Pasteboard

[hpotter]

Does anyone know where I can get good pasteboard? Maybe an art supply store?

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Pasteboard

What is the pasteboard used for in the final product?

I ask because of the numerous original items that contained "pasteboard" that I have examined, I have come across numerous versions, applications, and manufacture of what was called "pasteboard" in original documentation.

[Marine Mike]

Re: Pasteboard

Each paper products manufacture has multiple recipes for pasteboard which they then produce in a variety of thicknesses so the closer you are able to describe what you want to use if for and what thickness you are looking for will greatly shorten your search.
Office supply stores are a good place to look. If you don't need a lot then others to ask are paper manufacturing companies and paper converter companies. Paper converter companies can be a little harder to find but most large cities have at least one. Paper converter companies buy bulk stock from the paper companies and then do additional machine operations for the customer. The sales office are usually pretty good at sending you samples of what you want.

Mike Stein

[hpotter]

Re: Pasteboard

This would be used for hat purposes. Mostly around the band and/or visor. One of the only kepis I have been able to see behind the lining was a reunion kepi, but can't recall the thickness.

[mslaird]

Re: Pasteboard

Art supply stores would be your best bet. They use paste board for matting. It can be found in varying thicknesses. I get it from either Hobby Lobby in the frame/mats department or I buy it from the art supply store at the University. The thickness of it is right for the disks in the tops of kepis and for bills. If I can only get the thinner stuff, 1/16" or thereabouts, I double it up. I hope this helps.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Pasteboard

For the thinner gray kind, about as thick as what's on the back of a notebook, somebody taught me this trick: ask the Walmart meat department. No kidding. I can't remember who suggested it, but they were from out of state, so we asked at our local Walmart, and the guy brought out a stack of big pieces free, and said anytime we needed some, just ask.

So I don't know if it's nationwide, but it worked at at least two places, and maybe non-Walmart meat departments have it too, dunno. Something about using it to separate the packages in the back room. No scent, it's perfectly clean. Linda uses them for her slat bonnets, among other things.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[August77]

Re: Pasteboard

I like the idea Mr. Trent had by getting it free, but if that doesn't work I would look into book binding supply houses (such as Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI - hollanders.com). Companies such as these sell what is called book board and works great for kepis disks and bills. You can get it in different thicknesses to save you from gluing layers together. If your looking for something to go around the band, you might want to locate some buckram or burlap. It can be stiffened with shellac if needed.

And when all else fails, contact Greg Starbuck to get a fine ready made cap!!!!:D

[mslaird]

Re: Pasteboard

I use stiffened linen burlap for the headband. It is getting rather more difficult to find these days, though. I agree about Mr. Starbuck's work. He is the best at it, by far. I have many examples of his headgear that I use for my impressions whenever I don't wear my Benders.

[Malingerer]

Re: Pasteboard

While we're on the subject of pasteboard for the crown/disc of a kepi, should the pasteboard in question be coated in wax or treated in any way to protect it from rain, etc.?

[mslaird]

Re: Pasteboard

I have one kepi that the inside of the top disk is painted and lacquered black. Other than that, the glue that holds on the top fabric and the inside fabric will do a decent job of providing enough protection. I use Barge cement to glue those in place, then I apply a slight amount of heat to set them. I have also glued a layer top and bottom of reprints of Harper's Weekly newspapers and applied a light coat of lacquer over them, before applying the top and bottom fabric, to replicate the pasteboard that was made out of several layers of newsprint. I don't do this on every kepi I make but when time permits, I add this touch to it.

[Silas]

Re: Pasteboard

For hat brims, I've used a different free source : the cardstock from the sides of six packs of beer. The bottoms won't work as the impressions from bottles or cans cause a perforation into the cardstock. You have to use the sides. Three pieces glued together have sufficient thickness to withstand the rigors of the field. Two won't do. It's got to be three. Two sheets produces a bendable brim which is what you don't want. Three results in a stiff brim.

I cut them in the desired shape and glue them together making sure the brown side is exposed on top and bottom. The shape I use is the one shown in the Confederate sketchbook. (This is a great book for anyone interested in producing their own clothing or gear. I base my cap dimensions from the cap discussed therein.) I place the brim inside a folded newpaper and rest it underneath a heavy book overnight. It's solid by morning. I trim the excess from the edges then drill holes around the edge for my sewing holes. I don't fasten the canvas to the brim with glue. I sew it with linen thread.

For the disc, I use three sheets of the same card stock prepared in the same manner. I have not found a need for any waterproofing as the boards have all maintained their shape despite liberal applications of rain, sweat and accidental foot stompings.

It's a time consuming process, but I've been very satisfied with the results.

[mslaird]

Re: Pasteboard

I agree about The Confederate Sketchbook. It is the book to have to make several different items that are housed among the collections in the Museum of the Confederacy. It is an excellent resource for making one's own patterns. I used the dimensions from the kepi in it to form my pattern for my kepi tops when I started making them. I have also used dimensions from some originals to make necessary variations to that pattern.