That shellaced hat look.

[Old Cremona]

How do you give your hat that shiny "shellaced" look? I have one of Tim Bender's top hats, I want to give it that shellaced look. I don't want to destroy my hat in the process, so I wondered if anyone has experience with that sort of thing.

[Jefferson Guards]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

Carl,

Do you mean the look like this man's hat?

[fahtz]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

Carl,

You have a cat around the house correct? Let them rub all up against it... or pee on it... the topper will look great, but smell bad. :tounge_sm

[Michael Comer]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

Carl,

Have you called Tim and asked him? I bet he knows.

[Brian Baird]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

check this thread out.:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15027&page=2

Brian Baird

[mehrsam]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

I always assumed when I saw that detail in photographs that was the reflection of light off silk, not shellac...

[Jefferson Guards]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

Some comparison photographs.

On the left is one of my original silk plush top hats. It has the owner's name and the date (1850) inked to the lining.

On the right is my Tim Bender top hat. It is manufactured of fur felt which with a shag finish and the shag was then shellacked down (all done by Mr. Bender).

The shellacked shag does have some shine to it. However, it is not nearly as "shiny" as the silk plush. The silk plush hat also has a "glow" which the felt hat does not.

[BorderRuffian]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

Brian,

Just curious,is your Bender pictured one of the "new style" he offers?I just ordered one from him with the shag finish and opted for the "new style" in black.I decided to leave mine "furry" though he did offer to shellac it down at no extra charge.Been looking to get one for a long time and decided to take the plunge.They are a bit pricey but I know Tim's quality.

[Jefferson Guards]

Re: That shellaced hat look.

Yes it is the "new style"