Fuller's Earth question

[Indiana MarkVII]

I'm thinking about getting some Fuller's earth tomorrow (Saturday) to dust up my hat and gear so it doesn't look so spankin' new. I'm pretty sure that I read that I'll be able to knock the earth off of my hat, but what about trying to wash the clothing with FE on it. What would happen if the FE got wet? Would I end up with mud?

[knibs7]

technically, yes, but it is easy to wash out of clothing. I've used it on mine and it ended up getting wet, but came right out in the wash.

Kyle

[knibs7]

Sorry, I just realized you were asking about if it would turn to mud when you washed it (at least that's what I THINK you meant) Anyway, in that case, it doesn't really matter because all you have to do is pat your clothes down until the FE is off, then wash.

Kyle

[Max Chance]

I always use fullers earth when doing the authentic Indy costume. I think it always looks weird to show up at a party in **new"" looking gear. Use a felt hat brush (yes there is actually a brush for that) to dust off the hat or use a damp (not wet) cloth to spot clean. The coat can be cleaned by using the same damp cloth then your favorite leather care, if at all. (Use caution when cleaning leather with assorted products as some will alter color). (For another thread).

Max

[Indiana MarkVII]

I'm heading down to my local costume shop. They may not have Fuller's Earth because I couldn't find in on their website.

If I do acquire some, what is the best way to apply it?

[knibs7]

Depends on what you're putting it on. If it's the hat, I put some in the palm of my hand and then blow it on to the hat, then I "thump" the hat to smooth the "spots" of FE into a natural looking state. Boots and/or jacket, just rub it in with your hand.

Kyle

[Indiana MarkVII]

Thanks, Kyle. I should have ordered my bottle of FE from Todd's a week ago, but it didn't dawn on me to do so. There's another COW member in my town that may be able to supply me with some, as it doesn't appear to be common item at the local costume shops.

[jones the whip]

Hi buddy,
you've probably already been warned but if you are going to apply F.E. to your hat - it will look great but it will have a permanent effect.

There have been a number of forum members whom have ruined their expensive headwear.

Cheers,
JTW.

BTW. Adding water to F.E. does'nt do a great deal in my experience, as it is not very porous
but with the fine ashes from a BBQ one can create quite a nice paste.

[enigmata_wood]

for something that will dust off and won't stick if it gets wet you need something non-organic such as brick dust. I have used it with success.

[jones the whip]

It would only be considered "ruined" if you wanted the hat to look new again and couldn't remove the earth.

Michael

That was my point.
I understand some people have treated their hats to an application of F.E. only to find they were stuck with it.

Cheers,
JTW.

[Strider]

The stuff will come off the hat during the re-blocking process. I sent an AB back to Steve once that was covered in the remains of a treatment of Fuller's I gave it, and it came back fine.

[jones the whip]

JTW, I know you and your gear and have the highest regard and respect for your authenticity and distressing techniques!!!

Michael

Many thanks buddy, your thoughts are of course reciprocated
You're absolutely right about the hat, in fact I would even suggest that F.E. is probably the best substance to use when distressing a lid.

Cheers mate,
JTW.

[Noah]

I used a paint brush to put the FE on my DP hat, but it looked a little better when I put some on my hand and blew it on

[generalFROSTY]

I grinded up some Fullers Earth rocks and pounced my Henry with the powder in a sock. It looks great, but the powder does not seem to stick onto the hat. It can be patted completely off quite easily. I had read somewhere here that when FE is put on the felt, it tends to stick and not come off easily.
Perhaps it is because the Henry is so smooth a felt, or my powder is not fine enough - or both.
I'm trying to avoid buying the FE from Todd's, but if I can get better results with it I will.
Michael, I know you have a Henry, so please chime in with any suggestions...