fuller's earth was originally used to absorb the natural oils from wool by fullers, or wool processors. Now the idea with leather is to do everything to keep those natural oils in place. This seems a bit of a contradiction to me.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:51 am

I think it's important to point out that you should NOT use the colored Fuller's Earth. The color closest to the major color on the forum here is the one you want to use. IIRC, the other ones actually contain DYE and you don't want that on your gear, especially if it gets wet!!

With regards to application, I use a small blush brush (is that right?) to put it on mostly, and then use the edge of a powderpuff to do the edges of my brim and other places where I need fine(r) lines. Good luck, and post pics!

Shane

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:02 am

I assume the one Todd sells is the correct color?