How to Stiffen your Straw Hat

[moregrouchy]

Also consider using clear lacquer spray paint in a matte finish. It's what is used to stiffen straw cowboy hats during manufacture. Steam will help remove creases and warps initially, allow time to dry, then spray with lacquer.

[rjordan]

My wife wears, stray hats alot. I sprayed Mod Podge from Hobby Lobby 2 coats and let set. Works really good as well

[TotalFutbolAcademy]

Thats awesome. Maybe make this part of a hat makeover series.

[JohnnyWrongo-bl]

This worked out better than I expected. There is still a slight hum in the front of the brim. You probably have to be obsessive to even notice.
Those waves in the brim ruin a hat, makes it look like it came from a thrift store
Believe it or not, hairspray is also useful to stiffen a brim. It has no colour and judging by the effect it has on hair, you can see it would bee a stiffener.
As others have said, clear lacquer is the best for this purpose. I believe lacquer is what replaced the mercury vapours once used for such purposes, what with mad hatter's syndrome

[nowthenad]

What a star! Great tutorial. Thank you.

[larrytran]

Is there any glue to make the brim of wool felt hat hard like a flywood? Thanks

[larrytran]

What type of glue do you use? Brand? Thanks

[WELLBRAN]

Just steam it a little with your kitchen kettle and shape it job done