Club Obi Wan

Is fullers earth real dirt? Will it turn to "mud" if it gets wet? I wouldn't want to put it on my hat and have it get rained on and sink in or hurt the fedora. Can it be fairly easily cleaned off a hat if you put it on there?

I'm wondering all of this if I get an AB. Maybe I need to keep my Fed as a beater as it's all ready got dirt distressing. (and didn't cost nearly as much as an AB would)

Do a search, you'll find all this info. To help a bit, the stuff is a super fine powder. Yes it will turn to mud if it gets wet. Some of the colors will even stain. It is not real easy to get off of a hat once you put it on, it'll probably need cleaned and reblocked to get it out. Is it real dirt? Hmmm. It has the consistency of flour. I sure wouldn't breathe the stuff(personally). I can't remember if it is made with real dirt or not.

hope this helps a bit. I'm not trying to scare you away from the stuff, it's pretty cool gear, but just be aware of what it will do to your AB. It won't hurt it, but it won't be a 'clean and shiny' hat anymore until you get it cleaned. The stuff just doesn't brush off of the felt. It tends to stick and be pretty tenacious.

have a nice day.

IndyDoc wrote:Is fullers earth real dirt? Will it turn to "mud" if it gets wet? I wouldn't want to put it on my hat and have it get rained on and sink in or hurt the fedora. Can it be fairly easily cleaned off a hat if you put it on there?

Hi IndyDoc,

No expert on this but a little searching reveals "Fuller’s Earth is a naturally
occurring sedimentary clay composed mainly of alumina, silica, iron
oxides, lime, magnesia, and water, in extremely variable proportions."

Personally wouldn't want to get it too close to my expensive gear...

I can only presume this is the same stuff...
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/fullers.php

ID

I know some use it to give a distressed look to their gear. (somewhat temporaroly as you can generally just wipe it off) I'm not sure if it's the same stuff you linked to or not.

No, that's not it at all... it sounds related, but it's not the same. The Fuller's Earth we're talking about is very powdery, almost like flour - and has no real dirt. You can put Fuller's on your fedora. In fact, lots of us do, and it comes of relatively easily - I say, from experience, that you could probably brush it off with a hat brush, I'm sure, because I know I just have to slap it a little and it comes off in big puffs. Also a small hand vacuum does the job well. The natural color, as seen here: http://catalog.cineshoppe.com/viewProdu ... m_id=86211 does not stain.

I've have just a little bit on my fedora (and had some on my jacket, but it came off before I knew it!), and haven't noticed any ill effects due to rain.



In Christ,
Shane

Thanks Shane! That's what I was looking for. The dusty/sweaty ribbon looks great on your hat!

My pleasure. Have fun, Doc!

In Christ,
Shane

"Thanks Shane! That's what I was looking for."

Yeah, don't mention it. (is this thing on?tap,tap). I guess you can just pick the answer that suits you.


have a nice day.

Sorry, TR, I have that problem too. Feels like my posts gets overlooked now and again.

There's a little conflict in the info there (the mud part). I guess I can get it wet in my hand. I suppose using real flower would be bad? That really would turn into mush if it got wet.

When I worked in the props department on a TV show, the props mistress explained to me that Fuller's Earth is actual 'dirt that's been cleaned and screened to be a uniform particle size'. "Clean dirt'. It's also easy to clean from garments for some reason, which is why wardrobe departments use it for distressing clothing.

Perhaps Fuller's Earth is fired clay dust?? That would make sense. The reason clay, ceramic, and porcelain dishes don't turn to mud when you wash them is that they've been fired in a kiln. Clay dust is also very, very fine (not good for asthmatics' health).

Flour is organic and will rot or turn moldy if you get it wet. I don't think flour and felt would be a good combination at all.